Product Stewardship & Industrial Hygiene Compliance Specialist

The Product Stewardship & Industrial Hygiene (IH) Compliance Specialist is responsible for delivering comprehensive IH and product stewardship services for materials and products manufactured by Kaneka North America LLC in Texas, as well as those produced at KAH facilities in Ohio, California, and other international locations. This role serves both internal and external stakeholders across KNA and KAH, ensuring regulatory compliance, safety, and sustainability throughout the process lifecycle.

The Product Stewardship & Industrial Hygiene Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring that the company consistently meets industrial hygiene compliance standards and keeps pace with changing domestic and international regulations. This role also plays a key part in supporting the launch of new products and the expansion into new markets. In addition, the Product Stewardship & Industrial Hygiene Compliance Specialist helps maintain alignment with important corporate initiatives, including ISO 14001 environmental management, carbon neutrality efforts, and broader goals related to corporate social responsibility. As regulations change and business needs develop, the specialist may be assigned additional duties to further Kaneka’s commitment to responsible manufacturing practices and environmental stewardship.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Industrial Hygiene

• Serve as the primary contact for assessments of workplaces to identify potential hazards – including chemical, physical, and biological exposures that could compromise safety and health.
• Utilize a variety of sampling techniques, data collection methods, and analytical tools to interpret and determine potential impacts on workers.
• Develop and implement strategies to control and mitigate risks, advising of appropriate engineering and/or administrative controls, personal protective equipment, and/or a combination.
• Serve as primary educator within organization of vulnerabilities and controls available.
• Advocate for occupational health for employees and contractors and engage with regulatory bodies and industry groups to ensure most current protections are in place.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

• Prepare and maintain GHS-compliant Safety Data Sheets for Kaneka North America (KNA) products and intermediate materials.
• Support KAH business entities by preparing and maintaining SDSs as needed.
• Be the system owner and subject matter expert of applicable software’s to manage system.

Transportation Compliance (IATA/DOT)

• Collaborate with the IATA Specialist to ensure accurate GHS labeling for product containers and hazardous material shipping documentation.
• Specify appropriate packaging for hazardous materials in compliance with DOT regulations.
• Assist in evaluating DOT-related issues for other KAH business entities.
• Develop and maintain training materials for the shipment of hazardous and non-hazardous materials.

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

• Investigate TSCA status for products and imported raw materials.
• Prepare Pre-Manufacture Notices (PMNs) for new or existing products.
• Submit polymer exemption reports (PERCs) and maintain records to support year-end reporting for imported or manufactured polymers.
• Provide TSCA-related support to other KAH business entities.
• Prepare and submit TSCA Section 12(b) notifications to the EPA.
• Oversee additional required TSCA reports.

Customs Compliance

• Determine accurate Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to optimize tariff classifications through strategic and compliant reclassification of materials to reduce import duties and improve cost efficiency.
• Assist with NAFTA/USMCA compliance, including preparation of Certificates of Origin.
• Support research and approval processes for one-time imports and exports.
• Maintain the KASI database to ensure customs compliance.
• Provide customs-related support to other KAH business entities.

NSF Certification

• Submit information requests to NSF to support product approvals for new applications across KNA and KAH business entities.

Corporate Social Responsibility & Carbon Neutrality

• Assist with program development, data management, KPI tracking, and updates.
• Contribute to the establishment of local policies and standards for KNA and KAH.

ISO 14001 Environmental Management

• Support the development and implementation of ISO 14001 programs and standards.

Canadian New Substance Notifications (NSN)

• Prepare and submit NSNs for the introduction of new products into Canada.

EU Plastics Directive & REACH Compliance

• Assist with product certification for food contact applications under EU REACH regulations.
• Prepare food certification documentation for polymer products produced or imported into the European Union.

Global Chemical Control Laws

• Support product registration efforts in international markets.
• Maintain documentation to demonstrate compliance with applicable chemical control laws.
• Assist customers in maintaining compliance when using KNA or KAH products.

Product Stewardship & Risk Management

• Evaluate product stewardship risks related to mergers and acquisitions and advise management accordingly.
• Support new business ventures and provide leadership in aligning product stewardship practices with KNA and KAH requirements.

Must demonstrate the following emotional intelligence skills:

• Emotional Empathy
• Positive Attitude
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Flexibility / Adaptability
• Interpersonal Skills