Del Río is responsible for managing talent in a continuously growing industrial environment, focusing on training, integration, and commitment.
“Ensuring that products meet our high-quality standards, improving efficiency, and aligning the entire team with the company’s values and culture“. This is the driving force behind Jessica Del Río, Head of Human Resources at NutraResearch. She faces this challenge with determination during a period of rapid company growth.
This phase includes constant changes, such as the development of innovative products, the acquisition of new machinery, the expansion of facilities with additional industrial spaces, and the digitalization of the company. “A factory that operates 24/7 is a whirlwind”, laughs the HR manager. “There are always unexpected challenges to solve, but the most important thing is the strong sense of teamwork. Everyone is fully committed, and we always support each other in every way possible. That level of dedication is not something you find everywhere”, she emphasizes.
Understanding the plant thoroughly is essential for carrying out her role effectively. “I enjoy working both in the offices and on the production floor,” she explains. In fact, moving through all areas and staying aware of everything happening is part of her daily routine and one of her greatest motivations. “I know the entire production process inside and out. I’ve earned a master’s degree here”, she says with passion. In just two and a half years, she has witnessed a major transformation. Operations never stop, running continuously in three shifts.
“In our recruitment process, we don’t just look at a resume; we ensure that the person fits well within the team. We want to understand how they like to work, how they prefer to lead and be led, and what they expect from the company”, she explains, adding that “enthusiasm is key“. To help employees perform at their best, the company provides continuous training and daily tools. “Ongoing improvement is essential“, says the HR manager.
Diversity
People are one of the company’s most valuable assets. “A strong point at NutraResearch is that we appreciate both experienced senior professionals, who bring extensive expertise, and young talents who are completing their internships with us,” she highlights. Especially for the latter, the company designs a clear career development path. “We want them to grow within NutraResearch and reach their full potential”.
The company’s latest major milestone has been its integration into the Swedish group Wellma, the leading nutraceutical company in Europe. As NutraResearch rapidly expands, Del Río sees it as crucial to maintain the company’s know-how and commitment to its customers. At the same time, she points out that “this partnership gives us the opportunity to share knowledge with an industry leader and continue our growth.”
One of the most exciting prospects she foresees is the opportunity for professional growth within the group across Europe, helping NutraResearch continue to attract top talent.
A New Approach
This same ambition for professional growth is what has led Del Río to her current position. She recalls her first job as an administrative assistant in a furniture store. However, her real career transformation began in a food company, where she discovered her potential and was given the opportunity to grow—something she values and prioritizes for employees at NutraResearch as well. Through hard work and further education, she accepted the challenge of joining the Human Resources department in 2007, an area she quickly recognized as a promising career path. In 2014, she specialized in strategic talent management. Moving beyond traditional HR administration, Del Río introduced a new perspective: “I wanted to understand the company from within, aligning each department’s needs with the overall strategy“, she explains.
A mother of two, Del Río took a short maternity break before joining NutraResearch, drawn by the challenge of building and consolidating the HR department. In this industrial setting, she has developed a broad business vision, bringing structure, strategy, and an approach aligned with the company’s ongoing growth.