Operations & Marketing Coordinator

Company Description

SAM is a fast-growing and global sensory and consumer research consultancy.  Our mission is to allow consumers a voice in the development of outstanding food, beverage, pet, and health & beauty products so to create high quality and memorable experiences.  We help our clients:

• Develop new product ideas
• Re-energize a well-established product
• Assess product-concept fit or packaging effectiveness
• Understand the product, brand and category competitive landscapes
• Protect product quality through from inception through end of shelf life

SAM The National Food Lab is the division of SAM that provides these services for all USA-based clients.  Our sensory science program resides in our USA headquarters in Minneapolis, MN.

Job Description

We’re looking for a dynamic, upbeat, people-oriented team member to bring warm and welcoming energy to our office! Alongside the many other facets of this role, this person will take the lead in greeting clients, visitors, and partners from our front desk—ensuring every first impression reflects our warmth, professionalism, and brand. This person will also play a key part in supporting day-to-day operations and project coordination to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. Additionally, you’ll flex your creative muscles by contributing to our marketing efforts—helping promote exciting taste test opportunities, build brand awareness, and grow our participant database through engaging content and campaigns. If you thrive in a hybrid role that blends hospitality, logistics, and creativity, this is the perfect opportunity to make your mark at the heart of our team.

Operational Responsibilities

• Serve as the welcoming face of our organization. This role is based at our front desk/reception area, acting as the first point of contact for clients, visitors, and partners. You will set the tone for a warm, professional, and seamless experience—making a lasting impression that reflects our brand values and hospitality.
• Strategically create and manage shift schedules for part-time field staff using the Connecteam app, coordinating with Project Coordinators and the Facility Supervisor to ensure appropriate coverage for testing needs (e.g., preparation, warehousing, test execution), while proactively addressing and resolving any coverage challenges.
• Coordinate project scheduling by maintaining timely updates for day-to-day needs in order to manage the Consumer Testing Calendar.
• Ensure a seamless client experience, including account creation, technical support, and addressing any additional needs that may arise using our internal systems.
• Track, assess, analyze, and update the project tracker to ensure PCCs and budgets align with the workload for upcoming projects, enabling informed task assignments to balance and delegate workload effectively.
• Support the Operations Director and team with tasks related to office needs, procurement, and assistance for part-time staff (e.g., time entry, training, technology) to ensure the consistent and smooth execution of all on-site operations.

Marketing Responsibilities

• Manage Tasteocracy’s existing social media presence and marketing automation, while consistently brainstorming and creating engaging content (posts, graphics, videos), implementing best practices for mass communications (email, SMS, push notifications), and using analytics to track performance and optimize campaigns.
• Collaborate with the recruiting team to develop and execute comprehensive marketing plans for taste tests across email, SMS, social media, and other channels, strengthening partnerships with sales and business development teams to create integrated marketing strategies focused on business growth and acquiring new clients.
• Recruit and inform internal participants for Tasteocracy through email, SMS, and push notifications, while expanding creative marketing tactics. Assist with database growth and targeted outreach in Minnesota, California, and New Jersey to acquire new participants using various marketing channels.
• Stay updated on marketing technologies and best practices to enhance Tasteocracy's brand awareness and participant recruitment, while managing Google Ads (SEM/PPC) and creating/managing content (including video) for social media

Qualifications

Educational Background/Experience:

• A college degree or Associate’s degree in Business, Communication Studies, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.
• Relevant work or internship experience that could be related to marketing, creative marketing, operational support, coordination, or a fast-paced environment may substitute for the educational requirements above.
• We are not necessarily requiring a specific educati