The Development Specialist/Expert Proteins is a senior member of the Proteins Development Team, responsible for providing profound proteins expertise in the development team. With deep expertise in dairy proteins and a strong foundation in food science or technology, the Development experts translates strategy into new ideas, foundational knowledge programs and secures execution of these. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this role is responsible for steering the proteins strategy, securing our foundational roadmap and supporting complex Supply chain and customer challenges. The Development experts plays a pivotal role in execution of our growth strategy for proteins and herewith contributing to the realization of the long-term strategy of dairy streams within a dynamic and evolving business environment.
Wat we vragen
- PhD in Food Science, Dairy Technology, Soft Matter Physics, Polymer Physics, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with at least 10 years of relevant experience in protein innovation, science or development.
- Proven leadership in innovation and cross-functional collaboration, preferably involving dairy or whey proteins, and translating scientific insights into scalable, commercially viable solutions.
- Excellent communication skills to plan, report, and present complex information clearly to internal teams and external partners.
- Strong conceptual and analytical skills, with experience in experimental design, Experience conducting hypothesis-driven research, using experimental design to optimize efficiency, and applying theoretical frameworks for designing, analysing, and interpreting experimental results.
- Skilled in navigating organizational dynamics and building effective collaborations with internal and external stakeholders, including supply chain, marketing, product group management, and external research partners.
- Strategic thinking and interdisciplinary integration, and the ability to integrate these perspectives into development strategies.
Wat we bieden
- Unique company culture of Dutch heritage and international presence.
- We offer great work life balance, and competitive salary & benefits package so you can enjoy it; Workweek of 40 hours, competitive pension scheme, holiday allowance of 8%, bonus scheme, flexible working hours and the ability to work from home.
- Diverse training and mentoring programs to help you grow on your own professional journey; Exceptional support of (cross disciplinary) movement within the company to broaden your knowledge and growth paths.
- A friendly and informal working environment, yet professional team members as sparring partners; Autonomy and trust to create longer term impact that helps bring better nutrition to the world.
Vacaturetekst
In this position, your tasks and responsibilities include:
- Act as lead expert for a strategic part of the proteins business, translate strategic protein development ambitions into a project portfolio and communicate these opportunities clearly to stakeholders. Ensure alignment with strategic business goals, thought alignment with other R&D and commercial disciplines and take accountability for the NPD funnel.
- Actively build and sustain networks to remain at the forefront of scientific and market trends in protein innovation. Maintain deep and up-to-date expertise and apply it to deliver commercially relevant insights that create real impact.
- Operate as a senior expert and subject matter expert in complex projects and customer questions, guiding execution and interpretation of results, and guiding teams in the execution and interpretation of results. Design and lead hypothesis-based research plans to overcome technical hurdles during the development and manufacturing of protein ingredients and work in cross-functional teams.
- Proactively assess and safeguard intellectual property within your domain, ensuring opportunities are captured and risks are mitigated.
- Coaching others, fostering knowledge development and project delivery excellence within the team.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement, and support the Development Manager in driving efficiency and capability building across the team.
