Product Development and Application Specialist; m​/f​/d; m​/f​/d

Product Development and Application Specialist (m/f/d)

Location: Neuss, DE, 41460

City: Neuss State: Nordrhein-Westfalen (DE-NW) Country: Germany (DE) Requisition Number: 43069

We are seeking a Product Development and Application Specialist (m/f/d) to join our Research & Development department in Neuss, effective immediately.

As a Product Development Specialist, you will be a pivotal connection within our European Product Development and Application team. You will drive the end-to-end development of strategic product and process innovations, making a significant contribution to our business success. Your responsibilities include leading customer and strategy-driven projects, developing innovative solutions, and fostering a collaborative work environment. You will ensure clear project direction, strong team engagement, and demonstrable results that directly enhance Bunge's value for customers and market growth.

• Leading End-to-End R&D Projects:
  • Taking responsibility for the entire lifecycle of B2B product, process, and application development projects – from conception to successful commercialization.
  • Managing project scope, timelines, resources, and risks to achieve business objectives and strategic outcomes.
  • Taking on project leadership for strategic initiatives across various application areas, with a strong focus on baked goods, confectionery, dairy products, and plant-based food applications.
  • Ensuring structured prioritization and efficient resource allocation, implementing project management best practices, effective stakeholder communication, and seamless cross-functional collaboration.
• Technical Solution Development & Expertise:
  • Developing, modifying, and optimizing new and existing products and processes.
  • Applying in-depth academic knowledge and practical skills in fats and oils chemistry, modification techniques, and relevant food science principles.
  • Continuously integrating market trends, scientific advancements, analytical methods, and creative approaches to strengthen our innovation portfolio.
  • Conducting shelf-life studies and comprehensive market analyses to derive actionable recommendations and solutions that enhance product performance, market positioning, and efficiency.
• Fostering Collaboration, Engagement & Capability Building:
  • Actively contributing to and internalizing company and team strategy.
  • Promoting a unified team approach and facilitating knowledge exchange.
  • Preparing and leading effective external and internal communications/training sessions on new developments, technologies, and competencies.
  • Building strong relationships with stakeholders and customers to ensure effective, transparent information exchange.
  • Continuously fostering personal and team development.
• Data-Driven Transparency and Business Impact:
  • Actively utilizing and contributing to transparent and traceable tracking of all projects and priorities, including the evaluation and analysis of data from the monitoring program.
  • Providing clear progress overviews and supporting data-driven decisions for strategic project resource planning and allocation.
  • Identifying and implementing efficiency improvements to maximize delivery value and resource utilization.

• Education & Experience:
  • Completed Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science/Technology, or a related technical field.
  • Knowledge of food processing is an advantage.
  • Minimum 3-5 years of progressive experience in R&D roles within the food industry.
  • Of which at least 2-3 years directly leading or managing technical projects from conception to commercialization.
  • Proven experience in developing and optimizing products for baked goods, confectionery, dairy products, and/or plant-based applications.
  • Experience with baked goods, as a chef, or in food service is a plus.
  • Fluent in German and English, both written and spoken, is mandatory.
• Technical Skills & Knowledge:
  • In-depth R&D knowledge in fats and oils chemistry, modification techniques, and process technologies.
  • Advanced knowledge in baked goods, confectionery, dairy products, and plant-based applications.
  • Strong project management expertise, including a proven…