Quality Control Sensory Technician - Erlanger, KY

Quality Control Sensory Technician - Erlanger, KY

Job Summary: 
The QC Sensory Technician is responsible for conducting routine quality control testing of raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products while maintaining data integrity and laboratory excellence. In addition to standard laboratory responsibilities, this role serves as a key contributor to the site's sensory program by performing sensory evaluations, coordinating sensory activities, maintaining sensory data, and supporting sensory-related investigations and continuous improvement initiatives.

Primary Job Functions: 

• Conduct routine QC testing which includes analysis of raw materials, intermediate batches, and finished products.
• Maintain appropriate data integrity while conducting testing.
• Participate in investigations for any out of specification results and report findings to local QC manager or Senior QC members.
• Follow best practices, established by the company and regulating bodies, for transcription of data.
• Uphold a clean area of work and a well-organized space for samples.
• Participate in necessary training sessions to ensure consistency of testing.
• Fulfill common laboratory cleaning practices to ensure the laboratory environment does not negatively impact testing.
• Identify issues with methodology and support investigations into testing accuracy.
• Communicate failures as necessary to ensure supply chain is aware of any possible delays.
• Perform sensory assessments in line with ADM practices.
• Transcribe data from vendor documents and organize said documents according to local policy.
• Assist Quality Assurance technicians with investigations if additional data or information is necessary for research on out of specification batches.
• Represent the quality labs in a professional manner to external and internal parties.
• Bring new ideas and improvements to quality protocols and procedures.
• Follow Basic GMP and GLP safety standards.
• Maintain proper storage and organization of retains for future assessment.

Sensory Responsibilities

• Perform sensory evaluations of raw materials, work-in-process materials, and finished products in accordance with ADM sensory standards and procedures.
• Serve as a primary resource for sensory testing activities on their shift at the facility.
• Coordinate and schedule sensory evaluations to support production, quality, customer requirements, and product development needs.
• Maintain sensory reference standards, sensory supplies, and sensory documentation.
• Collect, analyze, trend, and communicate sensory data to relevant stakeholders.
• Support investigations involving customer complaints, product deviations, and sensory-related quality concerns.
• Participate in the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of sensory evaluation procedures and methodologies.
• Support sensory panel management activities, including panelist recruitment, calibration, training, and performance monitoring.
• Collaborate with Quality, Operations, R&D, and Commercial teams to ensure alignment on sensory expectations and product quality standards.
• Provide guidance and training to laboratory personnel on sensory best practices and evaluation techniques.

Requirements:

• Minimum Associate’s degree in food science, biology, or related laboratory-based field.
• Preferred experience with organoleptic testing.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality requirements.
• Willingness to innovate and adapt best practices.
• Ability to encourage trust between Operations, Development, Supply Chain and Quality departments.

Working Conditions:

• Employees in this position working at this location are [or may be] exposed to various potential chemicals and food allergens due to the nature of our business and the requirements of the job. 
• If there is any reason such exposure would interfere with your ability to perform this role or work at the location, please notify the hiring manager.
• This position will require movement, working while standing, and extended computer use.

Before applying for an exempt, non-exempt or hourly job opportunity, you are expected to initiate a discussion and share your intentions with your supervisor.  * If you’ve been in your current position for more than 18 months, supervisor approval is not required.  * If you’ve been in your current position for less than 18 months, verbal supervisor approval is required.  
​Hiring Manager- Maria Cordero  ​
Recruiter- Dolly Lamba  
 

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.

If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

The pay range for this position is expected to be between:

About ADM

At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We’re a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.