Product Development & Application Specialist

Are you a technically strong R&D professional who thrives on transforming customer challenges into successful food applications? Do you enjoy owning projects end-to-end and seeing your work make a tangible market impact? Bunge is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Product Development & Application Specialist to lead innovation and drive strategic initiatives within our R&D organization.

About Bunge Join Bunge, a global leader in sourcing, processing, and supplying essential oilseeds and grains, committed to sustainability and innovation. Your expertise will be valued, and your contributions will directly impact how we feed and fuel the world. This is an opportunity to lead the entire innovation cycle, transforming scientific insights into market-leading products that deliver real value to customers and contribute to our strategic growth.

As a Product Development & Application Specialist, you will be at the heart of Bunge’s European R&D organization, spearheading customer-driven product and process development across bakery, confectionery, dairy, and plant-based applications. This role combines hands-on technical work with intensive customer and stakeholder interaction. You will lead end-to-end R&D projects, from concept through commercialization, with a sharp focus on customer needs and application performance, acting as the central technical and project lead. You will translate customer requirements into robust technical solutions, developing expert proposals, steering project execution, and adeptly troubleshooting challenges. The work is practical and technical, applying knowledge of fats & oils chemistry, modification techniques, and food science principles to develop and optimize products and processes.

• Lead end-to-end R&D projects from concept through commercialization, including managing scope, timelines, risks, and stakeholders.
• Develop, optimize, and apply products and processes leveraging expertise in fats & oils chemistry, modification techniques, and food science for bakery, confectionery, dairy, and plant-based applications.
• Actively contribute to and lead strategic initiatives within relevant application categories.
• Collaborate closely with customers, commercial teams, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and project progress.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations and trainings to customers and internal teams, fostering knowledge sharing on new developments and applications.
• Ensure clear project tracking, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement in efficiency and value delivery.
• Continuously integrate market trends, scientific advancements, and creative approaches to maintain Bunge's competitive and forward-looking innovation portfolio.

We are seeking a proactive, energetic, and detail-oriented professional who combines strong technical acumen with proven project management expertise. The ideal candidate thrives on taking initiative, embraces challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, and approaches work with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for outcomes.

• Education: Master’s degree in Organic/Bio Chemistry, Food Science, Food Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience: 3+ years of progressive R&D experience in the food industry, with a demonstrated ability to lead technical projects.
• Technical Expertise: Knowledge of fats & oils chemistry, modification techniques, processing, and product development relevant to bakery, confectionery, dairy, and/or plant-based applications.
• Skills: Proven project management capabilities for end-to-end project execution, analytical and problem-solving abilities for complex technical and business challenges, effective stakeholder management, and strong communication skills. Professional fluency in English (oral and written) is essential.
• Mindset: Autonomous, eager to learn, flexible, and driven to make a significant impact through both lab work and project leadership.
• Location You will initially join us at our Wormerveer facility, with an exciting transition to our cutting-edge new factory in Westzaan once it becomes operational. This state-of-the-art facility represents a major investment in our future, set to quadruple our capacity and offer an unparalleled environment where your expertise will directly shape the future of global food solutions.

Please note that relocation support for this role is not facilitated.

At Bunge, your skills are truly valued, and your contributions directly impact the industry.

• Impact & Influence: This role offers direct exposure to the market and global R&D capabilities, providing the chance to contribute meaningfully to a leading ingredients company and shape the industry.
• Growth & Development: We believe in nurturing talent. You'll have ample opportunities for professional development, on-the-job learning, and continuous growth, supporting your journey toward increased responsibility and leadership in R&D projects.
• Collaborative Environment: You'll be part of a diverse and supportive team. We foster a collaborative spirit where knowledge sharing and mutual growth are key.
• Attractive Package: Enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, a premium-free pension plan, and an attractive bonus system.