Manager, Industrial Chemist

Wella Operations US LLC; Morris Plains (NJ); On-site; USD 91,500 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid holidays

Paid time off (PTO)

Job summary

Wella Operations US LLC is seeking an experienced Industrial Chemist based in New Jersey. The role involves managing raw materials and formulations for manufacturing processes, driving improvements in quality and efficiency across the supply chain.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 2+ years of relevant experience in the Beauty or Consumer Goods industry. Responsibilities include leading technical projects and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure product quality and cost efficiency.

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in the Professional Beauty or Consumer Goods industries with bulk manufacturing.
• Project management experience with a track record of successful project delivery.
• Capacity for frequent business travel (25% of time).

Responsibilities

• Develop the Technical Learning Plan for innovation projects.
• Lead and execute the Technical Readiness Plan.
• Support Supply Chain and Quality Assurance teams in achieving targets.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication skills

Problem Solving Tools knowledge

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Biotechnology, Industrial, Mechanical, or Product Development)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

SAP (basic level)

Microsoft Project (intermediate skills)

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The EXO NA Industrial Chemist is the Wella expert and SPOC for TPMs for any topic related to raw materials, formulations, and bulk manufacturing processes. The EXO NA Industrial Chemist owns and maintains all documentation, standards, and technical requirements that support the qualification and validation of suppliers and manufacturing sites producing our raw materials, intermediates, and finished products. This role enables the organizations, both internal and external, to drive business outstanding results through breakthrough solutions on raw materials and making processes. The Industrial Chemist supports cross‑functional EXO teams in the qualification of new products and the maintenance of existing qualified processes, ensuring the delivery of cost‑ and cash‑efficient products while maintaining sustainable results and the highest quality standards.

Technologies to be managed are shampoos, conditioners, hair treatments (oils, sprays, aerosols, among others), hair color products and nail products across North America External Operations manufacturing partners, TPMs.

KEY 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

QUALIFICATIONS

• 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 and organizations.
• Problem Solving Tools basic knowledge (e.g., 6W-2H, Ishikawa, RCA)
• Capacity to handle frequent business travels (25% of time).
• Language: English Professional Working Proficiency.
• Software: Microsoft Office Excel advanced skills.
• Software: MS Word and MS PowerPoint basic skills.

PREFERRED

• Project Management certification (e.g., PMP, CAPM, PMI-ACP).
• Continuous Improvement basic knowledge (e.g., PDCA, 5S).
• Software: SAP associate (basic) level.
• Continuous Improvement certification (e.g., Lean Manufacturing, 6 δ).
• Software: Microsoft Project intermediate skills.

NOTICES

• All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
• If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, please email [e-mail]. This email account will not respond to inquiries regarding the status of a candidate’s application.
• We disclose the compensation range for positions in compliance with local law. Actual salaries will vary and may be above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, skills and in comparison to internal incumbents currently in similar roles. Pay Range: $91,500 - $122,000 salary per year. The range listed is just one component of Wella Company's total rewards package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonus plan or variable pay, depending on the role. In addition, Wella Company provides a rich variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance, life and disability insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).