Plant Chemist - University Park, IL
23 days ago
Crete
Job DescriptionSupport where quality meets production. Verdant Specialty Solutions is seeking a Plant Chemist to lead quality control operations and serve as the site’s subject matter expert on all manufactured chemistries, driving product quality, process integrity, and technical problem-solving across production. This is not strictly a quality role, but one where you will partner with the plant manager and operations to ensure safe execution of right-first time production. This is a plant-facing position where your work directly impacts execution of the production plan, introduction of new products to the plant, troubleshooting, customer satisfaction, and operational performance. If you are detail-oriented, hands-on in the lab, and confident working alongside plant management, quality chemists, and operations to solve real-time production challenges—we want to talk to you. Why This Role Is Different • Develop deep understanding of how chemistry performs at manufacturing scale and what factors impact safe and on-specification manufacturing, • Direct Production Impact: your leadership and understanding of process chemistry and quality results determine whether materials move forward or stop, • End-to-End Visibility: from raw material qualification to final product certification, • Plant Integration: work side-by-side with operators, engineers, and maintenance, • Quality Ownership: lead compliance with ISO, GMP, and customer-driven quality standards, • Real-Time Decision Making: you are the key interface between quality data and operations to drive batch disposition and customer outcomesWhat You’ll Do, • Be the subject matter expert in the products and manufacturing processes at the plant, • Lead the quality team and perform wet chemistry and instrumental analyses on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished goods, • Certify materials and finished products for release and shipment, • Generate Certificates of Analysis (COAs) using LIMS and SAP systems, • Conduct in-process testing and communicate results to operations in real time, • Support investigations related to customer complaints and product quality concerns, • Maintain laboratory calibration, documentation, and retain systems, • Participate in Gauge R&R studies to validate methods and ensure data reliability, • Ensure proper handling, labeling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and hazardous waste, • Lead compliance with ISO 9001, EFfCI, GMP, RSPO, and site HSSE requirementsWhat Sets You Apart, • Hands-on experience with wet chemistry and analytical instrumentation, • Demonstrated expertise with organic synthesis and process chemistry, • Strong understanding of laboratory safety, chemical handling, and solution preparation, • Ability to interpret data and make sound quality decisions in a production environment, • Clear, effective communicator across operations, engineering, and leadership, • High attention to detail with disciplined documentation practices, • Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, batch-driven manufacturing setting, • Independent thinker with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skillsWhat You Bring, • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or related field (preferred), • OR relevant laboratory experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting, • Experience with LIMS, SAP, or similar systems is a plus, • Familiarity with quality systems and regulatory frameworks (ISO, GMP, etc.)Work Environment This role is based in a chemical manufacturing facility in University Park, IL and requires regular presence in both the laboratory and production environment. • Exposure to chemicals, reagents, and industrial operations, • Required use of PPE (lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, etc.), • Standing for extended periods and hands-on lab work, • Close collaboration with plant operations and cross-functional teamsWhat You’ll Get, • Competitive compensation and benefits, • Stable, plant-based role with clear impact on operations, • Opportunity to grow within a global specialty chemicals organization, • Exposure to quality systems, regulatory frameworks, and manufacturing excellence If you’re ready to bring your lab expertise into a role where quality decisions drive real-world outcomes, apply today! Powered by JazzHR k2xv6ETIzZ