R&D Digital Systems Manager

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Flora Food Group seeks an experienced R&D Digital Systems Manager to own platforms in Wageningen, overseeing PLM, specification management, regulatory and compliance tools, and project management solutions to establish a single source of truth, ensure data integrity, and drive governance across R&D. You will lead a team of system specialists and data stewards, coordinate upgrades, engage stakeholders, and deliver reporting. The role requires 5 to 7 years in leading R&D digital systems for product and ingredient specifications, PLM expertise, a strong data orientation, and excellent English communication. Apply by Feb 9 with a CV or LinkedIn profile, emphasize PLM wins and KPI impact; Flora values diversity and inclusion.

About Flora Food Group

We offer consumers a compelling choice in four growing categories: butters and spreads, creams, liquids and cheeses. We hold leadership positions in many of the 100 countries we operate in, with iconic brands including Flora, Becel+ProActiv, Blue Band, Country Crock, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, Rama, and Violife, together with our local brands and Professional business.  

Global branded food champion Flora Food Group, offers the next generation of delicious, natural, nutritious food. Our products are more affordable and more sustainable than their dairy equivalents.  

Location: Wageningen, Netherlands 

Hybrid 

About the position 

We are seeking an experienced R&D Digital Systems Manager to take full ownership of core R&D platforms used for product development. These include Product Lifecycle and Specification Management systems (PLM), regulatory and compliance tools, formulation safety design applications, and project management solutions. This role is essential in ensuring the highest standards in R&D product development and design by implementing fit-for-purpose systems that serve as the single source of truth. The manager will also be responsible for maintaining data integrity, overseeing system maintenance, ensuring compliance, and managing data governance processes through effective communication and training. Lead system transformation, updates/upgrades and solution deployment via close collaboration with cross functional teams and technical owners within the R&D community. This position reports directly to the R&D Head of Innovation Management, Technical & Culinary Insights.  

You will:  

• Own and manage key R&D Digital systems -Product Lifecycle Management, Specification Management, Regulatory and Compliance management tools, product and formulation safety design tools, and project management tools. 

• Build and oversee the systems and process improvement pipeline. Coordinate with stakeholders to align priorities, plan initiatives, and secure necessary budget. 

• Ensure optimal system performance, maintain high data quality, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs). 

• Lead and manage a team of system specialists and data stewards. 

• Ensure clear business requirements and test protocols are documented and oversee the implementation, testing, and deployment activities. 

• Manage the specification management process and governance, ensuring data quality, comprehensive training, and clear communication of changes. 

• Establish governance and processes so that team members worldwide uphold company process standards. 

• Own the development and maintenance of R&D business intelligence (BI) reports. 

So what does it take to be successful in this role?   

To be successful in this role, you should be an experienced professional with a minimum 5-7 years of experience in leading R&D digital systems for product and ingredient specification management and product design data management, ideally within the formulation and food industry. Hands-on experience with PLM systems as the data backbone for managing product, recipe, and raw material specifications is essential. You should have a strong affinity for data and thrive in driving digital product and formulation design initiatives. Additionally, you must possess excellent communication skills and proven stakeholder and team management abilities, enabling effective alignment across diverse teams. The ability to work independently, remain driven, and demonstrate resilience in a dynamic and evolving environment is crucial. Fluency in English is required. 
 

What’s Next?  

If this position sounds interesting, please hit the apply button now! The deadline to apply is February 9th.  

We understand your resume might not be up to date and recommend that you apply with what you have or your LinkedIn Profile. Flora Food Group is dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workplace, we understand that you might not meet all the requirements stated in the description, but we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the right candidate for this role or other roles.  

Flora Food Group is an employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and equal opportunities for all. We recruit based only on values, qualifications, performance, skills, behaviours, experience, and knowledge. We ensure job advertisements are free from unintentional bias.  

No personal characteristics should be a barrier to joining Flora Food Group. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other personal characteristics.