Manager, Industrial Chemist

Wella Company is one of the world’s leading beauty companies, comprised of iconic brands such as Wella Professionals, Clairol, OPI, Nioxin, and ghd. With 6,000 employees globally and a presence in over 100 countries, Wella Company empowers its people to delight consumers, inspire beauty professionals, and deliver sustainable growth.

About the role

The External Operations North America (EXO NA) Industrial Chemist serves as the Wella expert and single point of contact for third-party manufacturers (TPMs) on topics related to raw materials, formulations, and bulk manufacturing processes. This role owns and maintains all documentation, standards, and technical requirements supporting the qualification and validation of suppliers and manufacturing sites producing raw materials, intermediates, and finished products. The Industrial Chemist enables internal and external organizations to drive business results through breakthrough solutions in raw materials and manufacturing processes.

The role supports cross-functional EXO teams in qualifying new products and maintaining existing processes, ensuring cost-efficient, sustainable, and high-quality outcomes. Technologies managed include shampoos, conditioners, hair treatments (oils, sprays, aerosols), hair color products, and nail products across North American TPMs.

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.
• Identify efficiency opportunities within incumbent manufacturing sites to drive cost savings, cash optimization, and sustainability improvements.
• Influence and partner with manufacturing sites to identify, prioritize, and implement efficiency improvements.

Requirements

• 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.
• Basic knowledge of problem-solving tools (e.g., 6W-2H, Ishikawa, RCA).
• Willingness to travel frequently (25% of the time).
• Professional working proficiency in English.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Excel; basic skills in MS Word and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management certification (e.g., PMP, CAPM, PMI-ACP).
• Basic knowledge of Continuous Improvement methodologies (e.g., PDCA, 5S).
• Associate (basic) level proficiency in SAP.
• Continuous Improvement certification (e.g., Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma).
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Project.
• Beginner skills in Microsoft Power BI.

Pay

$91,500 - $122,000 salary per year. The range listed is one component of Wella Company’s total rewards package, which may also include annual bonus or variable pay depending on the role.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO)