Why arenaflex?
arenaflex is a fast‑growing global sensory and consumer research consultancy that powers the creation of unforgettable food, beverage, pet, health, and beauty experiences. Our mission is simple but powerful: give everyday consumers a genuine voice in product development, from the spark of an idea to the moment a product lands on the shelf. By partnering with leading brands, we help them generate breakthrough concepts, revitalize legacy lines, evaluate packaging effectiveness, map competitive landscapes, and safeguard product quality throughout the entire lifecycle.
Our National Sensory Lab division serves clients across the United States from our state‑of‑the‑art headquarters in Minneapolis, MN. As part of the arenaflex family, you’ll join a collaborative, data‑driven community where curiosity, empathy, and precision are celebrated every day.
Position Overview
The Recruiting & Customer Care Associate is the first point of contact for respondents who participate in our taste‑testing panels and other consumer research studies. In this dynamic, flexible‑schedule role you will balance inbound support with proactive outreach, ensuring that every participant enjoys a smooth, respectful experience while meeting the rigorous qualification standards that make our research reliable.
Working up to 25 hours per week, you will split time between phone, digital channels (live chat, SMS, email, social media messenger), and database management. You will operate primarily from a remote home office, but must reside within commuting distance of the Twin Cities area to attend occasional on‑site meetings, equipment pick‑ups, or IT support sessions.
Key Responsibilities
Customer Care – Phone Interaction
- Project Knowledge: Maintain detailed awareness of active research projects, including screening criteria, quota targets, logistics, and location of supporting documentation.
- Inbound Management: Field calls and online chat inquiries on the main arenaflex line, guiding respondents toward the highest‑priority studies while preserving a welcoming tone.
- First‑Call Resolution: Diagnose issues, explain solutions, implement corrections, and follow‑up to guarantee satisfaction.
- Qualification Verification: Confirm that respondents meet all eligibility requirements before scheduling them for a test.
- Behavioral Assessment: Listen for cues that indicate a good fit for specific panels, scoring respondents on key factors such as dietary preferences, sensory acuity, and demographic match.
- Cold‑Calling Outreach: Proactively call pre‑existing contacts, internal respondents, and potential new participants to fill upcoming panels.
- Lead Support: Assist hosts when a lead is unavailable, ensuring continuity of service.
Digital Channel & Database Management
- Multi‑Channel Resolution: Resolve inquiries through chat, SMS, email, or messenger; when needed, transition to a phone call for a more personal touch.
- Timely Responses: Answer incoming digital queries within established service‑level agreements.
- Database Clean‑Up: Meet daily targets for recurring data‑quality projects, updating respondent information, and removing duplicates.
- Hard‑Copy Coordination: Manage paper‑based communications that support database cleaning and project documentation.
- Special Projects: Contribute to ad‑hoc administrative initiatives for the recruiting department, such as survey design assistance or reporting.
Performance Metrics & Training
- Achieve monthly phone metrics: Average Handle Time, Average Talk Time, and Utilization.
- Meet digital channel targets: average wait time, average handle time, and utilization.
- Maintain monthly billability standards.
- Participate in quarterly training sessions and pass associated quizzes within required timeframes.
Essential Qualifications
- High School diploma or GED equivalent (required).
- Comfortable using a variety of digital communication tools (live chat, SMS, email, social media messenger).
- Proficiency with phone etiquette; prior experience with phone‑software platforms is a plus.
- Basic familiarity with CRM systems such as Salesforce (preferred but not required).
- Strong problem‑solving abilities, clear written and verbal communication, and solid interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated reliability, proactivity, and collaborative spirit.
Preferred Skills & Attributes
- Previous experience in customer service, call‑center, or participant recruitment environments.
- Understanding of sensory research concepts or consumer insight methodologies.
- Ability to interpret behavioral cues over the phone and translate them into data‑driven scores.
- Comfort with data entry, spreadsheet manipulation, and maintaining high data‑quality standards.
- Flexibility to adapt schedule based on peak study periods and weekend rotations.
Compensation, Benefits, & Perks
Hourly Rate: $16.00 per hour.
Although this is a part‑time role, arenaflex offers a suite of benefits designed to reward dedication and promote well‑being:
- Eligibility for a 401(k) Savings Incentive Plan (prorated based on hours worked).
- Accrued paid time off (PTO), holidays, and prorated vacation days.
- Medical insurance eligibility for team members scheduled 30‑34 hours per week.
- Access to continuous learning resources, including industry webinars, internal training modules, and mentorship programs.
- Opportunities for internal mobility into full‑time or specialized research roles as the business expands.
- Remote‑work flexibility combined with occasional onsite gatherings to strengthen team cohesion.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Our remote setup allows you to work from the comfort of your home office, but occasional visits to the Minneapolis headquarters may be required for team meetings, equipment collection, or IT support. The role involves regular speaking and listening, occasional standing or walking during on‑site visits, and the ability to lift up to 35 lb (up to 50 lb with assistance). You will also be exposed to a controlled laboratory environment that processes common food allergens; standard safety protocols are in place.
Schedule & Flexibility
This part‑time position offers up to 25 hours per week, spread across 3–4 days. Shifts can be arranged to fit personal preferences, with coverage windows from 9 am – 9 pm, Monday through Sunday. Typical scheduling options include:
- Morning (9 am‑1 pm) / Mid‑day (12 pm‑4 pm) / Evening (4 pm‑9 pm) blocks.
- Rotating Saturday shifts every three weeks, with a compensatory weekday off.
- Custom shift patterns such as Mon‑Fri, Thu‑Sun, or Wed‑Sat to match your lifestyle.
We understand the importance of work‑life balance and are willing to tailor the schedule for the right candidate who demonstrates enthusiasm and reliability.
Career Growth at arenaflex
Starting as a Recruiting & Customer Care Associate opens doors to a vibrant career path within the sensory research ecosystem. High performers often progress to:
- Senior Recruiter or Panel Manager overseeing larger respondent networks.
- Client‑Facing Research Coordinator collaborating directly with brand partners.
- Quality Assurance Analyst ensuring data integrity across studies.
- Training Specialist developing onboarding curricula for new hires.
- Operations Lead or Department Manager after gaining multi‑functional experience.
arenaflex invests in your professional development through tuition reimbursement for relevant certifications, cross‑training opportunities, and attendance at industry conferences.
Culture & Values
At arenaflex, we foster an inclusive, diverse, and supportive environment where every voice matters—mirroring the philosophy we apply to consumer research. Our core values include:
- Integrity: Transparent communication with respondents, clients, and teammates.
- Innovation: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to stay ahead of market trends.
- Collaboration: Leveraging collective expertise to solve complex research challenges.
- Empathy: Understanding the needs of participants and partners alike.
- Excellence: Delivering high‑quality data and service consistently.
We celebrate diversity and are an equal‑opportunity employer, welcoming applicants of all backgrounds, including veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of protected classes.
Application Process
If you are passionate about connecting real people with the products they love, enjoy solving problems, and thrive in a flexible, people‑centric environment, we want to hear from you. To apply, click the button below, submit your résumé, and include a brief cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and why a role at arenaflex excites you.
Apply Now – Join arenaflex Today!
Take the Next Step
Join arenaflex and become an essential part of the team that shapes the future of food, beverage, pet care, and beauty experiences. Your expertise will help give consumers a meaningful voice, while you build a rewarding career in a thriving industry. Apply now and start your journey with arenaflex!