Sr. Lead Scientist Advanced Process

Lead the Future of Sustainable Food Innovation at Cosun

Ready to lead cutting-edge process innovations and shape the future of sustainable food?

At the Cosun Innovation Center in Dinteloord, we are looking for a Senior Lead Scientist Advanced Process. The Senior Lead Scientist Advanced Process drives the execution of the Cosun Innovation and Technology strategy by leveraging internal and external Science and Technology assets in the area of Advanced Process technologies. This role will play a pivotal part in mobilizing resources to deliver the expected results for business impact, while fostering a positive atmosphere with the teams.

This position acts as the critical link between project commitments and expertise deployment, ensuring timely project prioritization/decision escalation and continuous expertise development. You will work closely with executive leadership to unlock prioritization dilemmas while inspiring your teams to deliver against ambitious business targets.

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:

• Enable the execution of NPD, manufacturing and/or research projects by deploying the right talent for the right need in alignment with the overall Cosun priorities, across project portfolios, and trigger prioritization clarification ahead of time where required
• Contribute scientifically to the design and execution of the emerging technology program roadmaps
• Empower and coach each individual in the team to deliver to the best of their ability towards the project requirements, and to support them in their continuous growth on the expertise and personal dimensions
• Drive the RD&I transformation towards new capabilities and new culture by developing the internal capabilities in anticipation of the business needs and by actively contributing to the innovation culture
• Possibly take on additional P3M roles, such as portfolio management officer, project manager, or project member as required.

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 is a visionary, strategic leader with a solid technical background in food process development, and with a passion for steering teams toward excellence. This leader will have the ability to influence and drive change within the Central RD&I organization and beyond, as well as engaging teams and individuals towards transformation.

This role is part of the Corporate Invention team and reports directly to the CTO.

Your profile

• (Master's or Ph.D.) in Food Science, BioTech engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
• Scientific expertise in separation (ion exchange, adsorption, etc) and/or drying (spray drying, dewatering, etc) and/or fermentation (submerged, biomass, etc) and/or enzymatic conversion technologies
• More than 12 years industry experience with a specialism in Research & Innovation
• Deep understanding of RD&I Function and Capability development
• Proven track record of managing a team of subject matter experts
• Experience in successfully managing project delivery in complex matrix organizations, including senior stakeholder management and influencing
• Extensive experience with P3M guidelines: portfolio, programme, project and resource-deployment
• Familiarity in intellectual property management and collaboration with external public / private knowledge partners
• Warm and compassionate leader with the growth of the team members at heart
• Analytical, data-driven and well-organized
• Clear and transparent communication skills and ability to inspire with impact

What do we offer?

Join us in shaping the future of sustainable food innovation! You will step into a role where leadership meets impact, and every idea can make a difference. Here’s why this opportunity stands out:

• Lead with Purpose: drive groundbreaking process innovations that transform plant-based solutions for generations to come.
• Work directly with senior leadership and play a key role in strategic decision-making.
• Coach talented scientists and foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence.
• Outstanding Rewards – Competitive salary (€6,700 – €9,700 per month), solid pension plan, and flexible working hours.
• Continuous professional development and the freedom to shape your own impact within a leading international cooperative.
• Be part of a visionary team that values trust, ambition, and bold thinking.

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