Utrecht NL or Paris Saclay, France

Are you an experienced technologist with a strong background in milk and dairy ingredients? Are you passionate about dairy ingredient science, process innovation, and sustainable nutrition?  We have an exciting opportunity as Milk & Dairy Ingredients Senior Technologist.

Our team's mission is to deliver world-class expertise in dairy milk, milk fractions, and dairy ingredients to maximize value creation and support Danone’s growth.

In your role as Milk & Dairy Ingredients Senior Technologist, your key prioritize will be: 

• Driving innovation in dairy ingredient science and technology.
• Optimizing milk valorization and cost efficiency.
• Reducing exposure to sourcing limitations and market volatility.
• Promoting dairy as part of a nutritious, sustainable diet.
• Supporting disruptive product innovation and productivity gains.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Ensure milk and dairy ingredients meet end-user needs and manage associated risks for final applications.
• Lead and implement new process projects aligned with the Science and Technological Assets (STA) portfolio.
• Investigate and validate innovative ingredient technologies through internal and external testing.
• Collaborate with scientific institutes, universities, and suppliers to explore new ingredient technologies.
• Provide technical support during implementation, including audits, training, and on-site assistance.

Meet your future manager! You will report to Gerd-Jan COENEN, Milk Ingredients & Dairy Director. 

To be successful in this role, you have:

• Degree in Food Science and Technology, Bioprocess, Biochemical Engineering, or related field (BAC+5, Ph.D., or equivalent).
• At least 6 years of experience in food or chemical process industries, with a focus on dairy product development.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities to effectively engage with cross-functional stakeholders at senior levels beyond the team.
• Project leadership and IP/Patent awareness.
• Experience in operational environments is a plus.
• Strong cross-functional teamwork skills and ability to meet challenging deadlines.
• Comfortable in an international, multidisciplinary organization.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English.
• Strategic vision for innovation in Milk and Dairy Ingredients.
• Knowledge of dairy product processes is an asset.
• Creative, collaborative, intellectually agile, rigorous, and open to new ideas.
• Strong influencing skills and business acumen.
• Hands-on approach.
• Willingness to travel (5–10%).

At Danone we are committed to our mission “bringing health, through food to as many people as possible”. We are working together to make sure that our brands, like Nutricia and Nutrilon, create real benefits for people, communities and the planet. You will be part of one of the largest Certified B Corps™ in the world. Being B Corp means to be part of a select movement of companies verified to be meeting the highest standards of social and environmental criteria and using business as a force for good. One Planet. One Health.

Our state-of-the-art research and innovation center builds bridges between food and science and is global in reach, founded on over 125 years of experience in life & food science, technology and user experience and is at the forefront of pioneering advances in specialized nutrition.

We offer:

All Danoners receive a complete package of benefits. This includes a competitive salary and yearly bonus, a premium free pension, 30 days of annual leave (with the opportunity to purchase more) and you will receive a monthly health care allowance. In addition, you can get discount on your gym membership, and we offer initiatives focused on nutrition, physical, and mental health. We provide continuous learning opportunities through workshops, online courses and training sessions.

We put people at the center of everything we do. Bring your unique perspective, ambitions and ideas to the table – the impact you could make might surprise you. We are committed to embrace diversity, nurturing an inclusive workplace where every individual is valued; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is deeply embedded in Danone's DNA.

What's next:

It’s simple – hit the “apply” button before the application deadline of 28-01-2026. Please note, if we receive a large pool of candidates, we will close the role before the deadline. In order to comply with GDPR we can’t process your personal data without your given consent, so please apply directly via this website. Good luck! We can’t wait to meet you.

Need more information? Please contact for France - Laura JANIAUD, Sr. Talent Manager via Laura.JANIAUD@danone.com. For The Netherlands - Camila Grosso, Talent Manager via camila.grosso1@danone.com.

* All applications will be considered for a vacancy without discrimination based on ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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