Formulator Specialist - Quincy, IL

Formulator Specialist -  Quincy, IL
This is an exempt level position.

Position Summary:
The Formulator Specialist reports to the Director, CD&D North America & LATAM and serves as the organization’s lead subject matter expert in feed formulation. This role is responsible for developing, managing, and optimizing premix and finished feed formulas across all plants while ensuring nutritional integrity, manufacturability, cost efficiency, and regulatory compliance. This position owns the end-to-end formulation process, including formula setup, weekly updates, pricing and ingredient monitoring, legal feed tag development, medication code management, and integration of formulas for new or acquired businesses. The role partners cross-functionally with Nutrition, QA, Production, Sales, Finance, and Purchasing to optimize feed performance, improve operational outcomes, and support customer formulation needs.

Job Responsibilities:
Formulation Management & Optimization

• Manage premix and finished feed formulations for multiple species across premix and additive plants
• Develop, implement, and maintain formula profiles in systems such as Brill, Allix, and Bestmix
• Adjust formulas based on laboratory analysis, nutritional targets, and ingredient availability
• Monitor ingredient pricing and support cost optimization initiatives
• Evaluate and introduce new raw materials and adjust formulation matrices accordingly

Brill System & Formula Lifecycle Management

• Set up, maintain, and optimize custom and national feed formulas
• Rework and troubleshoot existing formulas for accuracy and efficiency
• Manage Brill dataset security and access controls
• Establish and maintain medication codes and compliance structures
• Support onboarding of formulas from newly acquired businesses

Nutritional, Regulatory & Quality Oversight

• Review formulas for:
  • Nutritional adequacy
  • Manufacturability
  • Regulatory compliance
• Ensure compliance with NADA/EPA and U.S. regulatory standards
• Conduct nutrient reviews tied to weekly formula updates
• Summarize laboratory results to refine ingredient nutritional values
• Support recall decisions and regulatory actions when needed
• Knowledge of labeling regulations and how to label different types of food.

Customer & Commercial Support

• Support key customers in optimizing feed cost and performance
• Provide formulas, quotes, and technical insights to Sales and customers
• Translate lab data and nutritional requirements into practical formulation solutions
• Act as a technical resource for species-specific formulation support

Manufacturing & Plant Support

• Maintain understanding of plant capabilities and differences across facilities
• Partner with plant teams to resolve Out-of-Tolerance (OOT) and production issues
• Help streamline ingredient usage and reduce complexity at plant level
• Coordinate rework of expired or slow-moving products with Production and Warehousing
• Collaborate with QA on ingredient sampling protocols and quality standards

Process Improvement & Governance

• Conduct formula audits and annual formula cleanup initiatives
• Support weekly formulation processes and continuous improvement efforts
• Optimize ingredient inventories and formulation efficiency
• Ensure formulas comply with internal quality standards and audit requirements

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with QA, Regulatory, Marketing, Finance, and Purchasing teams
• Support product development and innovation initiatives
• Assist in label creation and feed tag compliance
• Contribute to decision-making around product recalls and stop-sale situations

Team Leadership & Contribution

• Mentor peers and promote knowledge sharing
• Serve as a key formulation expert across the organization
• Deliver presentations and training as needed
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives and continuous improvement projects
• Provide after-hours support for urgent formulation needs

Required Competencies

• Expert knowledge of feed formulation systems and processes
• Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks (NADA, EPA)
• Analytical and problem-solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset
• Ability to balance cost, nutrition, and manufacturing outcomes
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Adaptability and ability to perform under pressure
• High level of ownership, initiative, and accountability
• Organizational skills
• Adherence to procedures
• Accuracy
• Comfort with routine work

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Animal Nutrition, Veterinary Medicine, Agronomy, or related field
• Master’s degree in Animal Nutrition or Animal Production preferred
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in feed formulation or related field
• Experience with formulation systems (Brill, Allix, Bestmix or similar)

Additional Expectations

• Ability to:
  • Build feed tags and ensure labeling compliance
  • Conduct ingredient and multiblend reviews
  • Manage formula setup for new products and acquisitions
  • Support QA during audits and investigations
• Maintain awareness of ingredient quality, sampling plans, and plant-specific requirements
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies related to safety, quality, and food safety
• Willingness to learn and use other systems and software such as IBM, MDM, Labelview, etc