R&D Pilot Team Lead

At Oleon, we bring you natural chemistry. Ambitious with both feet on the ground, that's who we are and that's how we'll continue to grow. We specialise in transforming natural fats and oils into a wide range of oleochemicals. We offer these to a wide range of markets including: cosmetics, nutrition, crop protection, industrial ingredients, lubricants, petroleum, coatings, detergents, and many more.

Oleon employs over 1,000 people in 10 different countries. Enthusiastic people who feel completely at home at Oleon are welcome to join our team!

Oleon recruits a R&D Pilot Team Lead

CDI

As the Team lead Chemical pilot, you are responsible to manage upscaling of R&D projects from lab to industrial scale for different markets (Personal Care, Lubricants, CASE, …) Oleon is present in. You are responsible for a team of R&D engineers and R&D technicians. You act as a pivotal point between our laboratories, safety- and process departments and our factories.

This role requires strong leadership skills, technical expertise, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Some of your main duties & responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Chemical Pilot Team, providing guidance, support, and mentorship to team members.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and documentation of pilot plant trials and experiments.
• Reporting to your different stakeholders
• Collaborate with lab scale, process engineering, HSE and production teams to ensure seamless technology transfer from lab to pilot scale.
• Maintain and implement new standard operating procedures and safety protocols for pilot plant operations.
• Analyze data and prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources to achieve project goals and objectives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the team.

You'll succeed if:

• You are graduated in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Process Engineering.
• You have strong knowledge of chemical engineering principles, process design, and pilot plant operations.
• An experience in enzymatic chemistry and/or in industrial chemistry and/or Oleochemistry is a plus.
• You have an excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• An experience with process simulation software and data analysis tools is a plus.
• You demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• You are fluent in English

Next to your skills, it is your drive and motivation that will make all the difference!