R&D Product Development Lead – Bread/Pastry

A Unique Opportunity to Shape the Future of Baking Innovation

Due to the internal career progression of two of our valued colleagues, an exciting opportunity has arisen within our global R&D team. We are seeking a talented individual to lead R&D efforts for a specific product category and continue to strengthen our commitment to innovation and product excellence. If you are passionate about bakery science and eager to make a tangible impact, we invite you to apply for this role.

Position: R&D Product Development Lead – Bread/Pastry
In this role, you will be responsible for delivering key R&D results across new product development (NPD) projects within your dedicated product group. This includes leading, coordinating, and executing product development activities while providing technical support to both internal teams and external customers. As a product expert, you will also be a point of reference for all product-related inquiries.

Your Role in the Organisation

You will report directly to the Category Development Manager within the MRD department. Working closely with various teams, you will play a key role in driving the growth of your category through NPD leadership and strategic input. This position offers you the unique opportunity to shape the direction of industry-leading projects and contribute actively to our evolving company culture and new ways of working.

Key Responsibilities

Contribute to and execute the industry category strategy plan.
Lead the development of innovative technologies for new products and solutions within the product group.
Help establish differentiation and create a competitive advantage for the category.
Manage projects from concept to completion, ensuring key milestones and deadlines are met.
Foster cross-functional collaboration, working closely with marketing, operations, purchasing, and R&D experts to ensure alignment.
Facilitate smooth handovers, ensuring the successful scale-up of new products and their applications.
Provide effective communication and support to Zeelandia clients and stakeholders.
Build and maintain a network with suppliers, industry associations, and technical communities.
Ensure internal knowledge-sharing of the latest product and market developments.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking an inventive, ambitious, and collaborative individual with a passion for the bakery and food industries. The ideal candidate will possess:

A Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology or a relevant technical discipline.
Knowledge and experience in bakery and production processes.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and co-create across international teams.
Commercial acumen and project management expertise.
Excellent communication skills, with fluency in English.
A proven ability to work effectively with different cultures and markets.
A proactive approach to knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Willingness to travel (up to 10% within Europe).

What We Offer

In addition to competitive benefits, you will enjoy a challenging and rewarding role in a dynamic, international environment. This position provides the opportunity to work remotely, while also contributing to high-impact projects that shape the future of the bakery industry.

Interested?

If this opportunity excites you, please apply via https://bit.ly/3zc2RRf

For further details on the role, feel free to reach out to Renata Szeptycka-Niznik at renata.szeptycka-niznik@zeelandia.com or by phone at +48 603 690 053.