Workstream Leader GDC Nutrition Dressings Technology

Workstream Leader – Condiments

Do you enjoy turning complex scientific challenges into successful innovations? Are you passionate about food science and technology that makes a real difference for consumers worldwide? Then this role could be for you.

About Unilever Foods R&D

Foods is Unilever’s largest business group, home to iconic global brands such as Knorr and Hellmann’s, alongside many strong local and regional brands. Our ambition is to be a Force for Good in food—creating products that are healthier, more sustainable, and irresistibly tasty.

Based at our global innovation hub in Wageningen, the Netherlands, our R&D teams work closely with partners across the world to deliver science-led, market winning innovations. Digital, data, and emerging technologies—such as AI and advanced analytics—are increasingly central to how we innovate, from early discovery through to product launch.

About the Condiments Innovation Team

The global Condiments Innovation team leads the R&D agenda for condiments, working closely with brand, business, and supply chain teams to deliver impactful innovations at scale. We focus on developing proprietary technologies, formulation concepts, and science-based solutions that meet real consumer needs—today and in the future.

The Role

We are looking for a Technology Workstream Leader to join our Condiments R&D team in Wageningen.

In this role, you will lead technology development workstreams that support global innovation projects. You will collaborate across R&D, marketing, supply chain, procurement, and external partners to translate new technologies into high quality products that can be successfully manufactured and launched around the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technology development workstreams within global innovation projects
• Act as technical project lead to ensure projects are delivered with quality, speed, and robustness
• Design, coordinate, and interpret kitchen, laboratory, pilot plant, and factory scale trials with end-to-end R&D execution
• Oversee shelf life, stability, and physicochemical testing
• Collaborate with chefs and culinary teams to develop and evaluate recipes for mayonnaise and other condiments
• Support scale‑up and troubleshooting in close partnership with manufacturing, quality, and procurement teams
• Review relevant regulations and scientific literature to support sound technical decisions

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree (HBO or equivalent) in Food Technology, Food Science, Food Engineering, Product Design, or a related field (Master’s degree is a plus)
• Hands-on experience with condiments and emulsion-based product design
• Strong understanding of processing technologies relevant to sauces and condiments
• Experience running experiments and trials across lab, pilot, and factory scale
• Familiarity with digital R&D tools and data-driven ways of working
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional, multicultural teams
• An agile mindset, with the ability to plan long-term while adapting to change
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills

Why Join Us?

At Unilever, you’ll have the opportunity to bring your purpose to life—helping build a better business and a better food system. You’ll work in a diverse, collaborative environment, with real ownership, global exposure, and opportunities to grow your career while shaping the future of condiments innovation.