Time-travelling Milkman (TTM) is a FoodTech scale-up located in Wageningen (The Netherlands). The company started in the year 2019 as a spin off from Wageningen University & Research. Currently the team consists of 5 enthusiastic employees (including 2 co-founders), which will further develop and grow in the coming years. Driven by their mission to redefine the boundaries of plant-based indulgence, TTM focuses on creating sustainable, plant-based alternatives for traditional dairy products, without compromising on taste and texture.
The company’s flagship innovation, OleocreamTTM, is a clean-label, allergen-free fat system made from European sunflower seeds and water. This breakthrough technology enables food manufacturers to produce indulgent, dairy-like products aligning with global sustainability goals and consumer demand for healthier, eco-friendly options. Some examples of product applications are cream cheese, cooking cream, ice cream,  desserts and drinks.
TTM collaborates closely with research institutions and industry partners to continuously refine its solutions and expand its application portfolio. With production capabilities scaled to 300–1,000 tonnes per year and proven functionality across multiple food categories, the company is well-positioned to become a key player in the rapidly growing market for plant-based dairy alternatives. As recognition TTM recently won the Dairy Alternative Innovation Award at the FI Europe in Paris.
The company is now at a pivotal moment where commercial traction and customer validation are needed to prepare for Series A readiness and the further upscaling of the manufacturing capabilities. To lead this phase, we are searching for a commercially obsessed and execution driven leader. In title a CEO, but in day-to-day reality a hands-on, highly entrepreneurial Chief Commercial Officer.
The CEO will be responsible for accelerating market penetration, building strong customer relationships, and ensuring investor readiness as the company approaches Series A fundraising. The role demands a balance of strategic foresight and hands-on involvement in business development and operational execution.
In this position you will ‘make the business work in the market’. This means you will  personally visit prospects, drive business development, target market segments, shape value propositions, validate product–market fit and develop competitive pricing strategies. Customer insights will be translated into clear commercial and strategic priorities. In this way you will build and manage a credible revenue pipeline.
At the same time you will own the business fundamentals: business strategy planning, financial tracking, investor readiness and stakeholder management. You will work closely with the co-founders and other team members, acting as commercial engine and external face of the company. You will oversee the overall financial planning to maintain a solid foundation for growth. On a regular base you will report to the Board about the plans, results and projections for the next stages.
As CEO you will represent TTM externally, fostering partnerships with customers, suppliers, and investors to strengthen the company’s market position and to realise both short term results and long-term success in achieving the company’s ambitions.
For this position a proven track record in commercial leadership within the food ingredients business and/or the animal or plant-based dairy sector is required. The ideal profile for this role includes experience in selling technically complex B2B solutions and navigating the dynamics of start-up or scale-up environments. Familiarity with fundraising and investor relations is highly desirable.
A minimum of five to ten years in senior commercial or general management roles is expected, along with strong financial acumen and the ability to execute strategic initiatives effectively. The successful candidate will demonstrate commercial drive, negotiation skills, decision taking, a growth mindset, and adaptability in a fast-changing market. Strong communication abilities are essential to inspire confidence among stakeholders and to stimulate the collaboration within the team.
For this position a proven track record in commercial leadership within the food ingredients business and/or the animal or plant-based dairy sector is required
You are not a strategy-only CEO, but you get energy from closing deals, sharpening propositions, and making imperfect but informed decisions. You are comfortable both in the weeds with customers and at the whiteboard with numbers. You can function in a small team without unlimited corporate backing.
The cultural fit is critical: we are looking for a pragmatic and action-oriented leader, who thrives in a non-hierarchical environment and is motivated by making real impact and progress with TTM’s mission and journey. An ambitious forward thinking entrepreneur, who can make the difference in TTM’s growth path and in your own career.
A unique opportunity to lead an innovative FoodTech company at the forefront of sustainable ingredient development. This role provides significant influence over strategic direction and commercial success, supported by a passionate and highly skilled team. The position includes a fixed salary, annual bonus and equity stake, reflecting the importance of this leadership role in shaping the future of TTM.
Interested in this position?
