Quality Chemist

POSITION TITLE:
Quality Chemist

FUNCTION:
The Quality Chemist assures the consistent quality of production by developing and enforcing a good manufacturing process. Ensures exceptional manufacturing compliance by inspecting and testing processes and products, before, during and after the manufacturing process. The Quality Chemist will operate and manage testing equipment, as well as record and analyze quality data which may include performing duties in the production area and laboratory as needed. The Quality Chemist reports directly to COO and works closely with multiple departments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, develop, validate, and deploy quality testing processes and procedures for new products or process improvements
• Test, analyze, and qualify new and existing raw materials in a timely manner
• Calibration, maintenance, and sourcing of lab equipment
• Daily checks of quality related equipment: DI system, balances, pH meters, TDS and conductivity, etc.
• Test product for its intended use and ensure it performs up to product specifications and standards
• Create and analyze stability studies
• Develop new testing methods to test new materials or products
• Must be able to control, create, and update Quality documents
• Work with suppliers and vendors to solve quality concerns
• Operate quality functions in ERP system
• Create and provide a schedule for audits
• Prepare reports and summaries of analysis of stability, inspections, audits, process improvements, daily production results, etc.
• Responsible for working to build and create SOPs for quality lab processes and equipment
• Develops quality assurance plans by conducting hazard analyses; identifying critical control points and preventive measures; establishing critical limits, monitoring procedures, corrective actions
• Work with Chemist to determine and prevent problems in the manufacturing process
• Develop and manage quality lab associates

REQUIREMENTS:

• 7+ years' experience in quality control management, quality assurance or adherence to policies and procedures providing checks and balances to manufacturing process.
• Hands on experience working with an ERP system
• Strong quality assurance focused experience
• Strong knowledge of safety and OSHA requirements including best practices adherence
• Technical capacity and fanatical attention to detail
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong time management skills
• Thoroughly document and keep tract of work in a neat and organized matter
• Flexibility, humility, and curiosity
• Collaborative team work
• Solution oriented
• Accurate color differentiation
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; commensurate to work load
• Computer proficiency to include Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, teams, ERP
• Experience calibration, operating, and analysis of lightbox, viscometer, FTIR, UV/VIS, auto-titrator, microbiology testing, pH meter, moisture balance, manual titrations, balances, flow meter, DI water system, colorimeter, etc.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for the leadership and performance management of all personnel within the quality lab.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical biology, chemical engineering or related field
• 7+ years quality control management on experience in working in a lab
• 7+ years of experience as a quality chemist in a manufacturing environment
• 5+ years in a supervisor or management level role
• Industries: Hair care/color, beauty/cosmetics, and food
• Experience adhering to ISO 9001:2015 requirements

CERTIFICATES:
Lean training preferred

LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Communication proficiency, ability to effectively communicate with manufacturing employees, chemists, production associates, maintenance and executive management as needed both verbal and in writing.

MATHEMATICAL:

• Strong math skills, including algebra, and chemistry concepts for example: unit conversions, spectra analysis, standard curves creation and interpretation, etc.
• Complex problem-solving skills including experimental design, validation, and analysis

REASONING ABILITY:

• Must possess the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Strong time management skills
• Effective and efficient organizational skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to chemicals in a production or laboratory environment. The work is mixed between a fast-paced production environment and multiple departments and vendors who work in the same building or externally who will seek collaboration with this position frequently