Project Development Manager

Are you looking for a career in an inspiring, global environment where your expertise makes a difference? At Neste, you will be working for the world’s leading producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel. Together we can help our customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

We are looking for you,

Project Development Manager

to our Project and Development team in Rotterdam, Maasvlakte.

Reasons to join

We operate in an inspiring and evolving business environment as a global leader in renewable fuels. We contribute to Neste’s success by living our values every day: we care, we have courage, we cooperate.

We prioritize safety at all times and in every location. We strive to create a positive and impactful work environment.

Transformation brings new possibilities and fosters our courage and curiosity. As a global  company, we support personal development with versatile learning and career opportunities. Collaboration is key, and we believe in flexible, smart ways of working.

More about the job

In your role, you will be responsible for projects at various phases of the development cycle. As such, the Project Development Manager role may be viewed as a hybrid function that changes over the lifetime of the project. This starts with an acting-owner role in the Idea creation and Pre-study phases (FEL 1), in which you develop the business case and identify potential solutions. It then shifts to a project lead role (Feasibility, FEL 2) in which you lead an integrated engineering, operations, and site support team team to finalise the conceptual design. Finally, you continue as a site integrator role for the remaining project phases (Definition, Execution, Commissioning and Start-Up).

The types of projects are broad, ranging from equipment upgrades, debottlenecking, emissions treatment, product custody transfer, HAZOP actions, personnel safety improvements, etc. 

Main tasks and responsibilities:

• Lead Front End Loading (FEL) phases 1 & 2. The end result is a well-developed and internally aligned conceptual design that is then handed over for Basic Engineering and project execution. The key measure of your success is that the project avoids scope growth or changes in business objectives during the FEL 3 and Execution phases.

• Prepare business opportunity statements that include project objectives, economic analysis, business and project risks, market forecast, regulatory and permit requirements, deadlines, integration plans with the Turnaround team, operations considerations, etc.

• Prepare gate review packages for gaining approval and funding for the next project phase

• Effectively communicate with key site stakeholders to gain alignment on key project decisions, priorities, and constraints

• Support best practice sharing to other projects and developments in the Project Portfolio. 

• Convey information and ideas to various individuals or groups (engineers, operations, and maintenance personnel) in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message.

• Define goals, timelines and priorities and communicate these effectively to secure the resources for successful project completion.

• Develop and use collaborative relationships with various site personnel to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals.

• Use appropriate methods and a flexible interpersonal style to help build a cohesive team that is made of persons with different personalities and experience levels.

While you have significant authority, key decisions do need to be decided by the project team (Owner, Project Development Manager and Project Manager). Final investment decisions on the project are made by the Investment Jury. Transparency of the decisions made by you are key to make sure the project is fulfilling the objective of the projects.

Our work combines accountability, cooperation, and the desire to develop and renew. Working safely at all times is essential to all of us.

Keys to success in this role

The best combination of experiences, skills and background is: 

• Master degree (MSc) or equivalent level of thinking and working in process or chemical engineering;

• At least 5 years relevant experience in a production environment, preferably a refinery or chemical plant;

• Experience in Renewable Processes and project management (design phase) is a strong preference. 

• Strong and effective stakeholder management and communication;

• Effective communication skills in English (mandatory) both verbally and in writing. Preferably command of the Dutch language;

• Strong commercial knowledge and acumen;

 
What can you expect in return? 

• We offer a competitive salary and attractive benefits, as well as a permanent contract.

• A work environment where people Care, Cooperate and have Courage;

• A company that cares for your work-life balance by offering a variable amount of holidays and options to work from home;

• A manager that supports and empowers you, and helps you to develop yourself in your professional career;

• Participate in a pension plan where Neste will pay a high contribution;

• Participation in the company's Short Term Incentive program;

• Healthcare allowance;

• Travel allowance.

Let’s get you started

We look forward to receiving your CV and application via our career site. Due to security and confidentiality, please submit your application through our recruitment system. Applications sent via email will not be considered.

If you have any questions regarding the process or the position, please get in touch with Debbie Veldmeijer, debbie.veldmeijer@partners.neste.com.

We will contact you within 10 working days after applying for the position. The recruitment process will include 2 interviews.

Neste in brief

Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) is the world's leading producer of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), with production on three continents. The company’s renewables production capacity is expected to reach 6.8 million tons annually in 2027. Neste also produces high-quality oil products at its Porvoo refinery in Finland. The company has a network of nearly 1,000 fuel stations with expanding service offering, such as EV charging, in Finland and in the Baltics.

Neste’s strategy focuses on growth in renewable fuels, which help its customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Neste is included in many international indices for its sustainability performance. In 2025, Neste's revenue stood at EUR 19.0 billion. Read more: neste.com