The Opportunity

Our client, a growing family-owned specialty chemical company, is looking for a leader to support site manufacturing operations by leading process optimization projects, coordinating new product introductions, and overseeing and implementing capital projects to achieve site objectives in the most safe, economical, and efficient manner. They bring a history of innovation and commitment to sustainability while fostering a culture of collaboration and respect for individual contributions inside and outside the company.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Coordinate new product introductions, process optimization projects, and process and product changes.
  • Support production with technical problem solving, equipment redesign, and implementation of safe and effective working solutions.
  • Partner with technical and operations teams in the development and scale-up of new products and processes for existing and emerging markets, and customer needs.
  • Develop, evaluate, and improve manufacturing methods, utilizing knowledge of product design, materials, manufacturing processes, and production equipment capabilities.
  • Support research, design, production and performance of new products.
  • Utilize lean manufacturing tools where appropriate. Design data collection plans, lead plant trials, analyze data, and implement improvements.
  • Identify and act on opportunities to improve processes and systems consistent with established KPIs and corporate goals and objectives.
  • Assist in the troubleshooting of incidents where material being produced does not meet the required specifications.
  • Assist operations personnel in plant troubleshooting and process optimization with chemistry insights supported by targeted laboratory or pilot scale experiments.
  • Promote a positive and professional work environment.
  • Support plant audit activities and safety initiatives and take a significant role in supporting process hazard analysis (PHA) activities.
  • Support and encourage safety and cleanliness standards in the plant and lab.

Desired Competencies

  • Familiarity developing Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Able to work independently, possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, and serve as a member of or interface with multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Capable of understanding processes and identifying unusual results.
  • Ability to work directly and effectively in the laboratory and/or the pilot plant and strictly execute laboratory and/or pilot plant procedures.
  • Communication & Teamwork skills including the ability to work closely and effectively with Operations, Quality, Technical and Sales and other team members.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills. Ability to identify problems in the manufacturing processes and devise solutions to improve process efficiency and product quality.

Qualifications

  • BS in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry.
  • Minimum 5 years of technical experience in the chemical industry.
  • Working knowledge of chemical processes both batch and continuous operations.
  • Functional computer skills (Microsoft office, Excel, Word).