Technical Manager, Happy Plant Protein

Happy Plant Protein is a recent spin-off from VTT, changing the way plant proteins are made. Our patented technology allows food manufacturers to create superior plant protein in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way. Technology is compatible with existing dry extrusion production lines

Our mission is simply to change the way plant proteins are made. We want to make it through the joy of creating something simple and smart – in our case, a new way to produce plant-based ingredients that makes everyone smile. We want it to be easy to scale with low additional investment costs. That’s why our solution works beautifully in existing facilities and production lines.

We turn humble flours into high-value Happy plant ingredients that food makers love to work with and consumers love to eat. One joyful step, zero waste, delightfully neutral taste — all in existing facilities, with margins that smile back. www.happyplantprotein.com

We are looking for a Technical Manager to drive the successful implementation and industrial deployment of our innovative plant protein technology.

In this role, you will work at the forefront of the food industry, helping shape the future of plant-based products. We are looking for a professional with deep expertise in plant protein technology and a strong ability to combine technical excellence with product development and business objectives.

You will be responsible for leveraging, developing and optimizing the Happy Plant Protein technology to support the company's business goals. As a key technical expert, you will collaborate closely with R&D, production, customers and external partners to drive innovation and process excellence.

Your Responsibilities

• Lead customer implementation projects from planning through industrial deployment.

• Develop implementation plans, project timelines and technical roadmaps.

• Manage day-to-day project execution and ensure successful delivery.

• Coordinate collaboration between customers, equipment manufacturers, and the Happy Plant Protein team.

• Support customers with production setup, technology transfer, and process optimization.

• Ensure project documentation, technical data, and agreements are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.

• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement corrective actions when needed.

• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting during implementation and post-deployment.

• Drive successful adoption of Happy Plant Protein technology at customer sites.

• Build long-term technical relationships with customers and provide ongoing post-implementation support.

What We're Looking For

• Background in the food industry, plant ingredients or a similar process manufacturing environment.

• Proven experience in process development, product development or technical specialist roles.

• Ability to translate deep technical expertise into practical business value.

• Experience working in international environments and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders.

• Educational background within food technology, food science or another related field.

• Experience in extrusion technology and extrusion processing is highly advantageous.

• Fluent English communication skills.

• You'll thrive if you

  • Enjoy taking ownership and making things happen.

  • Like combining engineering with customer interaction.

  • Are comfortable working in a fast-moving startup environment.

  • Want to help commercialize breakthrough technology with global impact.

What We Offer

🌱 A unique opportunity to shape the future of food.
Your expertise will directly influence how next-generation plant-based ingredients and foods are developed and produced.

🌱 Technology that changes an industry.
Work with breakthrough extrusion technology developed from VTT research and help bring truly disruptive innovation to the global food industry.

🌱 Meaningful technical challenges.
Push the boundaries of extrusion technology, process development and product innovation while solving complex engineering challenges.

🌱 An international playground for innovation.
Collaborate with leading food manufacturers, technology partners and industry experts across Europe and beyond.

🌱 A chance to leave your mark.
You'll have significant ownership and influence in a fast-growing company where your ideas won't disappear into layers of hierarchy—they'll become reality.

🌱 Purpose-driven work with global impact.
Help create sustainable, locally produced plant proteins that can improve food security, reduce environmental impact, and influence the eating habits of millions of people

Interested?

If you're excited about helping shape the future of sustainable food production and want to bring breakthrough plant protein technology to customers around the world, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today! We review applications as they are received, so don't wait to submit yours.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact milena.rahi@reqruitz.com