Sr. Chemist

Overview:

The Senior Chemist leads the development on new Consumables products within existing product lines.  In this key role he/she will lead the PD&E activities to ensure that BISSELL requirements are met with an end result of successful Consumable product launches.  This person will develop and maintain supplier relationships with limited oversight and be a critical link in technical communications both within BISSELL and with outside customers and suppliers.

Responsibilities:

• Be a Consumables development leader for BISSELL – consistently bring market winning products and technologies to the business. Monitor the status of technical issues on all assigned projects and communicate and direct activities as necessary to ensure project success.
• Conduct, supervise, and approve the development of Chemical formulations and Chemical Package designs (bottles, triggers, aerosols, etc.) along with associated material specifications, test plans, purchased component specifications and end product specifications. Ensure proper documentation is incorporated into BISSELL systems.
• Collaborate with Consumer Design, Marketing, Sales, Quality, Purchasing, Package Engineering, and Operations on cross functional Product Teams to lead the technical effort on new product launches within established product lines.
• Use systematic problem-solving and knowledge capture techniques for the Consumables Category of products.
• Prepare and present technical information as required to functions outside of R&D, including Senior Management, on projects or issues that may affect business decisions.
• Collaborate with the Director/Manager of Consumables Development to:
  • Recommend and participate in the creation and improvement of methods, equipment and staffing.
  • May manage Co-Op and Intern programs with oversight from the Director of Consumables Development, including interviewing, hiring decisions, and direct management of daily activities.
  • Estimate technical project resource requirements and project expenses.
  • Stimulate performance in team members through example.
  • Monitor progress on Chemical projects to insure complete and accurate documentation of core competencies.
  • Demonstrate an ability to make good decisions when data is limited.
  • Anticipate problems and formulate contingency plans.
• Monitor the analysis of test data reviewed by more junior Chemists/Technicians and analyze test results of complex functions of Chemical formulations/package designs to ensure product integrity and performance.
• Control the accuracy and completeness of Technical Deliverables required on projects.
• Monitor Package Engineering, Test Lab, Regulatory Compliance, Legal and Model Shop departments to plan and provide accurate data and timing on projects to ensure a smooth workflow of deliverables.
• Work with Operations on issues related to raw materials and external contract packagers.
• Monitor the execution of Quality Plans on the most critical components or assemblies to assure the agreed to performance is maintained as products mature or changes are made.
• Provide information to prepare and verify technical content of Patents and associated legal documentation as requested for assigned projects.
• Control expenditures to keep within planned spending.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Global strategic thinking and implementation
• Continuous Improvement
• Oral and written communication with impact
• Manage/contribute to multiple dynamic priorities
• Professional expertise
• Actively seek and share information
• Interpersonal/collaborative skills Self 
• Initiative

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: 

• Degree minimum: BS in Chemistry or related Sciences.
• Experience level:
• Minimum of 6 years in Product Development (advanced degree required for early entry in classification).
• Experienced leading multiple full cycle product launches.
• Demonstrated strength in chemical formulation fundamentals and technical project management.
• Experienced in test protocol development and the analysis of data and test results.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office Products.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: 

• Demonstrated experience in the formulation and development of both hard surface and soft surface cleaning products.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in mentoring and supervision of technical staff.

SPECIALIZED TRAINING OR SKILLS REQUIRED:

This position requires the ability to manage the flow of data, perform analysis, generate summary reports and communicate by voice or data while being connected in the office, at home or while travelling by laptop or mobile device regularly without regard to time zone or day of the week.