Employee Stories: meet Luzaan

At the beginning of my career, I wanted to find a job that would challenge and inspire me. The ideal role being something that would not only push me as an Engineer but would give me the opportunity to make a significant impact

I was drawn to Bayer’s Crop Science division initially because I knew that, as a global organisation, I would have endless opportunities for career development but, more importantly, because their commitment to create meaningful change resonated deeply with me. It was Bayer’s blend of opportunity and purpose that led me into my current role as a Process Engineer. 

In this role, I’ve immersed myself in the heart of problem-solving, addressing on-site challenges impacting equipment performance, safety, and quality. From investigating root causes to diving into data trends, my role is varied and extends beyond troubleshooting. Driven by my passion for optimisation, I craft solutions that ease operational glitches and streamline processes. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of my Bayer journey so far has been collaborating with my fellow engineer colleagues to design solutions to protect machine operators and the environment, such as the development of advanced sensors to prevent accidental starts of the filling process. 

Another aspect of my role that I’ve developed a passion for is optimisation and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to be involved in transformative projects in this specialty field.  It’s been fascinating to see how making small adjustments can have a huge impact.  

For example, by slightly extending milling times, we've substantially boosted our annual product output.  Working with experts from around the world, coupled with advanced technology, my colleagues and I have brought about major improvements across our operations which I find truly rewarding.

Seeing the connection my role has with farmers and witnessing the impact of applying the right products and concentrations at the right time has added a deeper dimension to my role. I feel proud of the contribution my role plays in fulfilling Bayer’s mission of “Health for all, Hunger for none”.

Something that has been key to my success is the support I have been given by Bayer, acknowledging not only my hard work but also my life outside of work as a mother. 

Balancing work and home responsibilities has been facilitated by the flexibility Bayer offers, allowing me to be present for my child while also leaving an enduring impact in my role.

Bayer's inclusive culture fosters an environment where my expertise shines, regardless of gender. As a woman in a typically male-dominated field, I've never felt compelled to overprove myself based on gender. The emphasis on teamwork, safety, and quality has nurtured a culture where merit and passion matter most. 

Recently I have been given the opportunity to give back to upcoming engineers, as I am the sponsor for an intern student as they complete their 3rd year of studies.

Looking ahead, my journey at Bayer promises continuous growth and opportunities to contribute to the company's ambitious goals. As we venture into a future of expansion and optimisation, I'm invigorated by the knowledge that each project I tackle propels the transformation of the agricultural landscape. It's a life of challenges and deep rewards, where I know I'm making a difference every day in an environment where I can thrive.