Processing Expert and Project Manager

Qabird; Ede; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

25 vacation days

13 ADV days

Job summary

NIZO, based in Ede, Netherlands, is seeking a Processing Expert and Project Manager to lead process development, upscaling, and production projects for diverse customers and products. You will guide technical plans, manage teams, and troubleshoot during pilot trials in a fast-paced setting.

You will collaborate with operators, R&D, QA, and sales while contributing to strategic processing offerings. Fluency in English is required; Dutch is a plus, and travel may be involved.

Qualifications

• Academic degree in food technology, dairy technology, chemical engineering, biotechnology, or related.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial or pilot plant processing in food, pharma, biotech or similar.
• Experience with unit operations such as membrane filtration, spray drying, evaporation and extrusion.

Responsibilities

• Scope, design, and lead projects on process development, upscaling, and production.
• Manage projects end-to-end, coordinating operators and experts in a dynamic environment.
• Collaborate with pilot plant, R&D, technical services, QA, and sales to deliver outcomes.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder collaboration

Process development

english fluency

Education

Academic degree in food technology, dairy technology, chemical engineering, biotechnology, or related

Tools

Membrane filtration

Spray drying

Powder processing

Evaporation

Industrial chromatography

Extrusion (high/low moisture)

Job description

About NIZO

At NIZO, we work every day to improve food and health. Since 1948, we have partnered with international food and health companies to develop innovative solutions in the fields of bacteria, proteins, and advanced food processing technologies. From our high-tech R&D center in Ede, we combine science, technology, and hands‑on processing expertise in our food-grade processing facilities. As one of the world’s most advanced contract research organizations, we help companies optimize processes and bring new products to market faster, more sustainably, and more efficiently. With a growing global population, we believe that better nutrition, enabled by robust and scalable processing solutions, is essential for better health, now and in the future.

What You Will Do

As a Processing Expert and Project Manager in the Protein & Processing team, you will scope, design, and lead projects on process development, process upscaling, and production for a wide range of customers and products. You will be a key technical expert and support projects with your broad knowledge and experience in processing complex materials. In this role, you will manage projects end-to-end and work in a highly dynamic environment that requires flexibility and the ability to think on your feet to troubleshoot challenges as they arise during processing. Our pilot plant offers endless possibilities, and you will play a central role in maximizing its potential with your proactive and hands‑on mindset. You will collaborate closely with our skilled operators as well as with experts across all NIZO's areas of expertise to deliver high-quality, innovative outcomes for our customers.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Scoping of projects based on customer requests in the area of food ingredient and product processing.
• The design, development, optimization, and scaling of complex processes for a wide range of (primarily) food ingredients and products, on lab and pilot scale
• End-to-end project management, including developing technical plans with the customer, managing the project execution by the team of operators and experts, and reporting.
• You will use your experience and up-to-date knowledge to help steer our strategy and processing offering.
• You will work closely with colleagues from the pilot plant, R&D, technical services, QA, and sales.

What You Bring

• Academic degree in food technology, dairy technology, chemical engineering, biotechnology, or related. A PhD is considered an advantage but not a requirement.
• At least 5, preferably 10 years of demonstrated experience with industrial or pilot plant processing in food, pharma, biotech or similar.
• Expertise and practical experience with a wide range of unit operations, such as membrane filtration, spray drying and powder processing, evaporation, industrial chromatography, high- and/or low-moisture food extrusion, …
• Business savvy and customer focused; you will be in direct contact with our customers.
• You have, or are developing, an (international) network in the food industry and are willing to travel as needed (conferences, site visits, customer visits,…).
• Proactive, can-do attitude and ability to work independently.
• On site presence during pilot trials, which can start as early as 6 AM.
• Experience planning, organizing, and executing work within a project structure.
• Ability to collaborate with and manage diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Fluent in English. Dutch is an advantage.

What We Offer

A dynamic role at the intersection of science, technology, and innovation—within one of the most advanced food research centers in the world. You will work in a collaborative environment with unique lab and pilot facilities, and contribute directly to the development of healthier, more sustainable foods.

• A diverse and challenging job in a close team working on innovative food systems.
• A people-focused and engaging work environment where you can contribute to more sustainable and healthier food.
• A fair salary aligned with your experience, plus strong employment conditions, including a pension scheme, 25 vacation days and 13 ADV days based on fulltime employment.

Want to know more?

Get in touch with Steven Cornet, [e-mail]