Product Development and Application Specialist

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.

Your Responsibilities Will Include:

• 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.

What You Bring to the Team

• 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 foodservice 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 track record in leading customer-oriented R&D projects from initiation to successful, on-time, and on-budget completion.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills for complex technical and business challenges.
• Excellent stakeholder management and external/internal communication skills.

• Behavioral Competencies & Soft Skills:

• Ability to make data-driven decisions and place the customer at the center of all actions.

• Collaborative work style, effective communication, and proactivity for continuous self-development.

• Readiness to solve problems and take action, even under pressure or during changes.

• A challenging and diverse position within a globally operating company.
• The opportunity to accompany innovative projects from the initial idea to market launch.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment that promotes personal and professional development.
• Attractive compensation and comprehensive social benefits.
• Extensive onboarding and opportunities for further training.

The Bunge Group is one of the world's largest trading and processing companies for oilseeds and grains. Our business segments encompass agricultural product trading and processing, as well as food production, serving customers globally., At Bunge (NYSE: BG), our purpose is to connect farmers to consumers to deliver essential food, feed and fuel to the world. As a premier agribusiness solutions provider, our team of ~37,000 dedicated employees partner with farmers across the globe to move agricultural commodities from where they're grown to where they're needed-in faster, smarter, and more efficient ways. We are a world leader in grain origination, storage, distribution, oilseed processing and refining, offering a broad portfolio of plant-based oils, fats, and proteins. We work alongside our customers at both ends of the value chain to deliver quality products and develop tailored, innovative solutions that address evolving consumer needs. With 200+ years of experience and presence in over 50 countries, we are committed to strengthening global food security, advancing sustainability, and helping communities prosper where we operate. Bunge has its registered office in Geneva, Switzerland and its corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. Learn more at Bunge.com. Every day our people exemplify these values, which represent Bunge at its core, If this sounds like you, join us! We value and invest in people who believe in our purpose and are excited to live it every day - people who are #ProudtoBeBunge