Senior Development Chemist at Sensient Technologies Corporation

Job Summary

The Sensient Senior Research & Development Chemist (Level III) will work in the expanding cosmetic technology segment of our South African business by assisting in the development of raw material application formulations and develop cutting edge products to meet the demands of leading brands. This proactive individual will be responsible to advise customers regarding the application of the in-house raw material range, as well as research and create innovative new products. This candidate will also be involved in ensuring legal compliance and ongoing quality. Customer liaison, in conjunction with the Sales account manager, will form part of this position.

Responsibilities

• Advise customers regarding the application of the in-house raw material range
• Create and develop new products for toiletries, skin care, hair care and color cosmetics in accordance to specific customer needs
• Prepare presentations of such new innovative ideas and present to customers together with the Sales Account Manager
• Establish critical path schedule with timelines in conjunction with project coordinators
• Ensure compliance to global regulatory standards as well as safety requirements
• Testing and assessing new raw materials
• Supplying relevant information to the Sales Account Manager and/or clients
• Assist in the validation of pilot batches of all new products
  
  

Skills Required

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team with diverse groups of people at various levels
• Ability to meet deadlines and budgets while being flexible to changes in priorities and interruptions
• Work independently to design, run and document experiments as well as be able to present findings to customers in presentation and written format.
• Planning and carrying out experiments related to development of personal care ingredients
• Excellent record keeping with complete, accurate and legible data
• Excellent knowledge in working with various computers software systems such as JD Edwards, Devex and Microsoft Office
• Well-versed and comfortable working with standard and pilot-scale laboratory equipment
• Familiar with procedures to transfer technologies from the laboratory to the production environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Self-motivated but able to work well within a team environment
• Creative as a problem solver
• Able to multi-task and coordinate various simultaneous projects at the same time
• Knowledge of cGMP procedures and processes is required.
• Knowledge of equipment and procedures for making dispersions and handling powders will be considered a plus
• Colour matching experience will be advantageous, and candidate can not suffer from serious visual impairment or be colour-blind.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related scientific field from an accredited university is required
• Minimum of 5-7 years experience working in a cosmetic laboratory environment is required
• Ability to gain and apply extensive knowledge of regional and international food regulations and their application. Must be able to develop the ability to review, interpret and summarize technical information
• Extensive experience within the implementation of a product information data base
• Very good knowledge of MS Office; experience in dealing with a computerized inventory management program is beneficial
• Very good English language skills (fluent in spoken and written)
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload and handle multiple tasks in an effective manner
• Excellent communication skills, experience in working both autonomously as well as in a team
• Willing / ability to travel

Required attributes

Execution/Results Driven

Sets high goals and delivers results that consistently increase individual and organizational performance.

• Approaches challenging tasks with a "can-do" attitude.
• Demonstrates personal drive to consistently deliver increasing levels of performance.
• Ability to prioritize.
• Persists in the face of obstacles, challenges or setbacks.
• Ability to focus self and team on solutions.
• Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency about solving problems and getting work done.
• Holds oneself accountable. Holds individuals or teams accountable.

Customer Focus (Internal and External)

Understands internal and external customer requirements. Anticipates and exceeds the needs of customers. Develops value added customer solutions.

• Integrates and communicates Sensient’s quality policy and commitment to proactively prevent issues.
• Follows through on customer commitments.
• Integrates customer needs and expectations into the development and delivery of new services or products.
• Improves or eliminates internal problems that are affecting the customer experience.
• Proactively identifies shares knowledge across business units.
• Establishes and uses feedback systems to meet customer requirements and expectations.
• Continuously seeks to improve the quality of services, products and processes.
• Always conducts himself or herself positively and professionally with customers. Does not argue with customers or dismiss their concerns.