Research Manager Jobs in Minnesota

Company Description

Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a unique range of analytical testing services to clients across multiple industries, to make life and our environment safer, healthier and more sustainable. From the food you eat, to the water you drink, to the medicines you rely on, Eurofins laboratories work with the biggest companies in the world to ensure the products they supply are safe, their ingredients are authentic and labelling is accurate.

The Eurofins network of companies is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing and in agroscience Contract Research Organisation services. It is one of the market leaders in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and in the support of clinical studies, as well as having an emerging global presence in Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations. It also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.

In over 30 years, Eurofins has grown from one laboratory in Nantes, France to 58,000 staff across a decentralised and entrepreneurial network of 900 laboratories in over 54 countries. Eurofins companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods to evaluate the safety, identity, composition, authenticity, origin, traceability and purity of biological substances and products.

In 2021, Eurofins generated total revenues of EUR 6.72 billion, and has been among the best performing stocks in Europe over the past 20 years.

Job Description

The Sensory Research Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing all sensory research activities to ensure high-quality results and client satisfaction. This role involves designing and managing sensory studies, maintaining strong communication with clients, and driving new business opportunities to support company growth. The manager will coordinate internal workflows, ensuring seamless collaboration with Panel Leaders and Technician, and will actively influence and motivate sensory panelists to deliver accurate and reliable data.

This position reports directly to the Sensory & Consumer Research Client Service Director and requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, capable of balancing client needs with internal team performance to achieve outstanding outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Client Management

1. Act as Key Account Manager (KAM) for select clients, serving as the primary point of contact and fostering strong relationships.
2. Maintain direct communication with clients before, during, and after project delivery to ensure satisfaction and clarity.

2. Project Management

1. Lead and design sensory research studies aligned with client objectives.
2. Independently manage, implement, and coordinate complex research projects.
3. Drive business development by identifying opportunities and presenting tailored solutions to clients.
4. Ensure operational excellence by managing internal teams and maintaining smooth project flow from start to finish.
5. Recommend appropriate methodologies and research approaches; prepare estimates for ad hoc studies.
6. Negotiate contracts and specifications—technical, methodological, and financial.
7. Guarantee timely and accurate project execution, delivering actionable insights and impactful results.
8. Ensure projects meet objectives and are delivered on time and within budget.
9. Mentor and influence sensory panelists to uphold quality standards and engagement.
10. Ensure all project work meets agreed quality standards.
11. Complete reports with clear storytelling and present results, including relevant recommendations.
12. Provide support for complex projects or key accounts as needed.

3. Strategy

• Ensure all ongoing activities and projects adhere to the company’s strategic guidelines.

4. Revenue

• Provide clear and timely feedback to Panel Leaders on client needs, potential risks, and opportunities that may impact revenue.

5. People Management

• Lead, coach, and support Panel Leader(s) and Technician(s) to ensure high‑quality execution and professional development.
• Collaborate closely with the Data Solutions Hub and operational teams to ensure seamless project delivery and data integrity.
• Partner effectively with members of the sensory and consumer research team, as well as the field team, to drive strong cross‑functional alignment and teamwork.

Qualifications

• BS in Food Science, Biology, Cosmetic Science, Psychology, Marketing or related field with at least 5 years of industry experience
• Strong sensory science expertise, including experience in technical product testing, descriptive panel
• Minimum 5 years of higher education with knowledge in market research and/or sensory research.
• Experience in market research or sensory research.
• Knowledge of food and/or cosmetic products, quantitative and qualitative consumer research methodologies, sensory methodologies, and statistics.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and the local language.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Soft skills such as: Communication, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Adaptability, Critical Thinking, Leadership, and Time Management.
• Rigorous, responsive, and proactive approach to work.
• Strong organizational and planning skills to effectively prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Additional Information

What we offer:

• Excellent full time benefits including comprehensive medical coverage, dental, and vision options
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays

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Eurofins USA Food Testing is a Disabled and Veteran Equal Employment Opportunity employer.