Building Expertise Through Experience: Tom Mullins’ Lallemand Journey

With nearly a decade at Lallemand Animal Nutrition, Fermentation and R&D Manager Tom Mullins has transformed from a fresh biological sciences graduate into a seasoned leader overseeing bacterial fermentation and production at the company’s Malvern facility.

Based at the Malvern, UK production plant, Tom manages both the complex world of bacterial fermentation, and a dedicated R&D team focused on optimizing plant efficiency and developing new processes. Like the bacterial cultures he cultivates, organisms that thrive through careful attention, optimal conditions, and continuous refinement, Tom’s own career has flourished through curiosity, opportunity, and the support of experienced mentors.

A Foundation Built on Learning

Tom’s journey began in Lallemand’s Quality Control laboratory, where he joined “an experienced team of microbiologists and technicians.” This wasn’t just his first job – it was his introduction to the intricate world of Lallemand’s products and processes. “During this time, I built up knowledge of the Lallemand products, and always put myself forward to trying new things,” Tom reflects.

This proactive approach to learning became the cornerstone of his career progression. When the opportunity arose to move into R&D, Tom was ready. “Building on the base of knowledge I had, I was able to apply that to benefit the business,” he explains.

Embracing New Challenges

The transition to Fermentation Manager represented Tom’s biggest leap yet. “The role became available, and I couldn’t turn down the opportunity,” he said. What gave him confidence wasn’t just his technical expertise, but the culture of support at Lallemand: “I knew that I had the support of the established Malvern management team to guide me into people and production management.”

Now, a couple of years into his management role, Tom’s daily reality reflects the dynamic nature of production operations. “Check with the team to make sure everyone is clear on the day’s schedule, and troubleshooting where needed,” he describes. “With production operations there are inevitably problems to solve and hurdles to overcome throughout the week.”

The Power of Team and Community

When asked what makes working at Malvern worthwhile, Tom’s answer is immediate: “Having a dedicated and supportive team.” This sense of community extends beyond his immediate department, particularly during company traditions like the Christmas party. “It’s good to get all departments together and build relationships with people that you may not normally interact with day to day at work,” he explains. “These relationships can also benefit work and the feeling of community at work.” 

Sharing Knowledge and Building Understanding

Tom’s enthusiasm for his work shines through when he talks about showing visitors around the Malvern site. “When they ask questions, even the hard ones!” he says, describing his favorite part of tours. “Often visitors are surprised how much work and attention to detail goes into producing the final product, all of the quality control checks throughout the process.”

This passion for sharing knowledge reflects Tom’s broader approach to his role – someone who genuinely enjoys “working with people” and finds fulfillment in both the technical challenges of bacterial fermentation and the human side of leadership.

Looking Forward with Purpose

Tom’s career aspirations are grounded in both personal growth and company success. “Continue to build my experience as a manager and be a part of the growth of the Malvern site,” he shares. It’s a vision that perfectly encapsulates what makes careers at Lallemand distinctive – individual development intertwined with organizational growth, supported by a culture that Tom simply describes as “positive.”

Tom’s journey demonstrates how Lallemand nurtures technical talent into well-rounded professionals, creating pathways for growth that benefit both individuals and the innovative science they help bring to life.