Project Manager Proteins (all genders)
The project manager Proteins is a senior member of the Proteins Development Team, responsible for leading high-impact projects. With deep expertise in dairy proteins and a strong foundation in food science or technology, the project manager proteins translates strategy into execution. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this role combines advanced project leadership, stakeholder influence, and mentoring. The project manager plays a pivotal role in executing high impact innovation projects and contributing to long-term strategy of dairy streams within a dynamic and evolving business environment.
What we ask
- Master’s degree or PhD in Food Science, Dairy Technology, Biotechnology, or a related field, with at least 10 years of relevant experience in protein innovation and development.
- Proven leadership in innovation and cross-functional collaboration, preferably involving dairy or whey proteins, and translating scientific insights into scalable, commercially viable solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to manage large project portfolios, including resource and budget planning, risk assessment, and stakeholder alignment across multiple disciplines and organizational levels.
- Strong conceptual and analytical skills, with experience in experimental design, data interpretation, and factory-scale implementation.
- Skilled in navigating organizational dynamics and building effective collaborations with internal and external stakeholders, including supply chain, marketing, product group management, and external research partners.
- Strategic thinking and interdisciplinary integration, and the ability to integrate these perspectives into development strategies.
- Experience in coaching and mentoring junior colleagues and contributing to capability development within the team.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
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 €5,250 and €7,150 gross per month (full-time), depending on experience and fit for the role;
- A workweek of 32 to 38 hours, 5% year-end allowance, 12.5% bonus, 8% holiday allowance and a pension scheme;
- Hybrid working with flexible working hours, a train card and/or € 0.23 per km (max. 30 km one way);
- 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, employee assistance programs and diversity initiatives;
- Extras at the head office, such as milk and cheese during lunch, fresh fruit and barista coffee.
Vacancy description
In this position, your tasks and responsibilities include:
- Lead and deliver multiple high-impact projects aligned with business strategy. Ensure alignment with strategic business goals, and take accountability for project outcomes.
- Translate strategic protein development ambitions into a project portfolio. Develop and manage alignment with business strategy.
- Operate as a senior project leader and subject matter expert, guiding execution and interpretation of results, and guiding teams in the execution and interpretation of results.
- Act as a key liaison between R&D and other disciplines such as supply chain, product group management, marketing, and finance. Ensure stakeholder influence in decision-making.
- Mentor others, fostering knowledge development and project delivery excellence within the team.
- Initiate and maintain networks to stay ahead of scientific, technological, and market developments relevant to protein valorization.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement, and support the Development Manager in driving efficiency and capability building across the team.
Team Details
See all colleagues on LinkedInFor thousands of people every day, we are more than just a dairy company. To our farmers, our employees, the communities we serve, the businesses we work with and the people to whom we bring happiness, FrieslandCampina means something more. For them it's not just about what we do, but who we are.
We value talented people from any background who want to contribute to something bigger than themselves. We encourage all of our employees to make decisions that benefit our entire company. At FrieslandCampina we own our own career and act accordingly. We trust you to make a difference in your job and influence the bigger picture. Working at FrieslandCampina means you are contributing to a better world.
You will be a member of the cluster Proteins within the FrieslandCampina Ingredients development team. The position is based in Wageningen, the Netherlands, in the FrieslandCampina Innovation Centre. The Proteins team comprises a mix of highly skilled experts, project managers and development specialists. The dairy protein ingredients we develop and maintain are targeted at the markets Early Life Nutrition, Medical Nutrition and Performance & Active Nutrition.