What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Formulation Chemist position at DUKE CANNON SUPPLY CO?
Principal Formulation Chemist
Duke Cannon Supply Co. is a growth-oriented CPG company that operates with an entrepreneurial mindset – and has become one of the fastest-growing brands in the men’s grooming category. Our mission is to better the day of hard-working men, and we fulfill this mission through both the products we build and the conversations we create. We have ambitions to become a household brand by taking share from large national players while having fun and giving back to veterans (our cause). We’re looking to hire smart, fun, and wildly talented folks to join us on our journey.
We are currently seeking applicants for the role of Principal Formulation Chemist. This position will be responsible for all lab operations, new formula creation and associated testing, line extensions, formula and new ingredient research, documentation, and commercialization with internal and external partners. This role will lead products from ideation through launch and beyond, with heavy involvement in formulation, research, and scale-up activities. Successful candidates will have a proven track record of in-market formulations, formulation technical acumen across multiple product forms (surfactant experience required), the ability to work independently, plan strategically, pivot quickly, and build strong partnerships.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Formulation & Development: Formulate in-house fragrance line extensions, innovation projects, reformulations, second source ingredient qualifications (cost-op), and assist in smooth technology transfers to meet critical deadlines, cost targets, and established product aesthetics/performance parameters. Partner closely with TPMs to ensure seamless launches.
- Research & Innovation Pipeline: Drive brand growth through regular research and evaluation of new product and ingredient technologies within the competitive, raw material, and technological landscape. Attend conferences, seminars, etc., as opportunities arise. Leverage available resources (analytics, internal SMEs, consumer panels, etc.) to deepen Duke Cannon’s understanding of competitive landscape and innovate our BIGGEST bets yet.
- Product Evaluation: Evaluate formulas through various sensory or consumer testing methods to determine aesthetic and performance fitness versus established product pillars and benchmarks.
- Testing & Scale-Up: Coordinate and execute product testing, ensuring products meet minimum testing requirements (PET, stability, HRIPT, heavy metals & 1, 4-Dioxane levels, etc.). Facilitate smooth transition of products from lab to production scale with manufacturing partners. Attend pilot and first production batches at TPMs to ensure they are executed with excellence and positioned to sustain brand growth.
- Laboratory Operations: Responsible for lab equipment maintenance and calibration, ingredient management, lab SOP management, workflow, and daily lab functionality.
- Document Management: Ensure product documentation is accurate and complete in advance of each launch. Partner with Quality/Regulatory to ensure all requirements and deadlines (eg: WERCS listing) are met.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, engineering, or related field.
- 10 years of experience in a dynamic CPG formulation role, specifically in the personal care industry.
- Experience formulating across multiple product forms, including surfactants (deep surfactant knowledge a MUST), emulsions, hot pours, hydroalcoholics, OTCs. Color matching experience preferred, but not essential.
- Technical expertise to solve complex formulation issues.
- Proven experience commercializing multiple consumer product goods.
- Collaborative communication and interpersonal skills.
- Creative thinker with a strategic approach to decision-making.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
- Experience with controlled document systems.
COMPANY CULTURE
Duke Cannon Supply Co. offers a fast-paced environment where decisions are vetted quickly, and opportunities are relentlessly pursued. We work hard, but we value flexibility as well. We have an informal culture with an emphasis on having fun (we sell soap, after all), though we have the most fun when we exceed our goals. The company’s leaders are dedicated to the growth and development of the team; as such, we want to ensure that our people have a rich and rewarding experience with unique opportunities to grow.
Duke Cannon Supply Co.’s Main Lodge (aka the office) is in Minneapolis’ North Loop, one of the city’s most vibrant and walkable neighborhoods, with award-winning restaurants, fashionable boutiques, live music and Major League Baseball just steps away.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Duke Cannon offers a competitive market salary and bonus based on role and professional experience. The salary range for this role is $100,000 - $125,000. Our benefits are top-notch and include health & dental insurance, HSA and 401k programs supported by regular company contributions, a tuition reimbursement program, and monthly parking stipend. We also host monthly moments of Team camaraderie ranging from community service events to social hours in the Main Lodge (aka the office) to Lunch & Learns covering business, team, and industry topics.
Duke Cannon provides equal access to and opportunity in employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.