Manager, Industrial Chemist

About the role

The EXO NA Industrial Chemist is the Wella expert and SPOC for TPMs for any topic related to raw materials, formulations, and bulk manufacturing processes. The EXO NA Industrial Chemist owns and maintains all documentation, standards, and technical requirements that support the qualification and validation of suppliers and manufacturing sites producing our raw materials, intermediates, and finished products. This role enables the organizations, both internal and external, to drive business outstanding results through breakthrough solutions on raw materials and making processes. The Industrial Chemist supports cross-functional EXO teams in the qualification of new products and the maintenance of existing qualified processes, ensuring the delivery of cost- and cash-efficient products while maintaining sustainable results and the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with R&D and Global/Local Initiative Teams to develop the Technical Learning Plan (Commissioning, Qualification, and Verification) for innovation and technical projects at North America TPMs.
• Lead and execute the Technical Readiness Plan for all projects managed across North America TPMs.
• Document and maintain records of Technical Learning Plan trials, validations, and qualifications.
• Support Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, and Procurement teams in achieving service targets through the identification of alternative materials and process improvements.
• Collaborate with Global R&D to design, implement, and sustain standard processes, systems, and technical requirements for manufacturing sites and the EXO organization.
• Influence and partner with manufacturing sites to identify, prioritize, and implement efficiency opportunities within incumbent manufacturing sites to drive cost savings, cash optimization, and sustainability improvements.

Qualifications

• Essential: Bachelor's degree in Engineering (e.g., Chemical, Biotechnology, Industrial, Mechanical, or Product Development Engineering).
• 2 years of experience in the Professional Beauty, Personal Care, Consumer Goods, or Pharmaceutical industries, with exposure to bulk manufacturing processes, filling operations, formulation research and development, and/or laboratory analysis.
• 2 years of project or program management experience, with a demonstrated track record of successful project delivery.
• Strong teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in remote, cross-functional, and multicultural environments.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with external partners and organizations.
• Problem Solving Tools basic knowledge (e.g., 6W-2H, Ishikawa, RCA)
• Capacity to handle frequent business travels (25% of time).
• Language: English Professional Working Proficiency.
• Software: Microsoft Office Excel advanced skills.
• Software: MS Word and MS PowerPoint basic skills.

Preferred

• Project Management certification (e.g., PMP, CAPM, PMI-ACP).
• Continuous Improvement basic knowledge (e.g., PDCA, 5S).
• Software: SAP associate (basic) level.
• Continuous Improvement certification (e.g., Lean Manufacturing, 6 δ).
• Software: Microsoft Project intermediate skills.
• Software: Microsoft Power BI beginner skills.