Teamlead Product Development (Lab)

OLENEX – SPECIALISTS IN EDIBLE OILS

Olenex supplies an extensive portfolio of high-quality soft oils, tropical oils and specialist solutions. Several refineries, located in strategic locations in Europe, produce a wide range of products. Producers, food and non-food, can count on a team of specialists to find a tailor-made ingredient that exactly meets their requirements. In addition to production, trade and purchasing, Olenex is committed to sustainability and building 100% sustainable supply chain management.

Olenex is an international, dynamic and fast-growing organization. The contribution of every employee within our company is distinctive, where every individual can make a difference. We give our people every opportunity to develop and grow, including recognition for initiators. We support potential training and education opportunities.

As part of the Olenex family you can make a real impact in a challenging but highly rewarding environment.

Do you want to work in a brand-new and innovative laboratory? Are you the Teamlead who could bring our team, lab and services to the next level? Are you a strong communicator and organizer? Then we are looking for you! For our location in Zaandam, we are looking for a Teamlead Product Development!

Last year we opened a new plant for Olenex in Zaandam, with an Experience Centre, a Product Development Laboratory and a Packaging line. Customer focus and Innovation are central in this new Product Development laboratory. A pleasant atmosphere and an open and informal organization are also part of this.

As a Teamlead Product Development you will lead our current team. This team consists of 3 Laboratory Technicians. In this role you will guide your team, and you’ll make sure that everything is running smoothly. Together you will be responsible for all the specific sample requests from our customers. Besides that, you will also be part of the development of the lab and the growth ambitions that we have.

In collaboration with our Technical Account Managers, we are closely involved in projects for the improvement of new products and processes. We produce these samples in a brand-new product development laboratory by carrying out chemical, sensory and instrumental analyses on products, oils and fats. We also generate these samples by laboratory scale production processes.

You will report to our Head of Development and Quality.

Your responsibilities are:

Within this role you will lead the team to execute on projects and samples on time and within the budget. Where needed you will give the team guidance and make sure they will develop themselves during their worktime within Olenex. Besides that, you will also manage the lab. You will make sure that the needed equipment is ordered so the team has everything they need for the development projects.

Besides that, you will work on the following tasks:

· Coordinate projects and experiments for (mainly and not solely) TAM or internal PD projects, within Olenex and or 3rd parties (e.g. ADM, Wilmar) according to planning, budget and quality specifications;

· Manage project budgets and the project and sample resources assigned, including estimation of changes and different scenarios impact analysis, based on the project charters provided by stakeholders (TAM, Production);

· Interface as a main point of contact with internal and external stakeholders on development projects, this includes the R&D teams in ADM and Wilmar;

· Identify and initiate opportunities, based on observed trends and threats in the market;

· Participate as a team member in the TAM project team;

· Assist in hosting meetings with internal and external customers who wish to visit PD lab as part of Olenex meetings;

· Owner and responsible for access, supplies, cleaning contacts, climate, elevator etc for the whole top floor in our Zaandam Facility;

· Ensuring the accurate and timely entry of results into the software application, to allow TAM to access results and for subsequent retrieval of results.

Who are you?

To excel in this role, you should demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills and the right experience to lead our team and lab. You lead by example and train the team where needed. You know how to set priorities but you’re also flexible and solution orientated when needed.

· Bachelor’s degree (HBO) in technical science (e.g.: Food Technology, Chemistry, Process Technology, Biology);

· You are experienced in project management, and you have concrete examples;

· Good communication skills, in both Dutch and English. And preferably 1 additional main EU language;

· The right MS Office skills (Word, Excel and Powerpoint);

· You will conform and commit to Olenex regulations and policies and follow instructions on Quality, Environment, Health and Safety, as appropriate for the job;

· You will maintain a high level of personal cleanliness and wear personal protection gear where appropriate or needed.

We offer you:
A dynamic and a Zaandam-based job within an inspiring and dynamic team, having the opportunity to bring your ideas in an open communication environment. We embrace your sense for accountability and stimulate personal development. Besides this we also offer:

·       Enthusiastic colleagues from all over the world;

·       A competitive salary and multiple development options;

·       13th month salary;

·       30 days of leave per year ;

·       Pension scheme fully paid by Olenex;

·       We offer a discount on health insurance and fitness.