Development Chemist

SUMMARY:

An international manufacturer of a wide range of protective coatings, linings, and fireproofing products is seeking the above to plan, control, and manage development activities to meet the requirements of the R&D plan and new projects as agreed.

POSITION INFO:

Minimum requirements for the role:

• Must have a B.Sc. in Chemistry
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar laboratory environment
• Knowledge of raw materials, formulating techniques, chemical reaction processes and product performance requirements is essential
• Ability to communicate with company personnel, raw material suppliers and customers
• Knowledge of materials used in coating adhesives and decorative paint markets or similar is essential
• Coordination capabilities as well as good management and leadership skills
• Must be computer literate

• Providing technical information to sales to ensure the correct selection and choice of current/new products.
• Training and equipping all technical staff to perform QC, development, product performance testing, and installation/application of company products.
• Collaborating with the Quality Manager to ensure effective work is done and all required information is disseminated.
• Establishing application guidelines to assist Technical Resources in the application of new and existing products.
• Providing technical guidance regarding new and existing products to ensure successful manufacturing of products that comply with international standards and requirements.
• Understanding the chemical process taking place in the combination of raw materials in the manufacture and application of products.
• Implementing the correct procedures to be followed for the manufacturing of products.
• Ensuring that market needs are developed using the latest technology, considering aspects of performance, environmental impacts, and profitability within the core competencies of the business. This process requires continued liaison with raw material suppliers, USA, RPM partners, and Technology Providers.
• Focusing on colour and optimization and ensuring processes is assessed and implemented across the brands.
• Developing colour databases to assist with improving operational throughput.
• Managing activities to ensure deadlines on product development are achieved for both local and Platform requirements.
• Understanding the requirements of the marketplace for corrosion protection, tank linings, industrial steel, and OEM markets, and developing products to fulfil these requirements, in conjunction with sales and marketing.
• Assessing both current and new buy-ins to determine their suitability and performance requirements to meet the company’s basket of products.
• Keeping abreast of technology to ensure products are formulated within acceptable standards while achieving and maintaining profitability for the company.
• Ensuring that raw material purchasing and receiving specifications are up to date for approved suppliers and meet overseas partner requirements, and that standards are available to the procurement and production departments.
• Evaluating alternate raw materials offered by suppliers, identifying opportunities for product improvements and/or cost savings.
• Determining and issuing correct test methods and parameters for the quality control of raw materials to the Quality Manager.
• Making correct decisions and seeking approvals from technology providers regarding the required substitution of critical raw materials in the event of raw material shortages.
• Collaborating with production to ensure products are manufactured to meet relevant quality standards.
• Arranging and controlling initial trial manufacturing of new products in the factory by technical personnel.
• Adapting foreign technology to local manufacturing conditions and using local raw materials where possible.
• Investigating variances observed in production and providing guidance where improvements are needed.
• Approving and maintaining all manufacturing master formulas, and ensuring any changes are accurately captured and authorized for release.
• Producing and maintaining product characteristics and standard specifications for each product.
• Liaising with independent authorities and overseas technology providers regarding external testing or hazardous and performance criteria of products.
• Reporting any non-conformance with a process to the Quality Manager and dealing with it timeously to ensure corrective actions eliminate re-occurrence of the incident.