Senior expert Milk Protein Functionality

Senior expert Milk Protein Functionality

The Senior expert Milk Protein Functionality is a senior member of the Proteins Development Team, responsible for providing profound proteins expertise in the development team. With deep expertise in dairy proteins and a strong foundation in food science or technology, the Development expert translates strategy into new ideas, foundational knowledge programs and secures execution of these. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this role is responsible for steering the proteins strategy, securing our foundational roadmap and supporting complex supply chain and customer challenges. The Development expert plays a pivotal role in execution of our growth strategy for proteins and herewith contributing to the realization of the long-term strategy of dairy streams within a dynamic and evolving business environment.

What we ask

• PhD in Food Science, Dairy Technology, Soft Matter Physics, Polymer Physics, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field, with at least 10 years of relevant experience in protein innovation, science or development.
• Proven leadership in innovation and cross-functional collaboration, preferably involving dairy or whey proteins, and translating scientific insights into scalable, commercially viable solutions.
• Excellent communication skills to plan, report, and present complex information clearly to internal teams and external partners.
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills, with experience in experimental design, conducting hypothesis-driven research, using experimental design to optimize efficiency, and applying theoretical frameworks for designing, analysing, and interpreting experimental results.
• Skilled in navigating organizational dynamics and building effective collaborations with internal and external stakeholders, including supply chain, marketing, product group management, and external research partners.
• Strategic thinking and interdisciplinary integration, and the ability to integrate these perspectives into development strategies.

What we offer

• Unique company culture of Dutch heritage and international presence.
• Great work life balance and a competitive salary & benefits package, including a competitive pension scheme, holiday allowance of 8%, bonus scheme, flexible working hours and the ability to work from home.
• Diverse training and mentoring programs to support your professional journey, with exceptional support of (cross disciplinary) movement within the company to broaden your knowledge and growth paths.
• A friendly and informal working environment with professional team members as sparring partners; autonomy and trust to create longer term impact that helps bring better nutrition to the world.

Vacancy description

In this position, your tasks and responsibilities include:

• Act as lead expert for a strategic part of the proteins business, translate strategic protein development ambitions into a project portfolio and communicate these opportunities clearly to stakeholders. Ensure alignment with strategic business goals, alignment with other R&D and commercial disciplines, and take accountability for the NPD funnel.
• Actively build and sustain networks to remain at the forefront of scientific and market trends in protein innovation. Maintain deep and up-to-date expertise and apply it to deliver commercially relevant insights that create real impact.
• Operate as a senior expert and subject matter expert in complex projects and customer questions, guiding teams in the execution and interpretation of results. Design and lead hypothesis-based research plans to overcome technical hurdles during the development and manufacturing of protein ingredients and work in cross-functional teams.
• Proactively assess and safeguard intellectual property within your domain, ensuring opportunities are captured and risks are mitigated.
• Coach others, fostering knowledge development and project delivery excellence within the team.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, and support the Development Manager in driving efficiency and capability building across the team.

Team details

You will be a member of the cluster Proteins within the FrieslandCampina Ingredients development team. The position is based in Wageningen, the Netherlands, in the FrieslandCampina Innovation Centre. The Proteins team comprises a mix of highly skilled experts, project managers and development specialists. The dairy protein ingredients we develop and maintain are targeted at the markets Early Life Nutrition, Medical Nutrition and Performance & Active Nutrition.

At FrieslandCampina Ingredients, we believe in creating smarter nutrition solutions for generations to come. As a Protein Expert, you’ll unlock the potential of dairy proteins to deliver health, performance, and well-being across the globe. Your expertise will help us develop innovative ingredients that make a real difference in people’s lives—every day.

We value curiosity, collaboration, and courage. Here, you’ll work alongside passionate colleagues in an environment that encourages bold ideas and continuous learning. Together, we turn science into impact—because every insight matters, and every innovation counts.

Bring your knowledge, creativity, and ambition. Let’s shape the future of proteins and create goodness that lasts.

Esther.vanSchoonhoven@frieslandcampina.com