PpAre you ready to take up a Strategic RD leadership role to integrate multi-site formulation labs and shape the next phase of sustainable innovation? Then please, read on. /ppAjinomoto Agro Solutions is the specialty agriculture business unit of the global Ajinomoto Group. With around 175 employees, the division combines the stability of a large multinational with the agility and entrepreneurial spirit of a medium-sized company. They operate two core businesses: TensioFix in Belgium, focusing on adjuvants and the transition to green surfactants, and a fast-growing biostimulant business in Spain. The company has experienced over 10% annual growth in the last five years and has the ambition to double its turnover by 2030. They offer a dynamic environment with significant room for maneuver and the opportunity to make a tangible impact. /ph3The Team /h3pThe successful candidate will lead a team of approximately 14 specialists spread across two main laboratories. The lab in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, consists of about 5 experienced professionals. The lab in Valencia, Spain, has a team of around 9 people with a mix of senior and junior profiles. This position is a member of the Agro Solutions Leadership Team and reports directly to the General Manager. The working language within the leadership team is English. They value collaboration and a straightforward, results‑oriented approach. /ph3Role /h3pAs the RD Director you will hold a key strategic leadership position responsible for unifying and directing the company's laboratory activities. This is a managerial role focused on strategy, organization, and integration, not a hands‑on laboratory position. Your main objectives will be to create a single, cohesive 'Agro Lab' and ensure its optimal performance. /ph3Key responsibilities /h3ulliLeading and managing the formulation and application laboratories in Belgium (Louvain-la-Neuve) and Spain (Valencia). /liliDriving the strategic integration of both labs into one efficient and collaborative unit. /liliOptimizing the organization of the workload and improving operational efficiency, with a particular focus on balancing customer-driven projects and long-term innovation initiatives. /liliManaging the departmental budget, including OPEX and CAPEX. /liliServing as the crucial link between the Innovation department and the labs, ensuring that new ideas are translated into viable, scalable, and marketable products. /liliProviding strategic input based on technical knowledge and market trends, particularly in the adjuvants sector, to support the innovation pipeline. /li /ulh3Profile /h3pFor this strategic role, you combine technical expertise with strong leadership capabilities. You recognize yourself in the following characteristics: /pulliA strategic thinker with demonstrated experience in a leadership role. /liliStrong organizational skills, with the ability to structure processes and optimize team workloads effectively. /liliExperience in managing scientific or technical teams, preferably across multiple sites. /liliA collaborative mindset, with the ability to build bridges between different departments such as RD, innovation, and commercial teams. /liliEnjoys working in a dynamic and international environment. /li /ulh3Qualifications /h3ulliMinimum 5 years of experience leading complex formulation projects within an RD or innovation environment, including strategic decision-making, team leadership, and laboratory oversight. /liliMaster’s or PhD degree in Chemistry, Bioengineering, Agricultural Sciences, or a related scientific discipline. /liliProven experience in the chemical industry, preferably in sectors such as detergents, food ingredients, oil gas, agrochemicals, surfactants, or adjuvants. /liliFluent in English (written and spoken); knowledge of French, Dutch, or Spanish is considered an asset. /li /ulh3Benefits /h3ulliA competitive salary package /liliA company car. /liliA comprehensive benefits package including a pension plan, meal vouchers, health insurance, and a net expense allowance. /liliA full-time, permanent contract. /liliThe opportunity to work in a dynamic environment that combines the stability of a multinational with the agility of a medium-sized business. /li /ulh3Location /h3pYou stay in Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium) and travel regularly to Montaverner in Spain. This involves being present in the laboratory in Spain for one to two weeks per month. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr