We offer consumers a compelling choice in four growing categories: butters and spreads, creams, liquids and cheeses. We hold leadership positions in many of the 100 countries we operate in, with iconic brands including Flora, Becel+ProActiv, Blue Band, Country Crock, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, Rama, and Violife, together with our local brands and Professional business.
Global branded food champion Flora Food Group, offers the next generation of delicious, natural, nutritious food. Our products are more affordable and more sustainable than their dairy equivalents.
Location: Wageningen
Hybrid
About The Position
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Product Development Manager Cream Cheese to oversee the development of our cream cheese product line. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food science and product development, with a specific focus on dairy alternatives. This role requires creativity, technical expertise, and a dedication to quality and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the cream cheese R&D team in developing, formulating and commercialising new dairy and plant-based cream cheese products, from concept to market launch.
Conduct thorough research on ingredient functionality, sensory characteristics, and processing techniques to create products that meet consumer expectations for taste and texture.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, supply chain, and quality assurance, to ensure product alignment with market trends and company goals.
Identify and drive cost savings initiatives related to cream cheese products across multiple production sites
Develop team capability and provide mentorship and coaching for team members
Manage R&D projects, including budget oversight, resource allocation, and timelines.
Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and quality standards throughout the product development process.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field; Master’s degree is a plus.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in food product development, specifically with dairy alternatives or plant-based products.
Strong understanding of food chemistry and processing technologies relevant to cream cheese production.
Proven project management skills, with the ability to lead teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on innovation and consumer satisfaction.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, fostering collaboration across departments.
Why Join Us?
Contribute to a forward-thinking company dedicated to sustainability and innovation in the food industry.
Work in a collaborative and dynamic environment that encourages creativity and professional growth.
Be part of a passionate team committed to making plant-based products accessible and enjoyable for all consumers.
What’s Next
If this position sounds interesting, please hit the apply button now! If you have additional questions, you can send myself, Pauline Trooster a WhatsApp message on +34666320262.
We understand your resume might not be up to date and recommend that you apply with what you have or your LinkedIn Profile. Flora Food Group is dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workplace, we understand that you might not meet all the requirements stated in the description, but we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the right candidate for this role or other roles.
Flora Food Group is an employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and equal opportunities for all. We recruit based only on values, qualifications, performance, skills, behaviours, experience, and knowledge. We ensure job advertisements are free from unintentional bias.
No personal characteristics should be a barrier to joining Flora Food Group. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other personal characteristics.
