Program Manager AI Digitalisation RD&I

Leid de digitale transformatie van onderzoek en innovatie bij Cosun

Do you want to lead the digital transformation of research and innovation and unlock the power of AI for future-proof solutions?

At the Cosun Innovation Center in Dinteloord, we are looking for a Program Manager AI Digitalisation RD&I. The program manager for RD&I AI & Digitalisation designs, develops and drives the implementation of the strategy and priorities for this emerging key technology platform. This role will play a pivotal part in shaping the technology roadmap, overseeing program execution, and embedding internal capabilities.

This position acts as the critical link between high-level technology strategy and hands-on project execution, ensuring alignment across teams and translating ambitious ideas into impactful results. You will work closely with executive leadership to shape research directions towards business impact while empowering interdisciplinary teams to deliver.

About Cosun

Royal Cosun is a leading international agricultural cooperative and is owned by approximately 8,100 sugar beet growers. Our purpose is clear: we aim to contribute to an enjoyable, nutritional and circular world by unlocking the full potential of plants and people for current and next generations. This purpose is rooted in 125 years of Cosun history in successfully valorizing arable crops, such as sugar beets, chicory and potatoes, and co-products into a diverse portfolio of value-added products.

Your main mission is to:

• Drive the RD&I transformation towards digitalization by developing the internal & external capabilities related to data management, Innovation OS (Operating System) and AI for RD&I, and their associated change management.
• Engage BG and RD&I teams towards digital data in everything we do, to embed speed, efficiency and collaboration in our daily way of working, putting digitalization at the heart of science and technology development with the aim to future-proof the RD&I organization.
• Provide guidelines to ensure world-class data management in all our projects, by uncovering innovators’ and scientists’ needs and hopes and match these requirements with the technical features of the related systems.
• Facilitate and manage the people side of change within the organization by empowering the direct and indirect teams as ambassadors of RD&I digitalisation for further roll-out in the full organization.

This role requires the individual to interface with multi-disciplinary teams and key capabilities in RD&I and to be a respected business partner to the BG commercial teams. The applicant should bring expertise and experience in digital systems for RD&I purposes together with a passion for improving science and technology outcomes for business success. They will have the ability to influence and lead change with key business partners, as well as engaging teams towards transformation.

Your profile

• University degree (Masters or PhD) in a technical field, preferably related to the Food Industry.
• Content expert in digital systems, data management, and ideally in AI Applications.
• Experience in innovative science/technology-development environments (systems for R&D purposes).
• Experience in successfully managing complex technology programs, involving the crafting of strategic directions, the creation and oversight of projects, and a strong dimension of change management on the human side.
• Business and results oriented, demonstrating a high level of scientific rigor and business acumen.
• Solid experience of collaborative working (including cross-functional teams), with strong leadership (including complex matrix environment) and inter-personal skills for dealing with and influencing a variety of people, both in profile, experiences and seniority level.
• Curious, organized and able to drive conviction-based arguments and activities – challenging the status quo.
• Good communication skills and ability to inspire with impactful story telling/animation.
• A passion for bringing the voice of the users into the design and reality of the solutions deployed.
• Resilience and adaptation to change, often with a certain degree of unclarity.

What do we offer?

You will lead the transformation of research and innovation by unlocking the power of AI and data-driven solutions. Here’s why this opportunity is exciting:

• Drive digitalization and AI initiatives that redefine how science and technology deliver value.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and influence strategic decisions at the highest level.
• Inspire teams to embrace digital tools and create smarter, faster, and more collaborative ways of working.
• Competitive salary (€6,100 – €8,600 per month), solid pension plan, and flexible working hours.
• Plenty of room for creativity, initiative, and professional growth within a leading international cooperative.
• Join a forward-thinking team that values trust, ambition, and bold ideas.

Where will you work?

You will be part of the Corporate Invention team and report directly to the CTO. At the Cosun Innovation Center, you will collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to deliver ambitious business targets and shape the future of plant-based solutions. Our team culture emphasizes trust, collaboration, and shared ambition, ensuring that everyone feels valued and included.

Waarom werken bij Cosun?

• Innovatieve en lerende omgeving
• Verbinding en samenwerking
• Voedsel- en duurzaamheidsimpact
• Ontwikkeling en verantwoordelijkheid
• Cultuur en vertrouwen
• Coöperatiegroei en verbetering
• Dynamisch & veelzijdig speelveld
• Werkplezier en veiligheid
• Werkplezier en teamprestaties