Application Support Specialist

Bunge; Zaandam; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to a fully equipped Creative Studio

Room for growth and professional development

Job summary

Bunge in Noord-Holland is seeking an Application Support Specialist who will develop and optimize food applications in our Creative Studio. The role is laboratory- and kitchen-based, focusing on product creation and testing. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology and 3–5 years of relevant experience.

We offer an innovative environment with room for professional growth, creativity in food technology, and access to a fully equipped Creative Studio.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in food applications, preferably in bakery or confectionery.
• Strong technical affinity with a professional chef background.
• Fluency in English is required.

Responsibilities

• Translate briefs into innovative product concepts and prototypes.
• Conduct application testing to demonstrate benefits of specialty oils and fats.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Creative Studio.

Skills

Observational skills

Analytical capabilities

Recipe development

Product optimization

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology

Job description

City: Wormerveer; State: Noord-Holland (NL-NH); Country: Netherlands (NL); Requisition Number: 45822

Are you a creative food professional with a background in baking, pastry, or chocolate—and a strong technical mindset? This role sits at the intersection of craftsmanship and food technology.

As an Application Support Specialist, you will be responsible for developing, testing, and optimizing food applications in our Creative Studio. You will translate product briefs into tangible prototypes while ensuring our application lab operates at the highest standards.

This role is hands‑on, laboratory‑ and kitchen‑based, with a strong focus on product creation, testing, and lab management.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Applications

• Translate internal and customer briefs into innovative product concepts and prototypes
• Rapidly create and iterate multiple product prototypes at the request of key stakeholders
• Develop new recipes and refine existing applications, often based on specific market trends

Testing & Analysis

• Conduct application testing (functional, sensory, and shelf-life evaluation) to demonstrate the benefits of our specialty oils and fats as part of development projects
• Capture observations and translate them into customer value propositions
• Analyze results and document findings in a structured manner
• Clearly and concisely communicate findings, recommendations, and project progress in person and in written reports

Creative Studio & Lab Management

• Oversee day‑to‑day operations of the Creative Studio
• Maintain an organized, clean, and efficient workspace, ensuring all necessary materials and equipment are ready for experiments and comply with internal and external requirements
• Manage inventory, materials, and documentation
• Ensure compliance with HACCP and food safety standards

Collaboration & Innovation

• Work closely with culturally diverse and cross‑functional teams (R&D, Marketing, Sales)
• Contribute to innovation projects and continuous improvement
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, efficiency, and output

What You Bring

Background & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Food Technology or a related field
• Professional chef background (e.g. baker, pâtissier, chocolatier) with strong technical affinity
• 3–5 years of experience in food applications, preferably in bakery or confectionery

Skills

• Strong observational and analytical capabilities
• Creative, hands‑on, and solution‑oriented mindset
• Ability to work quickly and adapt in a dynamic environment
• Experience with recipe development and product optimization
• Curious and eager to learn new things
• Strong organization and time management skills
• Team player with willingness to collaborate cross‑functionally and contribute to team goals

Other Requirements

• Fluency in English (required)
• Knowledge of HACCP and food safety standards is a strong plus

Who You Are

You are someone who thrives in a kitchen/lab environment and enjoys both creating and improving products. You combine craftsmanship with analytical thinking and are comfortable working hands‑on. You are proactive, structured, and able to move quickly while maintaining quality.

What We Offer

• A role in an innovative and international environment
• Access to a fully equipped Creative Studio
• The opportunity to combine creativity with food technology
• Room for growth and professional development