Sr. Chemist

Go Maverick Group has a growing client who is seeking a talented Senior Chemist to join their dynamic team. In this pivotal role, you will lead the formulation, development, and optimization of creative coating materials for global distribution, ensuring our client maximizes their brand potential by delivering industry-leading performance and innovation. If you are a forward-thinking chemist with a passion for innovation and excellence in the coatings industry seeking a collaborative and inclusive work environment, this could be the opportunity for you.

Based on the nature of this position, you must be able to work ONSITE at their Stanford, KY location (1 hr. south of Lexington). Relocation is available.

What you will be doing:

New Product Development 

• Develop complex coating and specialty finishes formulations from concept to final product. 
• Ensure that products satisfy all standard testing protocols and stakeholder requested deliverables. 
• Coordinate sampling and testing with outside laboratories as needed. 
• Provide input for product technical writing as required. 
• Work in concert with cross-functional departments for a successful commercial launch.

Formula Optimization/Cost Minimization  

• Proactively drive formulation and process improvements to enhance efficiency and consistency in manufacturing. 
• Identify and implement cost savings initiatives, optimize existing formulas to reduce costs, and address raw material sourcing concerns.  
• Facilitate the consolidation of raw materials and the identification of alternative sources of materials. 
• Research and integrate new raw material technologies. 
• Ensure all products comply with regulatory standards.

Product Innovation 

• Self-educate and integrate new technologies and materials associated with the growing demands of our market. 
• Share findings, bringing forward new ideas for product innovation to senior company leaders and development teams.

Compliance/Regulatory 

• Provide accurate information as it relates to compliance and acceptance of new raw materials and new formulations to meet regulatory requirements.  
• Provide support in creating product Safety Data Sheets.

Networking 

• Establish and maintain a productive network outside the organization amongst chemists, suppliers, and other sources. 
• Network internally collecting and sharing information (holding confidential information as appropriate).

Leadership and Communication

• Demonstrate a willingness to share knowledge, train, and teach team members. 
• Work directly with connected departments, providing expert technical and educational support to the Sales & Marketing, EHS, Quality, Compliance, and Production teams. 
• Serve as a resource of technical information for the organization, communicating effectively at varying organizational levels (including the CEO and Board of Directors), translating complex information to simple and clear and relevant language for non-technical team members as necessary. 

• Bachelor’s degree in a Science or Technology related field required; bachelor’s degree in chemistry preferred
• A minimum of 5 years of full-time professional coatings formulation experience
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, and related software systems
• Strong knowledge of raw materials, product testing, and regulatory compliance
• Demonstrated leadership and team collaboration skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong presentation and mentoring skills to varied audiences, and stakeholder groups
• Demonstrated strong time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
• Extremely organized, flexible, and able to work in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines
• Ability to initiate problem-solving and present new ideas
• Contributes to a culture of safety, following protocols throughout the organization
• Ability to maintain and adhere to strict confidentiality standards
• Honest and moral character
• Demonstrated sound and dependable work ethic
• Friendly, engaging, and professional demeanor
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, the ability to adjust focus, the ability to see variations in color, and the ability to match colors
• Ability to be able to achieve a 16 or Lower on the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 HueColor Vision Test
• Occasionally lift up to 40 lbs. to move or carry product
• Ability to travel on overnight business trips as needed

Our client offers:

• Competitive base salary
• Comprehensive benefit package including quality health insurance, vision, dental, disability and life insurance
• Traditional 401k plan and company match
• Paid time off including paid holidays
• A chance to learn with and from interesting and enthusiastic colleagues
• Collaborative workplace, which will challenge you and celebrate your work