Junior Food Innovation Technologist

Are you the flavour creator of tomorrow?

As a Junior Food Innovation Technologist, you’ll help shape the future of our menu — from first idea to restaurant launch.

We’re looking for a hands-on food innovator to help shape the future of our menu.
As Junior Food Innovation Technologist, you’ll work on new product development — from idea to launch. You’ll be in the kitchen, with suppliers, and in cross-functional meetings to make great food happen.

What You’ll Be Doing: 

·         Support the New Product Development pipeline — from concept to restaurant launch

·          Develop and test recipes, ingredients and packaging

·         Work closely with Operations, Supply Chain, QA & Marketing

·         Ensure our products meet KFC’s taste and quality standards

·         Spot food trends and turn them into real innovation

About KFC Netherlands 
Kentucky Fried Chicken, the American fried chicken restaurant chain, has been operating in the Netherlands since 1972. The country is now home to 96 KFC restaurants. Every day, KFC chefs freshly prepare both chicken and vegetarian options, still using the original 1939 recipe created by founder Colonel Harland Sanders. In addition to focusing on its products and the continued growth of its restaurant network, the company places strong emphasis on the development of all its employees.

About Collins Foods Europe 
Collins Foods Europe (CFE) is part of Collins Foods Limited (CFL). CFL is an ASX200 listed company with operations dating back to 1969 when CFL opened the first KFC restaurant in Queensland, Australia. Fast forward 50 years and CFL is now the largest franchisee of KFC Restaurants in Australia operating over 270 KFC restaurants across Australia and 62 restaurants in the Netherlands and 16 restaurants in Germany. The CFE Restaurant Support Centre is located in Amsterdam (Netherlands), and is the main hub for above-store staff who support a workforce of over 2500 employees.

What you bring

·         1–3 years of experience in NPD / Food Technology / Product Development

·         Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a related field

·         Strong technical skills and a foodie mindset

·         Fluent in English (Dutch is a plus)

What We Offer: 

Join us and make a real impact in an international, fast-paced, and growing environment. You’ll be part of a close-knit team where creativity and initiative are not just welcomed – they’re expected. We ask a lot, but we give a lot in return:

·         Work on an iconic brand with real impact

·         An environment that fuels your growth through ownership and hands-on experience.

·         Competitive salary based on your experience and expertise. 

·         Bonus scheme and share allocation after permanent employment

·         Solid pension plan (with a generous employer contribution)

·         Room to grow through training and development

·         8% holiday allowance 

·         25 vacation days + 2 additional Collins days off
Travel expense reimbursement 

·         Staff discounts on KFC products & corporate fitness programs 

·         Hybrid working and a healthy work-life balance

·         And of course… legendary chicken

Don’t meet every single requirement? That’s okay! 
Research shows that people often hesitate to apply unless they check every box. At Collins Foods, we value potential and growth just as much as experience. If you’re excited about this role, we’d love to hear from you – you might be exactly the talent we’re looking for! 

Ready to Make an Impact? 

See yourself in this role? Want to help drive KFC’s to the future of Food Innovation? Apply now – we can’t wait to meet you!  Questions? Reach out to Sanne Gehner (Talent Acquisition Specialist) at +31 6 10906491. 

Follow us on LinkedIn to stay in the loop.