Chemist

**Research & Development Senior Chemist
**A high performance, dynamic, driven and growing company operating in the personal care market in South African as well as internationally, is looking for a Senior Chemist to join their technical team. This position carries with it the responsibility to mentor junior team members and grow their capabilities for contributing to the organization while assisting in the responsibilities of the R&D team.

**LOCATION
**Durban, South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal)

**EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
**Relevant tertiary qualification (BSc or equivalent), Qualification in Cosmetic Science

Minimum of 3 years related industry experience and proven formulation track record

Leadership experience

**RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Developing cutting edge skin care products to meet the demands of a growing global brand.
- Technical aspects of product development through the investigation, planning, execution, evaluating and reporting on new product / process development improvement and troubleshooting projects.
- Advise, direct, coach, inspire and review the work of less experienced formulation chemists on complex projects.
- Development of manufacturing processes for all formulations on all relevant production equipment; overseeing and running of pilot plant, scale up and production trial batches.
- Troubleshooting for manufacturing issues related to formulation or product and packaging interactions.
- Project Manager of new product development projects as well as reformulation of existing products and changes required; ensuring that all projects are delivered on time and in line with agreed performance criteria and cost.
- Ensuring compliance to both local and global regulatory standards as well as safety of existing and new formulations.
- Training and development of production staff on process methods, factory equipment, manufacture of new formulations as needed.
- Questions processes, procedures and policies. Fully investigates, develops, and presents alternatives for implementation.
- Develops understanding of any processes new to the organization; evaluates whether portions of that process are applicable to other products/projects.
- Attends classes/seminars to improve technical, interpersonal, and managerial skills. Shares learning and applies learning to work assignments.

**_SKILLS & ABILITIES_**:

Excellent understanding of South African regulatory landscape
- Able to prepare specifications, label declarations and formulations with no technical errors.
- Ability to work on several projects simultaneously with attention to detail and within time lines
- Computer literacy (Word, Excel)
- Laboratory etiquette (GLP) as well as an understanding of basic laboratory analysis techniques
- Ability to work cross-functionally & at all levels within the organization including senior leadership
- Leadership skills
- Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills

Problem solving