Senior Manager Product Development and Applications

Bunge is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Manager Product Development and Applications (PDA) to lead our European team. This role is crucial for driving business growth by leveraging technical excellence in oil formulations and food applications, combined with strong project management skills. You will lead the PDA team, manage customer projects from bench to commercialization, and contribute to innovation initiatives, transforming projects into new business opportunities.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing PDA team.
• Strategic Planning: Partner with Sales to develop annual strategies, prioritizing high-value initiatives to achieve business objectives.
• Formulation & Application Expertise: Provide technical guidance in oil formulations and food applications. Oversee formula and process approvals and manage customer sampling and pilot production.
• Project Management: Lead customer projects from inception to commercialization, ensuring successful implementation and transition to new business.
• Innovation: Support European product development and innovation, collaborating with Marketing on training, trade shows, and competitive analysis.
• Collaboration & Communication: Effectively communicate across technical and commercial audiences, fostering strong internal cooperation and building relationships with customers and innovation partners.
• Food Safety & Quality: Ensure adherence to company quality systems and implement food safety practices in all R&D processes.
• Performance Management: Track and report pipeline metrics, ensuring first-time-right project execution and a high level of team expertise and engagement.

• Bachelor"s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field; Master"s degree preferred;
• Minimum 15 years of experience in the food (ingredients) industry. Experience in oils and fats is a big plus;
• At least 10 years of experience in R&D/Innovation Management, Project/Program Management, and Line Management;
• Proven expertise in food applications, food manufacturing, leading customer projects, and scale-up with a proven track record in confectionery and bakery area;
• Demonstrated ability to identify customer needs, conceptualize solutions, and resolve problems effectively;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills;
• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking.
  
  In this role you are required to be at location Zaandam or Neuss at least 3 times a week.