FMCG / Retail / Wholesale / Supply Chain South Africa - KwaZulu Natal , eThekwini Central (Durban / Pinetown / Umlazi) Market Related Our Pinetown based client is looking for a Chief Chemist.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. Degree or diploma in Industrial Chemistry (Degree preferred).Minimum 10 years’ experience in the chemical detergent industryWorking knowledge of detergent Chemistry and product formulation /developmentUnderstanding of surfactant and antimicrobial products and emulsionsUnderstanding of production processes for Industrial and specialty productsWorking knowledge of QA and ISO systems as related to the chemical industryKnowledge or experience of running plant trials in a factory environmentAbility to liaise with external company clients and suppliers at senior levelAbility to organise work program effectivelyUse of accounting system will be advantageous (i.e. Syspro)Valid Driver’s License and reliable transport (Minimum Code 8) Minimum Requirements:Degree or diploma in Industrial Chemistry (Degree preferred).Minimum 10 years’ experience in the chemical detergent industryWorking knowledge of detergent Chemistry and product formulation /developmentUnderstanding of surfactant and antimicrobial products and emulsionsUnderstanding of production processes for Industrial and specialty productsWorking knowledge of QA and ISO systems as related to the chemical industryKnowledge or experience of running plant trials in a factory environmentAbility to liaise with external company clients and suppliers at senior levelAbility to organise work program effectivelyUse of accounting system will be advantageous (i.e. Syspro)Valid Driver’s License and reliable transport (Minimum Code 8)Computer LiteracyIntermediate knowledge required MS Office 2013 - Excel and Word essential Key duties and responsibilitiesPlans 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 / costResponsible for System inputs and Change ManagementTo build and maintain product formulation data base (spread sheet with hyperlink references)Background functionTo build an approved, supplier/ ingredient data baseTo Create Procedures and Works Instructions for all new QA and R&D tasks as required by the companies Quality Management SystemAssist with product formulation costingsSafety ResponsibilitiesResponsible 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 areaEnsure 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 RelationshipsInternal Company DirectorsLaboratory StaffPlant personnelProcurement personnelExternal External testing laboratories, Raw Material Suppliers, Toll customers regarding technical product queriesMajor company clients as requested by sales force Personal AttributesPresentable 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 mindedAble 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#J-18808-Ljbffr