Customer Innovation Manager, Special Nutrition, Zaandijk

About the Role As a Customer Innovation Manager, you will drive co‑development projects in close collaboration with customers and the sales team within Industry Special Nutrition, Europe. Working in a multidisciplinary and hands‑on environment, you will build a strong project pipeline, align product requirements internally and externally, and provide technicalsupport to key accounts. Reporting to the Head of Industry Special Nutrition, Europe, you will play a key role in delivering innovative, customer‑focused solutions. This role is a 6 month FTC.

Responsibilities

Support the sales team in identifying and developing new opportunities with selected customer(s) and identify potential prospects.

Act as a technical specialist, providing customers with expert advice on technical, quality, and food safety matters.

Initiate and lead customer co‑development projects, delivering tailor‑made products aligned with scientific, market, and regulatory development.

Translate customer requirements into production processes and product specifications.

Organise innovation meetings and technical seminars for customers.

Support commercial product management with technological and nutritional expertise to drive market‑led innovation.

Collaborate closely with global and regional colleagues, visit customers, and represent the company at trade fairs.

About You

University degree in Food Technology, Nutrition, or a related field.

Several years of relevant experience within the food industry, preferably in high‑quality applications such as infant nutrition.

Strong technological and/or nutritional interest.

Knowledge of vegetable oils and fats is an advantage.

Passion for working directly with customers and developing tailored solutions.

Comfortable working in an international business environment, including regular travel.

Proactive, flexible team player with strong project management and communication skills.

Ability to collaborate effectively with sales teams and cross‑functional stakeholders.

Fluency in English is essential; additional languages are a plus.

Experience working with SAP is a plus.

Well organised and able to keep a reliable track of customers and processes.

In return AAK offers

Join a pioneering company in specialty oils and fats, driving innovation and sustainability.

In AAK you can work across 25+ countries, gaining international exposure and collaborating with a diverse team.

AAK invests in your development with training, mentorship, and clear career paths.

You will contribute to a greener world with AAK's sustainability‑focused approach.

Join a diverse and inclusive workplace that values every individual's perspective and talents.

About AAK Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen™. We specialize in plant‑based oils that are value‑adding ingredients in many products people love to consume. AAK is committed to sustainability, innovation, and customer co‑development across a wide range of industries.

AAK prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or employment and application for employment.

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