Senior Technology Specialist - Membrane & Purification

Join FrieslandCampina as Senior Technology Specialist – Membrane & Purification

FrieslandCampina's Global Supply Chain Technology team is advancing membrane processing and purification technology to new heights. As senior technology specialist for membrane & purification, you'll be the highest-level expert in this critical technology domain, driving innovation and operational excellence across our global factory network. You'll translate cutting-edge membrane technology developments into tangible business impact, lead strategic capex projects, and shape the future of purification processes. Ready to bring our membrane and purification capabilities to the next level while building expertise across the organization?

What we ask

You're a technical leader who combines deep membrane technology expertise with strategic business thinking. You thrive on solving complex purification challenges, driving innovation from lab to factory floor, and turning technological insights into competitive advantages. You're passionate about membrane processing, structured in your approach, and eager to share knowledge.

• academic master's degree, PhD, or PDEng in Process Technology, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or related field;
• minimum 10 years of relevant experience in food, chemical, or engineering companies with progressive technical responsibility;
• in-depth knowledge of process technology and comprehensive understanding of dairy production processes, particularly in membrane processing and purification;
• proven track record in process licensing for major capex projects (€10M+), specifically for membrane and purification processes;
• strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, ideally with Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification;
• demonstrated project and stakeholder management skills in dynamic, multicultural environments;
• experience collaborating with internal and external partners to drive technological advancements in membrane technology;
• fluency in English; additional languages are valued for our international context.

What we offer

Development & Growth:

• comprehensive learning programs and executive coaching;
• cross-functional development opportunities across our global organization;
• tailored development plans with exposure to strategic initiatives;
• exceptional support of cross-disciplinary movement to broaden your knowledge and growth paths.

Rewards & Benefits:

• competitive salary aligned with the seniority of this role;
• performance-based bonus opportunities;
• flexible working arrangements (40-hour work week with hybrid options);
• competitive pension scheme and 8% holiday allowance;
• health & wellbeing initiatives;
• bike plan and corporate fitness scheme;
• free milk, cheese, fruit and barista coffee at our headquarters.

Your Impact:

• global recognition as senior technology specialist for membrane & purification within our international network;
• opportunity to shape membrane processing and purification standards across multiple factories worldwide;
• autonomy and trust to create longer term impact that helps bring better nutrition to the world;
• friendly and informal working environment with professional team members as sparring partners.

Your role

As senior technology specialist for membrane & purification, you'll be the go-to expert for membrane processing and purification technology across FrieslandCampina's global factory network, driving technical excellence and translating innovation into measurable business results.

Key responsibilities:

Technical Leadership:

• lead root cause analyses of complex factory problems related to membrane and purification processes and drive sustainable, scalable solutions;
• translate expert knowledge into membrane and purification technology standards and validate their implementation across our factories;
• identify and pursue opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality through membrane process innovation.

Strategic Projects:

• own process licensing for major capex projects (€10M+) focused on membrane and purification processes, ensuring optimal technology selection and implementation;
• translate and scale up R&D innovations in membrane technology to production environments, bridging the gap between lab and factory floor;
• take ownership of multidisciplinary projects, bringing innovative ideas and methods to enhance membrane processing outcomes.

Collaboration & Integration:

• work closely with R&D, Operations, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Marketing to ensure membrane technology initiatives align with overall business strategy;
• collaborate with internal and external partners to stay at the forefront of membrane and purification technological advancements;
• participate in international conferences and professional networks, translating relevant membrane technology advances into new business opportunities.

Knowledge Development:

• contribute to long-term technology strategy by developing and sharing a clear vision for membrane processing and purification;
• provide training, guidance, and technical support to build membrane technology capabilities across the organization;
• ensure all technical work complies with relevant regulations and industry standards.

You will report to the technology manager and work within the Membrane Processing & Purification cluster, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams spanning R&D, Operations, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and technical experts across our global network.

Ons team

The Global Supply Chain Technology team consists of approximately 60 technologists organized into 6 specialized expertise teams. You'll be part of the Membrane Processing & Purification cluster, which consists of 9 experts dedicated to advancing membrane technology and purification processes. We're the technical backbone of FrieslandCampina's production network, driving innovation and operational excellence across our global factories.

You'll be based at FrieslandCampina's Innovation Centre in Wageningen, the heart of our research and development activities. Here, we combine cutting-edge science with practical application, working alongside researchers, technologists, and product developers to drive innovation from concept to factory implementation. As a membrane & purification specialist, you'll have direct access to pilot facilities and be perfectly positioned to translate lab innovations to our production sites, including our Bedum factories where whey is processed into high-quality ingredients using advanced separation technology. Wageningen's vibrant knowledge ecosystem—home to Wageningen University & Research—provides unique opportunities for collaboration and staying at the forefront of membrane technology developments.

About our location:

• state-of-the-art facilities with pilot plants and testing capabilities;
• collaborative environment connecting research, technology, and operations;
• easily accessible location in the heart of Food Valley;
• free milk, cheese, fruit and barista coffee to fuel your innovation.

Our Membrane Processing & Purification cluster is characterized by technical curiosity, innovation drive, and collaborative spirit. You'll work alongside passionate membrane technology specialists who combine deep technical expertise with business acumen, all united in the mission to bring better nutrition to the world through cutting-edge purification technology.