Chief Chemist

Our client within the chemical industry seeks to appoint an experienced and suitably qualified Chief Chemist to join their team based in Durban. 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. Job Duties • Plans 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 chemical industry. Looks for opportunities to optimise chemical performance / cost • Responsible for System inputs and Change Management • To build and maintain product formulation data base Job Requirements • Degree or diploma in Industrial Chemistry (Degree preferred). • Minimum 10 years’ experience in the chemical industry • Working knowledge of chemicals Chemistry and product formulation /development • Understanding of surfactant and antimicrobial products and emulsions • Understanding of production processes for Industrial and specialty products • Working knowledge of QA and ISO systems as related to the chemical industry • Knowledge or experience of running plant trials in a factory environment • Ability to liaise with external company clients and suppliers at senior level • Ability to organise work program effectively • Use of accounting system will be advantageous (i.e., Syspro)