Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Want to join an ambitious and fast growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure and people? Then this is the place for you. As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits. To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose-led, resilient and positive to succeed here because we expect pace and agility, we insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear Vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact Click “Apply” to get started. What will this role achieve? We are seeking a Sensory Panel Intern (12 months) to support the smooth operation of the sensory panel which operates 4 days per week, 51 weeks per year in High Wycombe. Sensory profiling underpins our business and is used to validate recipe matches for global roll-out, validate cost savings and confirm ingredients changes and sugar/salt/sat fat reductions are non-consumer noticeable, underpin shelf life and support product and pack innovation (new products/formats and line extensions, flavour and texture opportunity spaces) and commercial innovation (claims etc ). Additionally, this role supports more agile product testing i.e. discrimination tests used to screen prototypes ahead of full sensory profiling and/or consumer testing and to support small recipe changes. This role is based at High Wycombe 5 days per week. What will be your key deliverables? To provide world-class sensory support to R&D and to the pladis manufacturing sites to support the entire product program and pipeline (Type 1, 2, 3 and 4). Set up of all Sensory Testing following lab best practices and appropriate approach according to methodology Management of shelf life testing and data base management. Management and execution of Discrimination Testing Programme. Collaboration with test requesters and management of logging of product samples ( sufficient quantity, date codes etc.). Ensure smooth operation of the daily panel sessions; sample logging, sample preparation, sample clearance and ensures expert assessments are completed by all panellists and uploaded into the system. Maintain product inventory and help maintain sensory lab facility and quality system to good GMP to ensure rigour and robustness of results and compliance with internal standards. Support the Sensory Panel Leader with managerial tasks of the Sensory Panel. Execute with excellence agile product testing in support of quick decision making. Source samples from the supermarkets/factory to support sensory testing. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives of the sensory facility. Bring your experience Essential Food Science or Nutrition degree with Sensory related modules (Studying or recently graduated) Basic knowledge of Sensory and Consumer Science. Proficiency in basic computing skills. Desirable Food preparation and/or development background. Experience in supporting panels and/or leading taste tests. Proficiency in statistics. Proficiency in RedJade or similar sensory programs. Our Purpose Bring happiness with every bite It’s a purpose that every one of our colleagues, all around the world believes in. And while we’re all unique, we also share the same values. Each of our values is important on its own. In combination they’re exceptionally powerful. Our values have deep personal meaning to us. They’re part of who we are and what we stand for as an employer Living our pladis values is a key part of success, look out for questions in your interview that link to these key pladis values. Our Values Purpose led – We’re energised and guided by our purpose to bring happiness with every bite Agile – We’re ever evolving, we never stand still, always improving for our customers and our consumers Positive – We’re highly motivated optimistic, fearless, and we inspire each other to be better Resilient - We’re persistent in the face of setbacks, quick to adapt, learn and move forward Collaborative – We gain strength from operating as one pladis, winning and succeeding together. Best mix of ingredients pladis is an equal opportunities employer, like every phenomenal recipe we’re a thoughtful mix. A happy and inclusive place to work that’s as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support, live and work in, all around the world. Where every voice is heard, and difference is celebrated. Where fresh perspectives and new ideas help us grow and thrive. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform key job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law. We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List. If you are a recruitment agency and wish to submit candidate to be considered for this vacancy, you must have agreed to, and signed, our terms of business. We will not accept CVs from any other sources other than those currently on our PSL. We will not pay a fee for any candidate that has not been represented by a provider on our PSL.