Job Information
Vantage Specialty Chemicals QC Chemist in IL, United States
Vantage is a fast-growing, leading global supplier of naturally derived specialty ingredients and formulations that cater to the evolving needs of consumer and industrial markets. Through our chemistries, our customer focus and our vertically integrated farming, manufacturing, and formulation facilities around the world, we are Enabling Tomorrow’s Solutions Today.
With more than 1,000 employees, $1+ billion in sales and a footprint in 13 countries around the world, Vantage is driven by an intense focus on our customers, providing a broad portfolio of customized solutions, formulations and ingredients that are tailored to meet their specific needs.
Vantage is structured in two divisions: Consumer Solutions is focused on market segments where we have the right product portfolio and technical capabilities to win. Our Beauty & Personal Care and Food business units aim to be the customer’s partner of choice in delivering solutions, formulations and ingredients that best meet their needs. Performance Solutions encapsulates our Performance Materials and Oleo business units and is focused on select industrial applications where we offer differentiated solutions built on our foundational oleo chemistry.
Under the leadership of Steve Doktycz, a 27-year chemical industry and strategic development veteran, its tenured leadership team represents decades of industry experience coupled with entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for natural chemistries. Vantage is headquartered in the United States (Deerfield, IL, a Chicago suburb).
Since its inception in 2008, Vantage’s continued growth has been realized through a combination of focused commercial efforts, significant capital investment into our manufacturing assets, strategic entry into geographic markets and niche acquisitions to develop our leading portfolio of natural-based specialty ingredients.
Vantage™ is backed by H.I.G., a leading global alternative investment firm with $43 billion of equity capital under management with a focus on the small and midcap segments of the market, with a minority investment by The Jordan Company.
For more information: www.vantagegrp.com
POSITION SUMMARY
Carry out QC lab analysis of raw materials, in process samples and final products so that results are accurately determined, carried out in a timely way, properly communicated to customers, and carried out within the framework of the Quality System ISO 9000 and FSSC 22000/22002 with cGMP applying. This ensures that the manufacturing operation is well supported, and outside customers are promptly served with the correct product, quality, and information.
POSITION SCOPE
Chicago, IL.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
Carry out QC analytical work and the requirements of the "desk" person exactly to the required written methods and using the correct equipment, so that information to internal and external customers is accurate, timely, and properly reported.
Carry out all work to the appropriate Quality Standards - ISO 9000 as well as FSSC 22000/22002 also applying cGMP. Flag any issues as they arise.
Analyze incoming raw materials, in process samples, and finished goods by wet chemistry techniques, Near-infrared spectroscopy, Gas Chromatography, Ion Chromatography, Karl Fisher titration, etc.
Communicate fully with internal and external customers so that their requirements and results are fully understood, and any interpretation of the information is properly supplied.
Work independently, as well as in a team, so that work is smoothly and efficiently handled, shift hand-over is completed with a full understanding of ongoing issues, production operators are supported in their in-process testing, and the lab manager/supervisor is kept apprised of issues and how they are being handled.
Spot and troubleshoot questionable results and equipment problems so that resolution of the matter is obtained in a timely manner, and the proper people kept informed or asked for guidance.
Calibrate all lab equipment and keep records to the appropriate Quality Standards so that the equipment is always ready for use.
Suggest and run small projects, within the general scope of work done in the QC Lab, so that the lab improvements can be made.
Follow all Company policies, procedures, and instructions using cGMP so that work is properly and safely done, the quality system is maintained, and good housekeeping is carried out.
Note: The duties listed above are not all inclusive and may be subject to periodic updating or revision.
The Ideal Candidate
Desired Background
• A minimum of an associate degree in physical science.
• Minimum of 3 years of laboratory experience.
• Flexibility to work any other shifts and be able to work overtime as required.
Knowledge, Skills & Talents
More specifically, we would seek the following attributes and competencies for the position:
• Must be able to apply good safety practice, good laboratory practice - cGMP, and operate to the quality regime, i.e., ISO 9000 as well as FSSC 22000/22002.
• Must be fully conversant with all the instrumental analysis and wet chemistry in the QC Lab and in particular the following techniques: GC, automated titrations, physical property testing, color measurement, and spectroscopic techniques; as well as be able to teach the techniques, demonstrate good lab practice, do basic troubleshooting, and maintain good records including lab books. A good sense of smell is required for organoleptic testing.
• Computer skills are required as the chemists must be able to use databases, spreadsheets, word processing software, LIMS, and computer-controlled instruments.
• Must have good written and verbal communication skills. Good organizational skills, decision-making, and record keeping skills are also required. The ability to work in a team environment as well as independently with minimal supervision is necessary.
Vantage is a leading supplier of naturally derived specialty ingredients and formulations that cater to the evolving needs of industrial and consumer markets. Through our chemistries, our customer focus and our global footprint, we are Enabling Tomorrow's Solutions Today.
As a company on the move, you’ll be working as part of a collaborative team and getting to know the cultural diversity of our world. We learn from each other to constantly improve, adapt and iterate. We value the voice and talent of our colleagues by empowering them to drive their unique ideas to completion. We’re convinced that exceptionally motivated employees produce outstanding results. Most importantly, we know you’re going to like it here.