Research and Development-driven business developer

Your role

Interfood is looking for a passionate and knowledgeable ‘Research and Development-Driven Business Developer’. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in food ingredients and product development to drive business growth and innovation. You will work closely with your colleagues in commerce and Research and Development to meet customer and supplier needs.

Understanding the role of food ingredients in the final product application is what drives the Research and Development (R&D) Team at Interfood. With this knowledge we can match supply and demand together, guiding both customers and suppliers to reach their goals for product application and processing. Our customers look for products like butter, cheese and milk powders that have specific properties tailored to their food applications. For example, butter with the right hardness for making croissants, or protein powders that dissolve easily in sports drinks. Are you looking forward to being an integral part of this team?

As our ‘R&D-Driven Business Developer’ you:

Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers and suppliers.
Provide R&D expertise to customers regarding product applications.
Participate in co-development projects to meet market needs.
Collaborate with the R&D team to understand the role of food ingredients in product application.
Match supply and demand by guiding customers and suppliers to achieve desired results.
Identify and pursue new business opportunities in the food industry through close cooperation with commerce.
Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in food technology.

Your profile

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.

3 to 6 years of industrial experience in the food industry, preferably with a background from WUR and/or HAS.

Proven experience in product and/or business development, R&D, or a similar role in the (B2B) food industry.

Strong understanding of food ingredients and their impact on product application.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Interest in marketing and communication

Fluent in English, Dutch and ideally, a third foreign language

A day in the life of a R&D-driven business developer

You feel at home in a family-owned, flat, interactive and entrepreneurial company.

08:30

Grab a cup of coffee and catch-up with your team colleagues

09:00

Get a call from a commercial colleague about an urgent question from a customer about the foamability of WPI in a sport beverage.

9.30

In a meeting with R&D colleagues, you learn about the effect of browning of cheese on pizza and the implications for customers

10.30

You work on a presentation for a customer taking into account the results from our Dairy Food Studio.

11.30

You have a spontaneous catch up with a commercial colleague about a supplier improvement project.

12.00

Together with your R&D colleagues, you enjoy a healthy lunch, followed by a walk through the nature.

13.00

The meeting with the customer goes well. You manage to convince the customer to try the new source of cheese by understanding their needs and sharing results based on facts.

14.00

You plan your trip to a butter supplier to Germany next week together with your colleagues.

15.00

A online meeting with a customer takes place, in which you try to understand their needs in terms of product application needs.

16.00

You share the product functionality needs in detail with the R&D-Team and brainstorm about the ways how we can do business with the customer.

Your colleagues

Wouter Berendsen
Global Portfolio Director Fat & Cheese

Why Interfood?
Interfood's entrepreneurial spirit, flat organization, and drive for change create a great atmosphere to work in. The enthusiasm generated by the teams' drive to make change and business happen is truly inspiring. Back in 2018, the R&D team did not exist. Today, the R&D team consists of 10 members worldwide, proving that Interfood is ready to invest in valuable ideas and innovations which drive progress and success.

What do you expect from your new colleague?
In order to feel at home in Interfood, you need to be able to be a star in communication both with R&D, production and commercial stakeholders both internally and externally. You should have strong interest in how food ingredients work in food applications, and be open for change and a self-starter. A couple years of experience in the B2B food ingredients or food development industry is key in this role.

Karlijn Horrevorts
R&D Manager

Why Interfood?
Interfood is an inspiring and dynamic work environment where ambition, innovation, and having fun go hand in hand. As a global trading organization, we are at the heart of the market. Which makes R&D at Interfood is unique. You can use your expertise to drive growth for both Interfood and our partners. You can make a real impact—if you take the opportunity, the possibilities are endless!

What do you expect from your new colleague?
A valued team member is excited about R&D and food technology, eager to learn, and open to exchange ideas. An interest in dairy ingredients and their functionality in various food applications, such as chocolate, croissants, and protein bars, is essential. A dynamic environment like ours requires flexibility, things can change in an instant! If you’re ready to challenge and be challenged, we’d love to have you on board.

Our offer

Competitive compensation and benefits.
A dynamic and innovative work environment.
Opportunities for professional growth and development.
40 hour work week, 25 holidays.
Free delicious and healthy lunch.
Participate in fun team activities.
Free gym inside our office.
Travel within Europe.

About Interfood

Step into our Bladel office and experience the energy of our team.

A workplace where collaboration, passion, and innovation come together—because great things happen when people enjoy what they do.

Do you like to work for an international company? Do you value professionality and quality? Are you comfortable in a dynamic environment? But on the other hand looking for cooperation in a close and informal team? Then Interfood is the ideal employer for you.

The Interfood Group is a leading global dairy trading company (milk powders, butter, cheese, dairy blends etc.). The Group consists of 14 offices in all continents with more than 350 employees. Our constant strive for optimal quality, up-to-date knowledge and a profound focus on service, enables Interfood to create the difference for its robust network of both clients and suppliers.

Interfood keeps on growing and developing by its proactive market approach.

We stimulate personal development and initiatives from our employees. Interfood, originally a family-based company, proves that global professionalism can still be combined with a unique personal company culture, in which we focus on following values: Teamwork, Commitment, Continuous Improvement, Professionalism & Responsible Leadership. All contributing to our purpose: Together for better.

Will you become our new team member?

Apply now