ABOUT KISUMA

Kisuma Chemicals in Veendam is the global market leader in plastic additives. Our commitment to sustainability is central to everything we do.

We are part of Setolas Holdings in Japan, with multiple locations worldwide and approximately 1,000 employees active in market segments such as food, pharmaceuticals, and plastic additives. We are committed to delivering products that not only offer high performance but also contribute to a more sustainable world.

Our synthetic hydrotalcites and other magnesium compounds play a crucial role in environmentally friendly applications, such as improving the performance and extending the lifespan of plastics. The organization is growing, while maintaining our core values.

YOUR ROLE AS POLYMER EXPERT / SUPERVISOR APPLICATION LAB

In this role, you will lead the new Application Lab department, which you will help establish and shape. You will combine substantive polymer expertise with leadership and develop test methods to better understand and align our product applications with customer needs.

You will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing testing activities (in-house or external), ensuring optimal results in terms of quality, safety, and performance. You will work closely with colleagues from Business Development, Sales, QC, R&D, and external laboratories when needed.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

• Managing and expanding the Application Lab department and leading a start-up team.

• Characterization of polymer end-properties, such as thermal, mechanical and optical properties.

• Translating lab results into customer-focused applications and supporting the sales team.

• Translating measurement results into product requirements/improvement and advising internal stakeholders (R&D, QC, production).

• Developing and validating analysis methods and performance criteria.

• Coordinating lab projects and ensuring safety and timely delivery.

Who you are 

• MBO Chemistry (MLO level 4), with several years of relevant experience in the lab.

• Command of the Dutch language. English is an advantage.

• The following competencies: accurate, proactive, communicative and socially skilled, critical thinking.

• Knowledge of or affinity with LIMS.

You also recognize yourself in:

• An BSc, MSc or PhD in polymer chemistry, materials science, or a related field.

• At least 3 years of experience with polymer characterization and application-oriented research.

• Management experience in the field.

You also recognize yourself in:

• Experience with product development and its translation into production or commercial applications.

• In-depth knowledge of structure-property relationship in polymers.

• Demonstrable experience with cross-functional collaboration and customer contact.

• Proficiency in problem-solving and data-driven analysis.

• Good communication skills, both written and verbal in English. You are willing to learn Dutch.

• A proactive, decisive attitude with an eye for collaboration and quality.

• Willingness to base yourself in the Northern Netherlands and travel as needed.

WHAT DO WE OFFER YOU?

• A unique opportunity to shape a new department within an innovative international organization.

• A competitive salary, with room for personal development.

• Collaboration with passionate colleagues in an organization where your work truly matters.

• A workplace where sustainability, technology, and chemistry converge.

INTERESTED?

Are you the driven and results-oriented professional we're looking for? Then send your resume and cover letter to vacature@kisuma.com by September 15th.

We look forward to hearing from you!

An assessment can be part of the selection procedure.