Process Chemist - County Wexford

Process Chemist - County Wexford.

This is a contract posting, expected to run to late 2024.

This position will lead monitoring and control of manufacturing in a multi-product environment. A key function of this role is process monitoring of manufacturing to assure all products meet and exceed technical and performance specifications, including evaluation of laboratory test results and disposition/release of ingredients, intermediates and finished products. This position is responsible for maintaining and developing the plant Quality and Food Safety Management System, acting as a champion for Quality and GMP in the manufacturing environment, and leading key programs of the Business Management System. This position will drive continuous improvement in the manufacturing environment, leading and supporting the manufacturing teams as required.

Key Responsibilities:
• Drive the zero-defect culture through rigorous adherence to S&OP’s, maintaining GMP and environmental standards, and aggressively identifying and implementing appropriate corrective actions within the plant
• Develop a deep understanding of ingredient and product characteristics and specifications. Evaluate laboratory analysis (including GC results) to determine appropriate disposition of materials and processes in a timely fashion
• Taking ownership of manufacturing processes and providing manufacturing instructions to operations
• Monitor control points in the manufacturing process to ensure that process is in control and capable, and troubleshoot issue if necessary
• Develop and/or validate manufacturing processes/equipment to ensure capability to meet product specifications reliably and repeatedly
• Lead key programs within the Business Management System
• Develop quality standards, specifications and requirements for primary packaging, processing aids and production consumables in order to ensure quality and integrity of products
• Support external audits of certified systems and perform internal audits
• Manage the introduction of new ingredients, products and processes (including technology transfer) through the commercialisation process, and carry out all qualifications as required
• Attend and support pre-commercialisation test run to ensure production capability
• Facilitate and support continuous improvement activities in manufacturing
• Identify through in-process monitoring and trending cycle times etc., opportunities for process/productivity improvement
• Design, conduct and/or review experiments in order to deliver new products; evaluate ingredient, product or packaging safety, evaluate OOS/correct deviations
• Provide technical support for contingency planning, supply point shifts and new product introductions
• Work collaboratively with others to accomplish goals

Skills and Experience requirements:
• Third level Degree in a scientific discipline, preferably Chemistry or Applied Chemistry, chemical/process engineering
• At least 4 years’ experience in a regulated process manufacturing environment such as pharma, food and beverage, fragrance, food ingredients or FMCG
• Knowledge of organic chemistry and ability to interpret analytical results
• Knowledge of sensory analysis techniques
• Experience of developing and supporting GMP, hygiene and/or food safety requirements
• Management (developing and sustaining) of Quality Systems in a GMP environment
• Experience of NPI and technology transfer
• Experience of participation in external audits
• Leading and coordinating internal audits
• Excellent problem solving skills
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills
• Proficiency in written and oral communication skills, especially presentation skills