Project Manager

Lead complex, multidisciplinary research and new product development projects at the Cosun Innovation Center in Dinteloord. Drive projects from planning to delivery, ensuring they meet timelines, budgets, and quality standards, strengthening Cosun’s growth strategy and innovation pipeline. Work closely with Project Owners and lead an interdisciplinary project team, managing resources, documentation, and stakeholder communication.

Must Have

• Develop and maintain the overall project plan, including task allocation and monitoring of the project team.
• Ensure all necessary tasks are executed according to agreed timelines and deliverables.
• Define and communicate expected behaviors for team members and monitor performance.
• Report regularly on project progress, state and issues to the Project Owner and stakeholders.
• Secure adequate resources for the project by building and maintaining a team with the right skills.
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive project documentation.
• Chair regular project meetings and ensure effective communication within the team.
• Manage interdependencies between the project and ongoing business processes.
• Act as the operational contact point for external partners.
• Oversee planning, execution, monitoring, and closure of projects.
• Perform risk and issue management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage stakeholders outside the team and ensure clear information flow within the team.
• Organize, motivate, and guide the project team to achieve objectives.
• Ensure the project is delivered within budget, on schedule, and meets quality requirements.
• Create and maintain a business case throughout the project lifecycle.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in innovation, business management, engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of experience in project management within RD&I or new product development
• Proven track record managing complex, multidisciplinary projects
• Familiarity with innovation processes, KPIs, and governance standards
• Strong organizational, planning, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage risks, issues, and interdependencies effectively

Good to Have

• Project management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2)

Perks & Benefits

• Exciting full-time position at the Cosun Innovation Center in Dinteloord
• Work in an innovative and multidisciplinary team
• Room for initiative and professional development
• Excellent employment conditions
• Competitive salary (€5,700 – €7,700) per month
• Pension
• Flexible working hours

Job Description

Ready to lead complex projects that shape the future of plant-based solutions?

At the Cosun Innovation Center in Dinteloord, we are looking for a Project Manager who will lead complex, multidisciplinary research and new product development projects involving new technologies (high risk, high impact). You will accelerate innovation by driving projects from planning to delivery, ensuring they meet timelines, budgets, and quality standards, strengthening Cosun’s growth strategy and innovation pipeline. You will work closely with Project Owners within Corporate Invention and/or the Business Groups and lead an interdisciplinary project team consisting of commercial experts, technology specialists, and product development professionals.

About Cosun

Royal Cosun is an international, leading agricultural cooperative that is owned by approximately 8,100 sugar beet growers. Our purpose is clear: we aim to contribute to an enjoyable, nutritional and circular world by unlocking the full potential of plants and people for current and next generations. This purpose is rooted in 125 years of Cosun history in successfully valorizing arable crops, such as sugar beets, chicory and potatoes, and co-products into a diverse portfolio of value-added products.

What will you do?

• Develop and maintain the overall project plan, including task allocation and monitoring of the project team.
• Ensure all necessary tasks are executed according to agreed timelines and deliverables.
• Define and communicate expected behaviors for team members and monitor performance.
• Report regularly on project progress, state and issues to the Project Owner and stakeholders.
• Secure adequate resources for the project by building and maintaining a team with the right skills.
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive project documentation.
• Chair regular project meetings and ensure effective communication within the team.
• Manage interdependencies between the project and ongoing business processes.
• Act as the operational contact point for external partners.
• Oversee planning, execution, monitoring, and closure of projects.
• Perform risk and issue management throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage stakeholders outside the team and ensure clear information flow within the team.
• Organize, motivate, and guide the project team to achieve objectives.
• Ensure the project is delivered within budget, on schedule, and meets quality requirements.
• Create and maintain a business case throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

Your profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in innovation, business management, engineering, or related field
• Project management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) is a plus
• 7+ years of experience in project management within RD&I or new product development
• Proven track record managing complex, multidisciplinary projects
• Familiarity with innovation processes, KPIs, and governance standards
• Strong organizational, planning, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to manage risks, issues, and interdependencies effectively

Additional Information

What do we offer?

• An exciting full-time position at the Cosun Innovation Center in Dinteloord
• Work in an innovative and multidisciplinary team
• Room for initiative and professional development
• Excellent employment conditions, including a competitive salary (€5,700 – €7,700) per month, pension, and flexible working hours.

Where will you work?

You will be based at the Cosun Innovation Center in Dinteloord, the heart of our Research, Development & Innovation activities. Here, you will collaborate with colleagues and external partners on projects that shape the future of plant-based solutions. Our team culture emphasizes trust, collaboration, and shared ambition, ensuring that everyone feels valued and included. Reporting line to the Innovation Excellence Manager.

Interested? Apply now! Please submit your application by December 16. A case study or assessment may be included as part of the selection process.