Built through curiosity, strengthened by responsibility and led with care: Paula Soler’s Journey at Lallemand

With nearly a quarter-century at Lallemand Animal Nutrition, Business Manager Paula Soler has witnessed and shaped the company’s remarkable transformation across Spain and Portugal. Based in Barcelona but equally at home in her native Alicante or traveling between client sites, Paula leads regional operations that span technical innovation and commercial excellence. Like the specialized yeasts and bacteria that Lallemand Animal Nutrition cultivates, organisms that adapt, multiply and strengthen over time, Paula’s own career has been a story of organic growth, evolving from a three-person startup team member to a trusted leader guiding an entire market.

A Career That Evolved Organically

When Paula Soler first walked into Lallemand’s Barcelona office 24 years ago, the company was a tight-knit team of just three people. Today, as Business Manager for Spain and Portugal, she leads an entire team across multiple markets — a testament to both her dedication and the company’s commitment to nurturing talent from within.

“When I started at Lallemand, we were just three people,” Paula reflects. “I joined to handle technical-commercial tasks, but I was also managing invoicing and stock control. As the company grew in Spain, I was able to focus solely on the technical-commercial role, initially across multiple species and later specializing in ruminants.”

The Power of Trust and Responsibility

Paula’s journey wasn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder — it was about earning trust and embracing new challenges. “There have been different moments that made me believe I was on the right path,” she explains. “I have grown both professionally and personally. The fact that they trusted me to take on the responsibility of leading an entire team was especially significant.”

This trust has shaped her approach to leadership and her understanding of what makes Lallemand Animal Nutrition special as an employer.

No Two Days Are Alike

From her base in Barcelona to her hometown of Benasau in Alicante, Paula’s work life embodies the dynamic nature of modern business. “My day-to-day is never the same; it can change a lot from one day to the next,” she says. “Some days are more dynamic and focused on technical matters involving clients and colleagues. Other days center on administrative aspects like budgets, stock and quality. There’s never time to get bored.”

This variety isn’t just a byproduct of her role — it’s one of the things that makes working at Lallemand engaging and fulfilling.

Building Connections Across Cultures

One of Paula’s favorite aspects of working at Lallemand is how the company has evolved its culture over the years. “My favorite company event was the campaign launch,” she shares. “In the beginning, it was mainly technical meetings and presentations, but over time, we found a great balance between the technical side and the more dynamic, team-oriented aspects.”

The international commercial meetings hold special significance for Paula, as they provide opportunities to “share moments with colleagues from across the international teams.” But it’s the Christmas dinner at that truly showcases the company’s collaborative spirit – bringing together people from different business units across Spain, including oenology, baking and brewing.

Wisdom for the Next Generation

After nearly a quarter-century with the company, Paula has clear advice for those starting their careers: “Be patient and learn as much as you can from the people around you, as they will bring you valuable insights and over time, you’ll also have the chance to contribute to them as well.”

This philosophy of mutual learning and growth perfectly encapsulates what makes Lallemand more than just a workplace; it’s a community where individuals can build lasting careers while contributing to something bigger than themselves.

Paula’s journey illustrates what’s possible when a company invests in its people and employees embrace continuous growth. At Lallemand Animal Nutrition, careers don’t just advance; they evolve, adapt and flourish, much like the living cultures the company brings to life in laboratories and farms across the globe.