(Senior) Manager R&D Enzymes Strain Engineering

Job title – (Senior) Manager R&D Enzymes Strain Engineering
Location – Delft, Netherlands

Dsm-firmenich’s Taste, Texture & Health (TTH) Business Unit brings progress to life by creating what is essential for life, desirable for consumers and more sustainable for the planet. TTH’s Division Ingredient Solutions is a leading global supplier of food enzymes, cultures, taste and health ingredients and other specialties for many of the leading global and local dairy, baking, beverages and savory food brands. The Center for Food Innovation (CFI) is the dedicated center for Research & Development (R&D) for TTH and is responsible for the development of food ingredients, cost-effective production processes and solutions for our customers. We are looking for a (Senior) Manager R&D Enzymes Strain Engineering to join the “Enzyme House” of the Center for Food Innovation.
As the (Senior) Manager R&D Enzymes Strain Engineering, you join the Enzyme House leadership team to manage a specialist group and lead technical efforts in enzyme screening and strain development, optimizing production strains and you will be supporting the enzyme R&D strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and develop a team of specialists in enzyme strain engineering, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
Oversee resource planning and project alignment to ensure timely and effective delivery of R&D objectives.
Act as technical lead for enzyme screening and strain development within multidisciplinary project teams.
Translate business needs into actionable R&D strategies and workplans for enzyme strain development.
Interpret, analyse, and communicate experimental results to stakeholders.
Champion quality, safety, and well-being within your team.

We Offer

Unique career paths across health, nutrition, and beauty, with opportunities to make a real impact.
The chance to work on science-led projects that shape a more sustainable future.
A collaborative, uplifting culture where every voice matters.
Growth and leadership development in a global, innovative environment.
A community that values curiosity, creativity, and continuous learning.
Competitive rewards and benefits, including flexible options to support your well-being.

You Bring

PhD or equivalent experience in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or Microbiology.
Expertise in enzyme expression and/or strain engineering (filamentous fungal, bacterial, or yeast).
Over 5 years’ experience in life sciences, R&D, or innovation environments.
Proven project and/or people management skills.
Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complexity.
A collaborative, communicative approach and fluency in English.

About dsm-firmenich
At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.
Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.

From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement
At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.
We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.
We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.
And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.

Agency statement
We’re managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.