Product Developer – Ripened Cheese Innovation

About the role

We are looking for a seasoned Product Developer to lead the creation of innovative ripened cheese products using our next‑generation, microbially produced casein platform. You will work at the core of our R&D team, turning cutting‑edge biotechnology into delicious, cow‑free cheeses that meet consumer expectations for taste and texture.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and refine prototypes of hard, semi‑hard, soft and blue cheeses from microbially produced casein.
• Optimize coagulation, acidification, salting and maturation processes.
• Maintain detailed laboratory records to ensure traceability and reproducibility.
• Plan and conduct sensory evaluations, using feedback to improve product quality.
• Support quality control and food safety testing, ensuring compliance with internal and external standards.
• Prepare technical documentation and regulatory dossiers.
• Collaborate with food technologists, process scientists and commercial teams across multiple R&D projects.
• Adapt quickly to changing ingredients, inputs and project priorities.

Required profile

• Hands‑on experience developing ripened cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, camembert, gruyère or blue cheese.
• Degree in Food Science, Dairy Technology, Food Engineering or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of cheesemaking processes including coagulation, cultures, curd handling, pressing, brining and maturation.
• Proactive, structured and curious mindset.

Required skills

• Cheesemaking process optimisation
• Sensory evaluation design and analysis
• Regulatory dossier preparation (EFSA, FSA or similar)
• HACCP and GMP implementation
• Understanding of EU food safety standards
• Experience with microbially produced casein or alternative dairy ingredients (optional)

What we offer

• Career growth in a fast‑expanding plant‑based dairy sector.
• Participation in a personnel share‑ownership program.
• Creative, collaborative work environment with a “cowboy” spirit.