R&D Development Specialist

JACOBS DOUWE EGBERTS; Utrecht; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

JDE Peet’s is seeking a Development Specialist to lead technology projects from research to implementation within Global R&D, Technology Solutions. You will collaborate with NPD, Engineering, and Operations and lead pilots, plant trials, and DoE studies while preparing commissioning, qualification and verification activities.

The role requires strong technical acumen in chemical/process engineering, with 2–5 years of post-graduate experience and willingness to travel internationally for project

Qualifications

• Experience executing laboratory, pilot plant or industrial scale trials with autonomy.
• Experience with design of experiments (DoE) and statistical tools.
• Experience using MS tools.
• Ability to travel internationally as required by project needs.
• Academic degree in Chemical Engineering/Process Engineering/Food Technology/Food Science or equivalent.
• 2–5 years post studies relevant work experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead small to mid-sized technology development projects or workstreams.
• Plan budgeting and resources for projects and workstreams.
• Collaborate with engineering, packing and category colleagues for on-time delivery.
• Support writing technology factbooks and commissioning, qualification, verification prep and completion.
• Execute and lead pilot or plant trials; report findings to stakeholders.
• Provide technical consultancy or support in areas of expertise.

Skills

DoE

MS Tools

Lab/Pilot trials

Travel internationally

Statistical tools

Education

Chemical Engineering

Process Engineering

Food Technology

Food Science

Tools

DoE software

Job description

We’re looking for a Development Specialist to join our Global R&D, Technology Solutions team. In this role, you’ll lead technology projects from research to implementation, working closely with NPD, Engineering, and Operations teams. Responsibilities include:

• Lead of small to mid-sized technology development projects, or lead workstreams within a larger technology project.
  • Responsible for project/workstream planning, budgeting, and resources.
  • Collaborate with engineering, packing, and category colleagues to ensure on time in full project delivery.
  • Supporting in writing technology factbooks and Commissioning, Qualification, Verification preparation and completion.
• Building and applying relevant technological knowledge and best practices to support execution of projects as a well as troubleshooting of manufacturing challenges.
• Tasks can include: executing and leading pilot or plant trials; reporting & presenting findings within JDE stakeholder and project teams; and providing technical consultancy or support in personal expertise areas.

Qualifications

Working at JDE Peet’s is hands-on, giving you the chance to leave your mark while working together as one team. We’re a fast-paced company on a mission, focused on what matters most. Our environment demands energy, agility, and bold thinking. If you’re ready to make an impact and grow in a global team, JDE Peet’s is the place for you.

For this role as Development Specialist, we’re looking for someone who has the following skills and experience:

• Experience in executing laboratory, pilot plant or industrial scale trials with a high level of autonomy.
• Working with design of experiments (DoE) and statistical tools.
• Experience using MS tools.
• Ability to travel internationally as required by project needs.
• Academic level degree in Chemical Engineering/Process Engineering/Food Technology/Food Science or equivalent.
• 2 – 5 years post studies relevant work experience.

Additional Information

Our DE&I Statement

At JDE Peet’s we aim to create a better future where we authentically serve, reflect and embrace everyone. We believe in fostering a more diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation where everyone feels comfortable to truly be who they are and unleash their full potential. This means we do not tolerate discrimination on the basis of our race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, age, disability, or any other trait protected by law.

Throughout the entire employee lifecycle, we place DE&I at the core of our people processes. This enables us to drive objectivity and eliminate any potential bias, ensuring an inclusive experience in the workplace. Do not hesitate to reach out if you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process.

Our efforts on this agenda have earned us the prestigious Catalyst Award, as well as the Fair Pay Leader Certification in 2025 thanks to an unexplained gender pay gap of 0.52%.

#unleashyourpossibility #acupofamazing

JDE Peet’s - now part of Keurig Dr Pepper – is the world’s leading pure-play coffee company, with a presence in more than 100 markets. Guided by our ‘Reignite the Amazing’ strategy, we are focused on brand-led growth across three big bets: Peet’s, L’OR, and our 10 strategically selected local icons led by Jacobs.

Company Description

Who we are?

We are JDE Peet’s. We craft coffee for every cup and build brands for every heart.

JDE Peet’s - now part of Keurig Dr Pepper – is the world’s leading pure-play coffee company, with a presence in more than 100 markets. Guided by our ‘Reignite the Amazing’ strategy, we are focused on brand-led growth across three big bets: Peet’s, L’OR, and our 10 strategically selected local icons led by Jacobs. In 2025, JDE Peet’s generated total sales of EUR 9.9 billion and employed a global workforce of more than 21,000 employees. Discover more about our journey to deliver a coffee for every cup and a brand for every heart at www.jdepeets.com .

Life at JDE Peet's? It's not just a job, it's a whole vibe upgrade.

We know what actually matters to you - job security, real growth, and not burning out by 30. So here's the menu of what you actually get:

• Work-life balance, but make it real: 25 annual leave days + 12 ADV days (yes, that's basically an extra month off). Plus a tax-efficient bike plan — skip the traffic, get fit, save money. Win-win-win.
• Well-being that goes beyond a wellness app: 1-on-1 lifestyle coaching on nutrition, sleep, stress and recovery. Real sleep workshops if you're running on empty. Confidential, judgment-free support for smoking, alcohol, or anything life throws at you — anonymous if you want it. Plus a fitness contribution and health insurance discount, because your body clocks in too.
• We've got your back, literally: Ergonomic assessments and workplace evaluations so your job doesn't wreck your body. Because 'sustainable career' should mean your spine too.
• Growth that's actually funded: €1,500 net learning budget every calendar year — yours to spend on you. No red tape, no 'maybe next year.'
• Security you can actually count on: Fixed monthly salary + 8% holiday allowance + 8.33% year-end bonus, plus a pension plan where we've got skin in the game too.
• Flexibility that respects your life: Work-from-home allowance and commuting allowance, because your 9-to-5 shouldn't own your whole day.