Development Chemist

SUMMARY: An established manufacturer of building materials is seeking an experienced R&D Chemist to plan, control and manage development activities by controlling manufacturing instructions, raw material replacements, flow of production and potential new orders, and to ensure that changes are approved and communicated through to relevant departments.

POSITION INFO:

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a BSc Hons / MSc / PhD Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Sciences or similar
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a research laboratory environment will be required
• Knowledge of raw materials, formulating techniques, chemical reaction processes and product performance requirements is essential
• Must be ability to communicate with company personnel, raw material suppliers and customers, and do technical presentations with confidence
• Must understand a customer focused environment and have a sense of urgency

• Ensuring that all departments are working collectively with regards to product development and the release of products into the marketplace.
• Providing technical information to sales to ensure correct selection and choice of current/new products.
• Training and equipping all technical staff to perform QC, development, product performance testing, and installation/application of finished products.
• Collaborating with the Quality Manager to ensure effective work is done and all required information is disseminated.
• Giving technical guidance regarding new and existing products to ensure successful manufacturing of products that comply with international standards and requirements.
• Ensuring correct raw materials, manufacturing techniques, and quality standards are specified to achieve a final product with the required performance characteristics.
• Understanding the chemical processes taking place in the combination of raw materials in the manufacture and application of products.
• Implementing the correct procedures to be followed for the manufacturing of products.
• Setting quality control standards and ensuring they are maintained.
• Ensuring products meet specific performance criteria.
• Liaising with raw material suppliers, USA partners, and Technology Providers.
• Managing activities to ensure deadlines on product development are achieved for both local and USA requirements.
• Assessing both current and new buy-ins to determine their suitability and performance requirements to meet the company’s basket of products.
• Keeping abreast of technology so that products are formulated within acceptable standards while achieving and maintaining profitability for the Company.
• Ensuring that raw material purchasing and receiving specifications are up to date.
• Determining and issuing correct test methods and parameters for the quality control of raw materials to the Quality Manager.
• Collaborating with production to ensure products are manufactured to meet the relevant quality standards.
• Approving, maintaining, and accurately capturing and authorizing any changes to manufacturing master formulas for release.
• Liaising with independent authorities and overseas technology providers regarding external testing or hazardous & performance criteria of products.
• Reporting any non-conformance with a process to the Quality Manager and dealing with it timeously to ensure corrective actions eliminate re-occurrence of incidents.
• Ensuring all necessary data, training of personnel and applicators, and health and safety issues are implemented for the successful application of the product.
• Including details of any hazards associated with the transport and installation of the product.
• Informing or training Sales Representatives, Technical Service Representatives, Clients, and Contractors in methods for product use, always working in conjunction with the Technical Resource Team.
• Ensuring all aspects of customer service concerning new and existing products are promptly fulfilled.
• Presenting samples, performing physical performance testing, conducting on-site demonstrations, and providing training in conjunction with Technical Resources.
• Investigating product performance complaints where further R&D work is required.
• Monitoring raw material costs and substituting with alternatives if cost benefits exist in conjunction with procurement.
• Monitoring product gross profit to ensure maximum profit is obtained.
• Ensuring the product is user-friendly for the contractor to maintain their satisfaction and profit in using our product in conjunction with Technical Resources.
• Assisting with stock takes when required.
• Completing a monthly report on activities and progress made.