Product Design and Development Manager (Core Milks Powder)

About the Job

Nutricia Research Centre for Specialized Nutrition, located in the Utrecht Science Park in the Netherlands is a state-of-the-art Life Science innovation centre for the development of new product concepts for Specialized Nutrition. We create formulas that provide clinically substantiated health benefits to vulnerable consumers – infants, toddlers, elderly and patients. 

For Specialized Nutrition R&I (SN R&I) division we are looking for a Design & Development Manager to join the Core Milks Powder Innovation team. 

Your main responsibilities

The Product Design and Development Manager (PDDM) is responsible for taking the lead within the technical stages of design, formulation and development to deliver new products as part of Specialized Nutrition (SN) focused on the Core Milks Powder portfolio. Additionally, the PDDM is responsible for providing input where needed to the exploratory phase of new project ideas incl. prototyping and testing. The products must be holistically designed considering all business needs (consumer needs and experience, nutrition requirements, COGS, Regulatory, etc.)​.

From this pivotal position within Nutricia’s Research Centre you will be responsible for:

• Design product which will deliver sustainable value in, competitiveness and superior experience on the market
• Create prototypes/samples in the early/exploration phase of the project to drive critical business decisions on value and the product brief
• Co-build the product brief together with your key stakeholders in marketing, uX & science
• Be the technical lead within the technical stages of formulation design and development up to commercialization of a new product innovation/renovation
• Ensure formulations follow robust design principles, risk mitigations are in place, and all documentation is in line with InnoPro Governance process.
• Work cross-functionally (project teams) to deliver holistic products to the market
• Work closely with Specification Management on raw material selection
• Work closely together with stakeholders in Supply Points, Pilot Plants and Advanced teams on trials and alignments on the final results
• Able to anticipate risks and challenges and to proactively propose solution
• Build and own expertise on product category: Technical, Quality in Design​, Consumer Experience, Competitive landscape

• Able to look critically at the current product development process & challenge the status quo and capturing knowledge

About You

• Minimum 2-year experience in Product Development, preferably in Powdered milks
• MSC Degree or higher in Food Science/Technology
• Scientific Mindset (to understand SN)
• Proficiency using tools for formulation design, documentation, systems and processes are key to the compliance and quality aspect to the role
• Experience with Product Design and Development based on Consumer insights: Manage for value and holistic design
• Proactive in work and communication
• Strong Stakeholder Management skills
• Team Player/Collaborative Mindset
• Critical thinking and problem solving

• Quick to analyse complex problems and propose pragmatic solutions with concrete action plans
• Can deal with changing priorities, manage uncertainty and deal with complexity in a dynamic organization
• Is fluent in English, both verbal and written
• Is allowed to work in NL 　

About Us

Working here you’ll need to enjoy a fast-pace, complexity and it can get a little challenging. But it’s packed with opportunities. You’ll work with some of the best-known brands in the world, such as  Nutricia, Aptamil, Nutrilon and other local Infant Formula brands and we absolutely guarantee that you can just be yourself. Be innovative and entrepreneurial and the impact you could make might just amaze you. Join our movement for a healthier world. One Planet One Health BY YOU.

We are proud to be an equal employer. We are convinced our differences make the difference and that an inclusive working environment will drive our growth as a business, as teams and as individuals. We will therefore consider all applicants for employment* fostering an inclusive working culture that is accessible for all.

Did you know that as a B-Corp certified company, Danone Benelux meets the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability?

We Offer

At Danone, we offer a complete package of benefits, with a competitive primary salary and yearly bonus, but also benefits like a premium free pension, 30 days annual leave and several discounts on a collective health insurance and even on some of our products.

What’s next?

Are you the Product Design and Development Manager (IMF Powder) we are looking for? Hit the “apply now” button now. To comply with GDPR regulations, we cannot process your personal data without given consent. Therefore, we strongly recommend applying directly via our career website.

Need more information? Please contact Joost Rijksen, Talent Manager Quality and Research & Innovation via joost.rijksen@danone.com.

* all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.