R&D European Lead

Company History

Founded in 1950, Oleon is a global leader in the field of oleochemistry, specializing in the transformation of natural oils and fats into sustainable, high-performance products.

Headquartered in Belgium, the company has grown significantly over the decades, establishing itself as a pioneer in green chemistry by focusing on renewable and biodegradable raw materials.
Oleon's journey began with a commitment to providing ecofriendly solutions.

As part of the Avril Group since 1990, Oleon has benefited from enhanced resources and expertise, enabling it to expand its footprint globally.
Today, Oleon operates several production sites in Europe and Asia, supported by a network of R&D centers that drive innovation in various sectors.
The company serves a diverse range of industries, including personal care, home care, pharmaceuticals, food, lubricants, and industrial applications.
Its product portfolio includes esters, fatty acids, glycerin, and other oleochemical derivatives, designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to petrochemical-based products.

Innovation is a cornerstone of Oleon's success.
The company invests heavily in research and development to deliver cutting-edge solutions that balance performance, safety, and environmental responsibility.

Through its "green chemistry" approach, Oleon contributes to reducing carbon footprints and promoting circular economies.
With sustainability at the heart of its operations, Oleon is dedicated to creating value for its customers while minimizing environmental impact.
The company actively collaborates with partners, suppliers, and customers to achieve shared sustainability goals, reinforcing its position as a trusted industry leader.
Today, Oleon continues to thrive as a forward-thinking, customer-focused organization that combines decades of expertise with an unwavering commitment to a greener future.
Its mission remains clear:
to create sustainable chemistry for a better world.

Company Background

Oleon, a key player in the oleochemical industry, transforms natural fats and oils into high-performance, sustainable products.
As part of the Avril Group, the company generated over €800 million in revenue in 2022 and employs more than 1,000 people globally.

Operating five state-of-the-art production sites in Belgium, France, and Malaysia, Oleon ensures a robust global presence.
The company also maintains six sales offices across Europe, the United States, and Asia, serving clients in more than 100 countries.

Its product portfolio includes fatty acids, glycerin, esters, and dimers, which are widely used in personal care, food, pharmaceuticals, home care, lubricants, and industrial applications.

Sustainability is at the heart of Oleon's operations.
More than 80% of its raw materials are renewable, underlining its commitment to environmentally friendly practices.
The company actively invests in green technologies to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance its contribution to the circular economy.
In 2022 alone, Oleon reported reducing CO2 emissions by 15% across its operations.
Innovation drives Oleon's success.
Its R&D teams develop more than 50 new products annually, focusing on bio-based alternatives to petrochemicals.
These tailored solutions help clients achieve both technical excellence and environmental goals, cementing Oleon's role as a trusted partner.
With production capacities exceeding 500,000 metric tons per year, Oleon consistently delivers high-quality products on a global scale.

Its strong focus on operational excellence has earned it certifications such as ISO 9001 and RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil).
By combining robust economic performance with environmental stewardship, Oleon continues to lead the industry in the transition to sustainable chemistry, reinforcing its position as a global leader in green solutions.

The Opportunity

The recruitment is for a key role within a small but dynamic and growing team based in Venette.
The position is crucial for the company's strategic development, focusing on expanding customer relationships and integrating with the broader Venette team.
The team is relatively young, and the manager is based in Malaysia, requiring the candidate to work autonomously and collaborate effectively within an international framework.

The role operates within a European scope, reflecting the company's focus on regional clients and products, and involves managing a larger technical team.

It is a position that combines technical expertise with a strategic focus on driving growth, innovation, and strong connections with both the local and international teams.

Responsibilities

This position is central to aligning organizational efforts, driving innovation, and ensuring the long-term growth and success of Oleon.

The role is truly diverse and broad ranging in its nature and will include:

• Collaborate closely with the small, dynamic team in Venette to drive business growth and strengthen customer relationships.
  
• Act as a key connection point between the Venette team and the manager based in Malaysia, ensuring smooth communication and alignment.
  
• Identify and promote new cosmetic ingredients to meet customer needs and expand the product portfolio.
  
• Oversee and work alongside the technical team, including 2 engineers and a team lead, ensuring effective application support and technical excellence.
  
• Maintain a hands-on approach to project management, including technical problem solving and proactive support for customer initiatives.
  
• Engage in product development and innovation in collaboration with the Malaysian team and other international peers.
  
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, distributors, and partners across Europe, aligning technical solutions with commercial strategies.
  
• Utilize strong scientific competencies to support the development of personal care products, particularly within oil chemistry.
  
• Leverage experience in commercial, product, and solutions-oriented roles to deliver value-driven customer interactions.
  
• Ensure seamless integration of technical expertise with project management to achieve business objectives.
  

The Candidate

The ideal candidate should combine leadership, technical proficiency, and interpersonal skills to drive impactful outcomes and foster a unified organizational vision.

• Master's degree - in engineering.
  
• 15 years of experience in the cosmetics industry, specifically in ingredients
• Fluency in French and English (strong proficiency required)
• Focus on identifying and promoting new ingredients, rather than formulation
• Hands-on approach, with practical experience
• Experience with larger technician teams, including engineers and application team leads
• European scope, due to clients and product reach
• Ability to collaborate with a remote team (reports to Tiong Soon in Malaysia, working as peers with the Malaysian team)
• Strong scientific competencies,.