Cheese Technology Specialist (all genders)

FrieslandCampina; Wageningen; On-site; EUR 50,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary €4,478–€6,077 gross per month

32–38 hour work week

5% year-end allowance

10% company bonus (performance-based)

Company car

8% holiday allowance

Pension scheme

200 hours annual leave (buy/sell up to

Laptop, phone and home office setup

Job summary

FrieslandCampina is seeking a Cheese Technology Specialist to optimize cheese production processes. You will lead developments to improve milk yield, efficiency and quality, translating complex data into actionable recommendations within a diverse, global team.

You will work on technology standards, process licensing in Capex projects, and scalable innovations across production sites, ensuring compliance with food safety and labeling requirements.

Qualifications

• Requires a degree in (Food) Process Technology, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in food, chemical, or process industry.
• Solid dairy production knowledge; cheese tech is a plus.
• Strong data affinity and ability to translate data into impact.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and safeguard cheese production technologies across factories.
• Identify opportunities to improve milk yield, efficiency, and product quality.
• Lead root cause analyses of complex production issues.
• Translate cheese knowledge into technology standards and validate across sites.
• Collaborate with R&D, Operations, QA, Engineering and Marketing to integrate tech initiatives.

Skills

Data analysis

Project management

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Education

Degree in Food Process Technology / Chemical Engineering

Tools

Aveve

Databricks

Power BI

Job description

Are you passionate about cheese & process technology and eager to play a key role in further optimizing our cheese production processes? The Global Supply Chain Technology team is looking for an experienced Cheese Technology Specialist (all genders) who can elevate our cheese factories to the next level.

• Vacaturelocatie (kort): Wageningen, NLD, 6708WH
• Contract Hours: 32-40

What we ask:

• An academic degree in (Food) Process Technology, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in the food, chemical, or process industry.
• A solid understanding of dairy production. Understanding of cheese technology is a pré.
• A natural affinity with data, digital tools (Aveve, databricks, PBI) and the ability to turn complex data into impact.
• Experience with structured problem-solving & process optimization(Six Sigma Green belt).
• Strong project and stakeholder management skills, with experience working in dynamic, end-to-end and multicultural project environments.
• Proven collaboration with internal and external partners in technological development.
• Key competencies: analytical, fact-based, independent, solution-oriented, well-organized, and critical.

What we offer:

At FrieslandCampina you work on strong, globally loved brands enjoyed by millions every day, like Friso, Campina, Chocomel and Frisian Flag. As a farmer-owned cooperative, we combine an international environment with a clear social and sustainable purpose. We support your growth through training, coaching and internal career opportunities. With trust and autonomy, you can make real impact.

Employment benefits:

• Salary between €4,478 and €6,077 gross per month (full-time), depending on experience and fit for the role.
• A work week of 32 to 38 hours, a 5% year-end allowance, 10% company bonus (company performance-based), company car, 8% holiday allowance and a pension scheme.
• 200 hours of annual leave, with the option to buy or sell up to 40 hours.
• A laptop, phone and home office equipment to support flexible working.
• Wellbeing and inclusion initiatives, such as health support and employee assistance programs.
• Extras at the head office, such as milk and cheese during lunch, fresh fruit and barista coffee.

Vacancy description:

In this role, you are responsible for developing, optimizing, and safeguarding technologies within our cheese production processes. You contribute to improved milk yield, efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced product quality. You work closely with various disciplines to translate optimisations into practice and solve complex technical challenges.

You will be able to deliver the following within your area of expertise:

• Identify opportunities to improve milk yield & efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality in our cheese factories.
• Execute process licensing within Capex projects.
• Translate and scale up (product & process) innovations into the production environment.
• Lead Root Cause Analyses of complex issues within the factories.
• Translate cheese knowledge into technology standards and validate these across our production sites.
• Work in a data-rich environment and turn complex data in clear, actionable recommendations.
• Work closely with R&D, Operations, Quality Assurance, Engineering, and Marketing to ensure that technology initiatives are fully integrated into the overall business strategy.
• Ensure that all activities comply with relevant regulations and standards, including food safety, quality, and labelling requirements.
• Provide training and support to employees on your area of expertise, systems, and tools to ensure effective integration into the business.

You will work within the Cheese Technology cluster of the Global Supply Chain Technology team. This cluster consists of 9 experts, and the full SC team includes 60 technologists.