R&D Program Team Lead

Job Description

Incredible innovations are enabled through Technology, and we are seeking a passionate innovator to join our Technology Solutions Global R&D team as R&D program manager or program lead.

Join an incredible passionate diverse team that helps each other learn, grow and develop. Just how we like it! As a Program manager/lead you will be asked to lead a team of technology and development specialist ensuring high level of engagement with the right people development, ensure excellent execution of T4G projects and manage program roadmaps to deliver value to the business.

For this, we don’t just need you to be a knowledgeable professional but also strongly rely on the interpersonal skillset you have developed over the years. You will play a crucial role in creating and protecting the sustainable delivery we look for in our value chain. You will be responsible for the following:

• Strategic Leadership: Manage delivery of technology programs to ensure business targets are met, flagging risks and pro-actively working with platform managers to close them.
• Process and Product Innovation: Leverage your deep understanding of process technology and/or dairy/powder/ingredient science to drive solutions for project and/or operational challenges as well as create breakthroughs in roadmaps.
• Collaboration: Build and foster strong partnerships with R&D and supply peers. Act as R&D knowledge owner in senior management reviews.
• Team leadership: Lead a talented team of technology and development specialists. Nurture their growth, inspire creativity and drive results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's/Master's in Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or related field
• 10+ years leading product/process development in the food industry (R&D and/or Operations)
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills (including non-hierarchical)
• Innovative mindset: drive to push boundaries
• Business acumen: balancing technical excellence with commercial viability

Company Description

Who we are?

We are JDE Peet’s.

Life at JDE Peet's

We know what actually matters to you - job security, real growth, and not burning out by 30. So here's the menu of what you actually get:

• 🚲 Work-life balance, but make it real: 25 annual leave days + 12 ADV days. Plus a tax-efficient bike plan.
• 🧠 Well-being that goes beyond a wellness app: 1-on-1 lifestyle coaching on nutrition, sleep, stress and recovery. Real sleep workshops if you're running on empty. Confidential, judgment-free support for smoking, alcohol, or anything life throws at you — anonymous if you want it. Plus a fitness contribution and health insurance discount.
• 💪 We've got your back, literally: Ergonomic assessments and workplace evaluations.
• 📈 Growth that's actually funded: €1,500 net learning budget every calendar year.
• 💰 Security you can actually count on: Fixed monthly salary + 8% holiday allowance + 8.33% year-end bonus, plus a pension plan.
• 🏡 Flexibility that respects your life: Work-from-home allowance and commuting allowance.