Chief Chemist

New position available for a Chief Chemist for our client in the Chemical & Hygiene Industry. The position is based in Durban.

The purpose of the Chief Chemist and R&D Lead will be to act as the Product Information Officer (Technical, Safety, Certifications, Approvals and Registrations), Chemistry Support in all its spheres, and to provide the necessary training to the Sales team.

**KPI's**
- Plans directs and manages the full laboratory function and its staff ensuring that the correct capabilities and resources are present to support the full QA and technical functions required.
- Coordinates and directs research and development, product chemistry, optimised and accurate chemical manufacturing processes, ingredient and product analysis and verification, problem identification, modification of formulas.
- Coordinates scaled up plant manufacturing processes according to HSE and ISO operational protocols and applicable government regulations; Provides technical training at plant level as required.
- Reviews operational reports to make sure that quality standards, efficiency, and expenditure schedules are met.
- Interprets results of laboratory activities to laboratory personnel (mentoring), and management, and prepares reports and technical papers.
- Prepares and updates Safety documents for the company products as regulated (Technical, SDS and TREM); provides guidance concerning statutory Risk and Safety nomenclature needed for each product. Verifies Technical Information on product labels and product technical data sheets.
- Liaise with "Toll manufacturing" customers and agree / approve all product manufacturing processes and QA measures.
- Liaise with Suppliers regarding technical matters and stays up to date with latest formulatory trends in the detergent industry. Looks for opportunities to optimise chemical performance/cost.
- Responsible for System inputs and Change Management.
- To build and maintain product formulation data base (spread sheet with hyperlink references).

**Background function**
- To build an approved, supplier/ ingredient data base.
- To Create Procedures and Works Instructions for all new QA and R&D tasks as required by the companies Quality Management System.
- Assist with product formulation costings.

**Safety Responsibilities**
- Responsible for full SHE functions within the role related to equipment operations, materials handling, as well as the safety of direct reporting staff and other persons in the immediate work area.
- Ensure workplace safety standards are also governed by law in the form of the Occupational Health & Safety Act.; its directives must be obeyed.
- All safety incidents or near misses within respective work environment/s are to be documented and investigated.

**Main Working Relationships**
- **Internal**:

- Company Directors
- Laboratory Staff
- Plant personnel
- Procurement personnel
- **External**:

- External testing laboratories, Raw Material Suppliers, Toll customers regarding technical product queries
- Major company clients as requested by sales force

**Personal Attributes**
- Presentable with excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Accuracy and attention to detail are essential.
- Ability to work independently but also be a team player.
- Methodical and systematic minded
- Able to prioritise activities and resources, ensuring that results are achieved effectively.
- Able to evaluate progress and make appropriate adjustments to initial plans, ensuring a successful outcome.
- Acts in accordance with conventional ethical and professional standards.
- Positive, self-motivated and confident approach.
- The ability to work under pressure and to comply with deadlines.
- Numbers orientated.
- Honest and Reliable.

**Experience and Qualifications**
- Degree or diploma in Industrial Chemistry (Degree preferred).
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in the Chemical detergent industry.
- Working knowledge of detergent Chemistry and product formulation /development.
- Understanding of surfactant and antimicrobial products and emulsions.
- Understanding of production processes for Industrial and specialty products.
- Working knowledge of QA and ISO systems as related to the chemical industry.
- Knowledge or experience of running plant trials in a factory environment.
- Ability to liaise with external company clients and suppliers at senior level.
- Ability to organise work program effectively.
- Use of accounting system will be advantageous (i.e. Syspro).
- Valid Driver’s License and reliable transport (Minimum Code 8).

**Computer Literacy**
- Intermediate knowledge required MS Office 2013 - Excel and Word essential

For more information please contact:
**Annine