Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Restrictive Substance Engineer to join the Footwear team. The primary responsibility of this role is to ensure that all footwear products comply with global restricted substance regulations and company standards. This position will involve working closely with product development, sourcing, and manufacturing teams to identify and mitigate the use of restricted substances in footwear materials and components.
Key Responsibilities
- Compliance Management
- Oversee and enforce compliance with restricted substance regulations (e.g., REACh, RoHS) and company-specific Restricted Substance Lists (RSLs) for footwear products.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that all materials and components used in footwear products meet regulatory and company standards.
- Material and Process Evaluation
- Conduct assessments of materials and manufacturing processes to identify potential restricted substances and recommend alternatives.
- Work with suppliers to ensure they understand and adhere to restricted substance requirements.
- Training and Knowledge Sharing
- Provide training and guidance to internal teams and suppliers on restricted substance regulations and best practices.
- Share knowledge and updates on regulatory changes and emerging trends in chemical management.
- Testing and Analysis
- Coordinate and oversee testing of materials and finished products to ensure compliance with restricted substance limits.
- Analyze test results and provide recommendations for corrective actions if restricted substances are detected.
- Project Management
- Lead projects related to the phasing out or reduction of restricted substances in footwear products.
- Collaborate with external vendors and internal teams to implement phase-out programs and drive continuous improvement.
- Reporting and Documentation
- Prepare and maintain documentation related to restricted substance compliance, including test reports, corrective action plans, and compliance records.
- Provide regular updates to senior management on compliance status and progress of restricted substance initiatives.
Requirements
- Education
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
- Experience
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in product manufacturing, environmental compliance, or chemical management.
- Experience working with restricted substance regulations (e.g., REACh, RoHS) and compliance programs.
- Skills and Abilities
- Strong knowledge of chemical composition and properties of materials used in footwear manufacturing.
- Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and mitigate risks related to restricted substances.
- Proficiency in using product lifecycle management (PLM) tools and analytical testing methods (e.g., spectroscopic, chromatographic).
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Familiarity with global environmental product compliance requirements and standards.
- Other
- Willingness to travel occasionally for supplier visits or audits.