Junior Researcher Product Manager Substrates, De Lier

Kekkilä-BVB is the European leader in horticulture. provide products and services for professional greenhouse growers retail consumers and landscapers in over 100 countries worldwide. We have strong product brands within the professional and consumer growing markets trading under the names of BVB Substrates Kekkilä Professional Brill Substrates BVB Landscaping Kekkilä Hasselfors Garden Terra Brill Jardino and Florentus. Together with our customers we bring performance to life. Kekkilä-BVB is part of Neova Group.

The Role
Are you eager to turn scientific insight into market-ready innovations We are looking for a Junior Researcher / Junior Product Manager to strengthen our Innovation and Global Product Management teams. This dynamic hybrid role uniquely blends applied research with hands-on product and data management giving you the chance to grow into a well-rounded professional at the intersection of science business and innovation.

You will report directly to the Chief Innovation Officer and collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders including Innovation Product Management Sales Operations Quality Sustainability and external research partners. Working in this international setting you will help translate ideas and data into impactful products that make a real difference in the market.

Your Responsibilities

Junior Researcher (60%)

• Plan andexecute applied research projects related to plant growing media

• Develop and test recipes that meet quality performance and sustainability standards

• Conduct andmonitor trials record conditions identify deviations and take corrective actions

• Coordinate and document external trials with growers customers and research partners

• Assess raw materials based on standards regulations and risk management principles

• Validate analytical methods and report research results clearly and accurately

• Support quality assurance activities across product management operations and procurement

Junior Product Manager (40%)

• Manage product portfolio data for BA Global and BA Nordics (Central factories)

• Create and maintain product information in internal systems

• Prepare and update product data sheets for sales and customers

• Ensure accurate consistent and compliant product and brand information

• Collaborate closely with Sales Marketing Operations Procurement Quality Legal and Customer Service

• Maintain packaging content and layout in line with brand guidelines

You will bring:

Education & Experience

• Bachelors or Masters degree inAgricultural Horticultural Plant Science or (Applied) Biology

• 12 years of relevant work experience (research product management or similar)

• Fluent in English (written and spoken) Dutch is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Proven understanding of research principles and applied testing

• Interest in raw materials substrates and product performance

• Hands-on practical mindset with attention to detail

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Structured and systematic way of working

• Team player who collaborates easily across disciplines

• Proactive curious and eager to learn in an international setting

What do you get in return

• A unique hybrid role combining research and product management

• Exposure to international innovation and product development projects

• Collaboration with experts across multiple disciplines

• A dynamic professional and sustainability-driven organisation

• Valuable experience within a leading company in professional horticulture

• A 12-month contract with the prospect of a permanent position

• A challenging and dynamic working environment with opportunities for professional growth and development

• A stimulating work culture based on collaboration innovation and continuous improvement

• A competitive salary and attractive fringe benefits such as:
  -Non-contributory pension
  -24 holidays
  -8% holiday pay
  -Hybrid working model; office location De Lier allowing you to work average 1 day per week at home

• We stimulate a healthy lifestyle offering fresh fruit in the office & financially attractive sports subscriptions

• A chance to be part of a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration.

• A friendly and active staff association (voluntary)

• And above all the best colleagues in the business.

  At Kekkilä-BVB we are driven by our core values:
  - Focus on customer success: We strive to provide our customers with the best possible service and support and strive for long-term relationships based on trust and mutual success.
  - Achieving together: We believe in the power of cooperation and teamwork and work together on common goals to realise our vision.
  - Courage to renew: We embrace change and innovation and encourage our employees to explore new ideas and face challenges with creativity and determination.
  - Trust through respect: We treat each other with respect and integrity and create an inclusive and supportive work environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

  Do you recognise yourself in this position or are you ready for the next step in your career And can you identify with our core values We would then like to receive your motivation and CV.

  For more information about this positiondont hesitate to get in touch withPäivi Martikainen () or if you have questions about the procedureplease get in touch withMandy Koppendraier().