| Location | Friesland, Netherlands |
|---|---|
| Contact email | |
| Job ref | 25428 |
| Published | 7 days ago |
roduct Development Specialist – Chilled Dairy
Location: Wageningen, The Netherlands (Hybrid)
Full-time | 38 hours per week
Start Date: As soon as possible
Duration: 9 months, with possible extension
Hourly Rate: €80 (not open for ZZP/freelancers)
Position Overview
An experienced and motivated Product Development Specialist is sought to join the Chilled Dairy Development Team. The successful candidate will contribute to the innovation and renovation of a wide range of dairy products for both branded and private label markets. The role is focused on developing high-quality, nutritious, and appealing chilled dairy products such as yoghurt, protein-enriched drinks, and desserts.
The position involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Procurement, and other R&D departments, with occasional contact with external suppliers and production sites.
Key Responsibilities
Lead or support new product development and product renovation projects from concept to implementation.
Ensure compliance with nutritional guidelines, product claims, shelf life requirements, cost targets, and sensory attributes.
Organize and execute product trials (lab, pilot, and factory scale) and translate results into actionable recommendations and reports.
Coordinate recipe transfers and manage product-related documentation and specifications.
Collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to align on product design, feasibility, and implementation timelines.
Present findings and updates to relevant teams and stakeholders.
Candidate Profile
Master’s degree in Food Technology, Dairy Science, Physical Chemistry, or a related discipline.
Minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in food product development, preferably in fermented dairy.
Strong analytical mindset with attention to detail and structured problem-solving skills.
Fluent in English (spoken and written); Dutch is not required.
Experience in cross-functional, international environments.
Familiarity with SAP or similar systems is an advantage.
Willing to travel occasionally to production locations in the Netherlands or Belgium (approximately once per quarter).
Additional Information
The position is full-time (38 hours per week).
The role allows for hybrid working (up to two days from home per week).
freelance (ZZP) applications will not be considered.
Candidates must have a relevant educational background and proven experience in food product development to be eligible.