R&D Product Development Specialist, Wageningen, Gelderland

The Company
A global dairy-focused organisation known for its strong heritage in nutrition, innovation, and high?quality consumer products. With operations across multiple regions and a strong commitment to sustainability, the company supports millions of consumers through a diverse portfolio.

About the Role
This position supports the development of cheese products within a dynamic R&D environment. The Development Specialist will translate commercial needs into new products and improvements while working closely with cross-functional teams. The role focuses on product development, upscaling, testing, and continuous value engineering.

Responsibilities
- Translate business needs into new product developments and product changes.
- Lead technical solutions to maintain and improve product quality.
- Coordinate product tests at lab, pilot, and production scale.
- Analyse results and prepare detailed technical reports.
- Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
- Conduct value engineering to optimise cost and performance.
- Keep up to date with industry and technology developments.
- Build and maintain strong internal and external relationships.

Requirements
- Master’s degree in food technology, food science, (bio)chemistry, chemical engineering, preferably with a dairy focus.
- 2–5 years of experience in the food industry, specifically in dairy/cheese technology.
- Strong project management experience.
- Excellent communication skills in English; basic Dutch preferred.
- Team player with entrepreneurial mindset, creativity, flexibility, and decisiveness.
- Ability to manage relationships with multiple stakeholders.
- SAP and Power BI knowledge (preferred but not required).

Other Information
- Hybrid working model.
- Travel once per month to factories within the Netherlands.
 

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