for our partner Danone Nutricia we are looking for a Product Development & Design Manager. To strengthen the product development team for to the Chinese market, we are looking for a Product Development & Design Manager who can translate science and technology into impactful, consumer-relevant innovations.

In this role, you will work very closely with the China CBU and factories in Europe, ensuring alignment between markets, research, operations, and regulatory requirements. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams including:

• Product Development team in Shanghai
• Project leaders in Shanghai and Europe
• Operations and Quality (both global and China-based)
• Specifications management team
• Pilot plant team
• EU supply points

This role is based in Utrecht, where you will be part of an international and fast-paced R&I environment, contributing directly to bringing innovative products and processes to life.
You will work minimum of 2 days on site in Utrecht.

PROFILE

We are looking for someone who combines technical expertise with strong collaboration skills and the motivation to make an impact in a global organization.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field is required. Candidates with a PhD will be considered overqualified for this position.
• At least 1 years of experience in product development, process innovation, or R&D within food, nutrition.
• Proven experience in cross-regional or global collaboration, ideally with exposure to the Chinese market and/or regulatory environment.
• Strong project management skills, able to lead technical workstreams and deliver results on time.
• Excellent communication skills, able to connect with stakeholders across cultures and disciplines.
• A proactive, hands-on mindset with the ability to drive innovation in complex environments.

Terms of Employment

• Contract: 12 months
• full-time employment 40 per week
• Salary indication: €4300 - €5700 gross per month
• 25 vacation days
• Pension contribution by Oxford
• Possibility to (partially) work from home max 3 days
• Innovative and ambitious working environment
• Work in a global role with exposure to both Europe and Asia..

RESPONSIBILITIES

As Product Development & Design Manager, you will:

• Guide and support innovation projects by ensuring robust technical execution, dossier preparation, and timely feedback for China registration.
• Prepare and deliver technical documentation of the highest standard, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and availability on time.
• Guide the innovation process and governance, conducting technical risk assessments and mitigating risks effectively.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with global and local teams, acting as a bridge between Utrecht, Shanghai, and EU factories.
• Contribute to long-term innovation strategy, ensuring that Nutricia products continue to set the benchmark in quality, safety, and scientific leadership.

In this role, you will work very closely with the China CBU and factories in Europe, ensuring alignment between markets, research, operations, and regulatory requirements. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams including:

• Product Development team in Shanghai
• Project leaders in Shanghai and Europe
• Operations and Quality (both global and China-based)
• Specifications management team
• Pilot plant team
• EU supply point

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field is required. Candidates with a PhD will be considered overqualified for this position.
• At least 1 years of experience in product development, process innovation, or R&D within food, nutrition.
• Proven experience in cross-regional or global collaboration, ideally with exposure to the Chinese market and/or regulatory environment.
• Strong project management skills, able to lead technical workstreams and deliver results on time.
• Excellent communication skills, able to connect with stakeholders across cultures and disciplines.
• A proactive, hands-on mindset with the ability to drive innovation in complex environments