Jr Product Developer

Job Description

The EMEA R&D team is a small but highly impactful group responsible for developing, optimizing, and commercializing products for customers across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The Junior Product Developer is an early-career, hands-on technical role that supports the execution of product development and commercialization projects. Working closely with Senior Scientists and cross-functional partners, this role contributes to bringing new and improved products from the laboratory to commercial production.

Success in this role comes from enjoying practical laboratory work, food preparation, experimentation, and working directly with manufacturing teams. The Junior Product Developer will spend much of their time preparing formulations, producing prototypes, supporting factory trials, organizing sensory evaluations, maintaining laboratory operations, and ensuring accurate technical documentation.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to build strong product development and commercialization experience while learning from experienced food scientists and contributing to products enjoyed by consumers throughout the EMEA region. The Junior Product Developer reports to the Senior Scientist, R&D EMEA.

Responsibilities

Product Development

• Support product development, product improvement, and commercialization projects across the EMEA portfolio.
• Prepare bench-top formulations and prototype products according to project objectives.
• Conduct ingredient functionality evaluations and assist with formulation optimization.
• Execute experiments, accurately collect data, and summarize results for project teams.
• Maintain formulation records, laboratory notebooks, and technical documentation.
• Assist in preparing customer, consumer, and internal evaluation samples.

Commercialization & Manufacturing Support

• Support pilot plant and production trials, including preparation, execution, and follow-up activities.
• Collect manufacturing data during trials and assist in documenting process parameters and observations.
• Prepare technical trial summaries and communicate findings to project teams.
• Support implementation of formulation, ingredient, or process changes alongside Operations and Quality teams.
• Assist with troubleshooting product and process issues during commercialization.

Sensory & Analytical Support

• Prepare and organize sensory evaluations.
• Collect analytical and sensory data to support product development decisions.
• Maintain databases, spreadsheets, and project documentation.
• Assist with shelf-life studies and product evaluations as required.

Laboratory Operations

• Maintain ingredient inventory and organize laboratory supplies.
• Source ingredients and prepare materials for development work.
• Operate, maintain, and help calibrate laboratory equipment.
• Maintain clean, organized laboratory and pilot areas while following GMP and food safety requirements.
• Support laboratory housekeeping, equipment cleaning, and safe working practices.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Commercialization, Operations, Quality, Procurement, Regulatory, and external manufacturing partners.
• Provide technical support for internal teams during development and commercialization activities.
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (HBO or University) in Food Technology, Food Science, or a related discipline.
• 0–3 years of relevant experience in food product development, food manufacturing, or through internships and placement programs.
• Practical understanding of food ingredients, formulation principles, and food processing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English. Dutch language skills are beneficial but not required.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accurate documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a laboratory, pilot plant, or food manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting factory trials or product commercialization activities.
• Knowledge of ingredient functionality and food processing technologies.
• Experience working with plant-based foods is an advantage.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 12–18 months, the Junior Product Developer will:

• Independently prepare laboratory formulations and prototypes for multiple projects.
• Become a trusted contributor during pilot and production trials.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation and formulation records.
• Support efficient laboratory operations through proactive organization and preparation.
• Build strong working relationships with cross-functional teams.
• Develop the technical foundation to progressively take ownership of increasingly complex development activities.

Key Competencies

• Hands-on and practical approach to problem solving.
• Passion for food and product development.
• Curious and eager to learn.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and reliable.
• Strong team player with a positive attitude.
• Flexible and adaptable in a dynamic development environment.
• Comfortable balancing laboratory work with production floor activities.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Position requires regular work in laboratory, pilot plant, manufacturing, and office environments.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift materials up to 25 lbs (11 kg), bend, kneel, and work with food preparation equipment.
• Comfortable working in varying temperatures, including chilled production environments.
• Ability to maintain GMP, hygiene, and food safety standards at all times.
• Occasional travel to manufacturing facilities, suppliers, and external partners may be required.