Senior Functional Chemist
Northfield, IL, US, 60093
Job Description
The Sr. Product Development Chemist – Consumer Products will be responsible for leading product development research efforts and managing key projects in support of Business and Key Customer Account initiatives. . Primary responsibilities for the role will include developing the consumer products portfolio through targeted market launches, support of customer needs and project briefs, and collaborating with R&D groups for innovation and next generation products. The role requires extensive collaboration with Stepan’s Business, Marketing, New Business Development, Sales, and Process & Chemistry teams. Approximately 30% travel may be required to various key customer accounts.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain and build out key customer relationships with R&D to R&D interface.
- Partner with Sales to drive new product sales to customers and build customer relationships.
- Development of products for consumer products portfolio and customer requests
- Contribute to and collaborate on the technical strategy of complex projects (innovation, exploratory, program work and customer specific etc.) that are aligned with business strategies.
- Responsible for implementing approved project plans independently and through one or more team members.
- Recognized as Stepan technical expert in current and past application areas including Personal Care and Hard Surface Cleaning.
- Regularly reviews technical information, patents, literature, and global regulations pertinent to fields of expertise.
- Takes leadership roles within cross-functional project teams.
- Presents technical information to business, manufacturing, R&D and authors technical reports.
- Communicates effectively to external stakeholders at key customer accounts, coordinating project progress and areas for continued engagement.
- Leads safety/waste programs and steadfastly adheres to safety policies/standards and ensures that staff members also participate.
Qualifications
- 5-10 years relevant industry experience.
- The ideal candidate will have demonstrated knowledge and experience in one or more of these areas: Hard Surface Care, Personal Care, Industrial & Institutional Chemistry, New Product Design and Development, Experimental Design, Statistical Evaluation of Data.
- Must practice safe laboratory procedures. Uses proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when working in the lab (safety glasses, gloves, lab coat with long sleeves, no heels or large jewelry, etc.).
- Must have excellent interpersonal skills.
- Must have an attention to detail and possess good organization skills.
Education
- Bachelor in Chemistry or closely related science with 5-10 yrs experience required
#LI-KB1
#LI-ONSITE
Stepan Company does not accept or retain unsolicited resumes or phone calls and/or respond to them or to any third party representing job seekers.
Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 22 global manufacturing locations and over 2,500 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment.
We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago