Head of R&D NL — Bakery & Confectionery Innovation

pladis Global; Zaandam; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

pladis Global in Zaandam, Netherlands, seeks a Head of R&D for the Netherlands region. Based at the Zaandam site, you will lead the Netherlands R&D team to deliver the agenda on time and in full, accelerating growth and ensuring strong formulation and processing competency.

The role focuses on product development and commercialization, requiring leadership to coach and develop the team, while collaborating with UK & Europe R&D LT and regional stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Engineering or a related scientific discipline.
• Advanced degree desirable.
• Significant (typically 5+ years) FMCG R&D leadership experience; 10 years in FMCG food, ideally baked snacks.
• Strong product development and commercialization track record.
• Languages: English fluent mandatory; Dutch/Turkish desirable.
• High competency in Microsoft Office systems; High competency in AI Assistants, Agents, & Competency tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Netherlands R&D strategic pipeline for innovation, renovation, and productivity projects.
• Drive end-to-end product development from ideation to launch.
• Provide technical leadership across formulation, ingredients, processing technology, and product performance.

Skills

English fluent

Leadership

Product development

Collaboration

MS Office

AI Tools/Competency tools

Education

BSc in Food Science/Technology, Chemistry, or Engineering

Advanced degree desirable

Tools

AI Assistants/Competency tools

Job description

pladis Global in Zaandam, Netherlands, seeks a Head of R&D for the Netherlands region. Based at the Zaandam site, you will lead the Netherlands R&D team to deliver the agenda on time and in full, accelerating growth and ensuring strong formulation and processing competency.

The role focuses on product development and commercialization, requiring leadership to coach and develop the team, while collaborating with UK & Europe R&D LT and regional stakeholders.