Summary:

The Specialist R & D (Formulation Chemist) is responsible for developing new personal care product formulas as well as reformulating and/or improving current formulas. This position works primarily with Marketing, Regulatory Affairs, Project management, Sales Support, and Product Development Personnel. The Specialist R & D frequently works with Analytical Services, Cost Accounting and Purchasing and occasionally works with other departments such as Engineering, Buyer/Planner, etc. This position requires a candidate that works with general direction, broad policies and goals with infrequent review of work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop/reformulate robust, quality formulas, to meet all specifications/requirements as indicated by a New Product Profile through bench experimentation
• Create, review, and approve technical documents to support product development. (Ingredient Statements, Manufacturing Formula Cards, Cost Formulas, Raw Material Supplement Forms, Waivers, etc.)
• Develop robust manufacturing processes for development projects in conjunction with other Specialist R & D-including active participation in pilot plant/scale up activities
• Develop specifications for new and/or reformulated products insuring high quality
• Source, qualify, test, and approve new and/or alternate raw materials
• Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis on formulations using laboratory experimentation
• Follow standard operating procedures on scientific significance, accuracy, safety, and record keeping
• Optimize formulations to meet cost and process objectives and to manage raw material requirements
• Execute project commitments efficiently and proactively pursue contingency plans within compliance and enforcement of company policies and procedures
• Conduct stability testing, record and analyze results, and summarize conclusions
• Develop prototypes for customer/category reviews and bids, as well as requirements for product testing
• Prepare research proposals including analytical, technical, and financial data for developing and testing new or improved products
• Identify testing abnormalities and execute corrective actions
• Monitor branded products within portfolio for changes that might prompt reformulations
• Exhibit team player qualities of cooperation and coordination; professional interaction in all business contacts

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Education Requirements:

A Bachelors Degree in Chemistry or related science; three years of related experience and/or training; or combination of 10 years education and experience

Experience Requirements:

• At least 3 years laboratory experience (including college laboratory experience)
• At least 3 years formulating experience in personal care or related field is preferred
• Intermediate experience with MS Word, Excel and Power Point reporting tools and all Microsoft applications
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, and ratios to practical situations

Competencies:

• Excellent organizational skills required, with the ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast paced high volume environment
• Practical mathematical skills – percentages, conversions, ratios, data analysis
• Ability to manage multiple basic projects through the organization
• Able to report on project progress
• Solid understanding of the commercialization process
• Preference towards collaborating on group projects rather than working individually
• High standards for quality of work
• Compliance and enforcement of all company safety rules, procedures, and guidelines is essential and mandatory.
• Enthusiastic, with a positive attitude and passion for innovation
• Strong information management and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Efficient management of time and use of resources
• Inspires confidence and trust by being dependable and honest
• Intrinsic drive to support team goals by learning and applying new skills and concepts
• Good listening skills and willingness to accept constructive criticism and learn from mistakes
• Logical approach to judgement and decision making based on original thinking, direct experience, and high quality, independently verifiable evidence
• Eager to learn
• Ability to deal with ambiguity
• Interpersonal skills
• Priority setting
• Drive for results

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

n/a

Travel:

n/a