About the role

This is a new role for AAK's Richmond CA plant. Initially the Advanced Chemistry Team Leader will organize the contaminates testing lab, assist with setting up the testing instruments, develop and document testing processes and procedures, and operate the lab to ensure that testing processes help AAK meet its goal of reducing impurities in the oil.

On a day-to-day basis the Advanced Chemistry Team Leader is responsible for allthe aspects of the Contaminants Testing Lab including safety compliance, day-to-day routine laboratory operations,equipment maintenance, scheduling, environmental compliance, supervision, andtraining / competency of the laboratory personnel assigned to them to deliverquality oils meeting the customer’s specifications and delivery requirements.

TheAdvanced Chemistry Team Leader reports to the Quality Assurance &Regulatory Manager (QARM).

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and specialized testing of receipts, in-process, R&D, and shipment samples.
• Supervise Advanced Chemistry Team including scheduling.
• Support the QARM in administering quality control systems, equipment maintenance and product safety programs in accordance with company and regulatory guidelines.
• Coordinate collection and submission of samples for outside lab testing, post results and submits invoices to the manager for approval (and serve as a back-up approver).
• Manage incoming, in-process, and finished product inspections and testing to assure conformance with specifications.
• Assume responsibility for product development / R&D testing communication and report results to management.
• Maintain environmental testing schedules and records / trending for the drumming operation.
• Consults on product inspections and testing in accordance with established quality standards, inspection plans, and test procedures.
• Interpret results and advises regarding materials not meeting specifications. Urgent reporting is required for any out of specification result associated with production and / or shipment analyses.
• Oversee the preparation and analysis of chemical reagents and solutions as required to meet needs of QC / R&D systems.
• Maintain chemical waste management systems in compliance with all applicable regulatory regulations.
• Assist sales and QA departments in providing samples and related data to customers as required.
• Interact with manufacturing operations within areas of responsibility on day to day quality issues.
• Maintain a safe work environment by following established work practices.
• Acquire and maintain a working knowledge of manufacturing systems as related to quality control.
• Manage report and work to drive completion of corrective actions for Proficiency testing and maintaining their training records.
• Oversees inventory control of supplies and chemicals as necessary to support QC / R&D systems.
• Maintain control of sample retain program, for a period of less than 6 months or per current policy.
• Perform miscellaneous assignments as directed to support QC / R&D requirements.
• Flexibility in schedule is required as operational needs dictate.
• Specific areas of responsibility are, but not limited to, hydrogenation, refining & bleaching, modification, deodorization, shipment & receiving, and wastewater systems.
• Assist in developing and maintaining QC and processing equipment standardization checks.
• Under direction of the QARM manager support research and development work by ensuring completion of assigned testing and sample handling protocols.
• Act as a back up to the QARM.
• Assist in design, SOP creation, start-up, troubleshooting and method development virtually and in person at other AAK sites as needed.
• Assist QARM setting up instrument related Capex by gathering information from the vendor / suppliers

About you

Authorization to legally work in the United States is required.

• Bachelor’s degree Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, or other physical science or equivalent. Chemistry degree is preferred.
• 5 years laboratory experience, preferably in a food, drug, or chemical laboratory.
• Proficient in MS Office and use of lab equipment.

Working Conditions

The job is performed in both a standard office and manufacturing plant environment. Exposure to loud noises, dust dirt, heat, sparks, oil, and smoke may occur.

Personal protective equipment (safety glasses, steel toed shoes, appropriate clothing, and a hard hat) is required in manufacturing plants.

Physical activities include extended periods of sitting and standing.

Physical Requirements

Ability to communicate (verbal and written) with management and co-workers is critical. Regular use of a variety of measuring tools, a telephone, and e-mail for communication is essential.

Standing or sitting for extended periods is common. Hearing and vision within normal ranges is important for conversations, to receive ordinary information.

Heavy lifting is required intermittently. Exertion of up to 50 pounds of force is occasionally required. Good manual dexterity for the use of common office equipment such as computers, calculator, copiers, and FAX machines or measuring tools is required.

Good math and reasoning ability is essential. Able to apply general mathematical calculations, analysis of variance and other basic standard equations as required.

Some travel required.

In return AAK offers

Annual pay range of $117K to $130K depending on experience.

Career paths, training and development, e-learning and tuition reimbursement programs offering potential for you to progress your future career

Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental and vision) starting date of hire

Health Savings Account with AAK annual contribution of $1,000-$1,500

401(k) Plan with match up to

Free Life and Disability insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Supplemental Pet Insurance, Identity Theft Protection and Legal Insurance Plans

Discounts on travel, amusement parks, concerts, movies, and more

Celebrations, events, and activities on site and supporting our communities

Amazon AwardCo recognition incentives for service and peer to peer recognition

About AAK

Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen. We specialize in plant-based oils that are the value-adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume.

We make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK’s offer is Customer Co-Development, combining our desire to understand what better means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of our production assets, and a deep knowledge of many products and industries, including Chocolate & Confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant-based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice and Personal Care.

Our 4,000 employees support our close collaboration with customers through 25 regional sales offices, 15 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers, and with the support of more than 20 production facilities.

Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and with our headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, AAK has been Making Better Happen for more than 150 years.

AAKprohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation,age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status,and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state orfederal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of studentsin its programs and activities, or in employment and application for employment.

Last updated : 2024-04-06