Job Name
Sensory Panellist
Sensory Panellist
General Information
Date Published
23-Feb-2026
Advertising Ends
09-Mar-2026
ID#
14325
Role Type
Science & Technology
Work Type
Permanent Part-Time
Workplace Type
On-site
Country
New Zealand
Location
Manawatu
Position Description
Our Co-operative
Ata whakaarohia tō āpōpō | Imagine Tomorrow with Us
At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we want everyone to feel they can be themselves.
Whether you're early in your career or ready for your next step, Fonterra offers a unique opportunity to grow with a global dairy co-operative that values care, collaboration, and contribution.
Owned by New Zealand dairy farmers and supported by a dedicated team, we are all working together to create a better future. Imagine tomorrow with us, where your career can grow, and you can create positive change.
He kupu mō mātou | About us
We believe nutritious food is essential to sustain people today, and for future generations to thrive, which is why we challenge ourselves to find new ways to bring our dairy goodness to people around the world. In Palmerston North at the Fonterra Research Development Centre (FRDC), we’ve been innovating in dairy for almost 100 years.
The FRDC is based in Palmerston North and home to a highly collegial team of scientists, technologists, and engineers – many of whom are the world’s leading experts in dairy science with a key purpose to deliver sustainable value through innovative product and technology development to derive the best value from NZ milk.
Mō tēnei tūranga | About the Opportunity
Do you have a passion for exploring new foods and beverages and are seeking part-time employment, we invite you to apply for the role of Sensory Panellist at our Palmerston North Research & Development site. This position offers a permanent part-time opportunity to become part of our team.
Fonterra’s edge in the marketplace is our fantastic Research and Development capability. Critical to this success is our Palmerston North based Sensory Panel which has responsibility for evaluating food products.
As a Sensory Panellist at our FRDC site, you’ll be working alongside a team of Sensory Panellists to taste dairy and dairy-derived food samples. You’ll use your excellent sensory abilities to detect specified attributes within the products (flavour, aroma, texture and appearance) and then confidently communicate what you perceive and enter that data into our system. You may also need to perform tests such as ranking samples on attributes or comparing a sample to a reference product.
Mōu | About You
A great Sensory Panellist needs to have exceptional sensory ability so you can accurately pick up what others can’t.
To be successful in this role you will also need:
- No allergies, intolerances, or food related health issues
- To be willing to try a wide range of food and beverage products
- Strong communication skills
- Basic computer skills
These roles typically operate two hours per day, Monday to Friday, including school holiday periods.
You will have the option to select one panel time that best suits your availability: Monday - Friday / 9am-11am, 11:15am-1:15pm, or 1:30pm-3:30pm.
This is an opportunity not to be missed. Be part of a team where you are truly recognised and rewarded for a job well done.
Ngā Aura | Our Values
At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts, are for everyone – no matter your background, identify or experience. These values guide us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our farmers, customers, communities, and each other. Discover how your values align with ours by taking our Values Quiz
Ngā Aura | Our Values
At Fonterra, our values of Good Together, Better Every Day, and Every Drop Counts, are for everyone – no matter your background, identify or experience. These values guide us in delivering exceptional outcomes for our farmers, customers, communities, and each other. Discover how your values align with ours by taking our Values Quiz
Tā mātou oati | Our Commitment to You
We care for our people globally. Our comprehensive benefits support your well-being, development, and work-life balance:
- Fair and equitable pay
- Health and well-being programs (medical, mental health support)
- Professional development opportunities
- Career growth support
- Work-life balance options (flexible/hybrid working where possible)
- Employee recognition
- Support for community involvement and cultural connection
To learn more, visit Fonterra Careers
Ngā Mahi | A Career of Opportunities
At Te Mātāpuna Fonterra, we are inspired by purpose and guided by our principles and values. Together, we create goodness for generations and make a global impact at a local level. As part of our Co-operative, you are an everyday creator, imagining what Fonterra, dairy, and you can be here.
Tātou Tātou | Join Us
Does this sound good to you? Come join our whānau - bring your whole self, and let's solve for better together.
You, me, us together, Tātou, tātou.
He Wāhi mō te Katoa | Together, we're shaping a future of inclusion.
Inclusion is key to our Co-operative. We're building a team that reflects the diverse world we live in, believing it drives better decisions and innovation.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds (ethnicities, genders, identities, orientations, ages, abilities, neurotypes, cultures, religions).
Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, we encourage you to apply; we value your potential and growth.
If you face accessibility issues or need accommodations during the process, please contact your recruiter. We ensure fair participation, allowing you to be at your best. Tātou, tātou.
Applications close at midnight on Monday, 09th of March.
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