Cheese Tech Lead: Data-Driven Production Optimization

FrieslandCampina; Beneden-Leeuwen; Hybrid; EUR 51,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Laptop and phone

Pension scheme

Annual leave 200 hours

Job summary

FrieslandCampina is seeking a Cheese Technology Specialist in Wageningen to lead the optimization of cheese production technologies. You will develop and safeguard processes, translate cheese knowledge into standards, and work with R&D, Operations, QA, Engineering, and Marketing to ensure initiatives are integrated into the business.

You will analyze data to improve yield, efficiency, and product quality, while navigating a multicultural project environment and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Academic degree in (Food) Process Technology, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in the food, chemical, or process industry.
• Solid understanding of dairy production; knowledge of cheese technology preferred.
• Natural affinity with data and digital tools; ability to turn complex data into impact.
• Experience with structured problem-solving and process optimization (Six Sigma Green Belt).
• Strong project and stakeholder management in multicultural environments.
• Proven collaboration with internal and external partners in technological development.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and safeguard technologies within cheese production processes.
• Contribute to improved milk yield, efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced product quality.
• Translate optimisations into practice and solve complex technical challenges.
• Lead Root Cause Analyses of complex issues within the factories.
• Translate cheese knowledge into technology standards and validate across production sites.
• Work in a data-rich environment and turn complex data into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations, QA, Engineering, and Marketing to integrate initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and labeling standards.
• Provide training and support to employees on systems and tools.

Skills

Data analytics

Project management

Stakeholder management

Multicultural collaboration

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Independent

Decision making

Data visualization

Digital tools

Education

Academic degree in (Food) Process Technology or Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aveve

Databricks

Power BI

Capex licensing

Job description

FrieslandCampina is seeking a Cheese Technology Specialist in Wageningen to lead the optimization of cheese production technologies. You will develop and safeguard processes, translate cheese knowledge into standards, and work with R&D, Operations, QA, Engineering, and Marketing to ensure initiatives are integrated into the business.

You will analyze data to improve yield, efficiency, and product quality, while navigating a multicultural project environment and regulatory requirements.