Materials Specification & Systems Coordinator

Job Description -

Job Title – Materials Specification & Systems Coordinator

Job Location – Chicago, IL

Contract Duration: 6 Months with possible extension

Fulltime 30-40 hours per week (workload is currently at 40 per week and they will assign other tasks to keep the person working.

Summary -

This contingent position is responsible for maintaining complete and accurate data within Personal Care specifications. The role manages the flow of product and material specifications during development and ongoing optimization of product variants and raw materials into electronic systems (e.g., SAP PLM, EtQ). It also provides systems support to Personal Care initiatives and coordinates additional specification support beyond PLM and EtQ as needed. The position requires strong organizational skills, timeline management, and proactive communication across cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities -

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enter accurate specification data into SAP PLM and/or EtQ systems.
• Prepare product and material specifications, including initiation, changes, and waivers, in a timely and accurate manner.
• Initiate and manage SKU activation workflows; gather inputs across Packaging, Supply Chain, Finance, and RGM; track timelines and follow up to ensure completion.
• Manage claims in EtQ (new and renewals); monitor expiring claims and drive resubstantiation with R&E, Product Safety, and Quality.
• Execute change controls (e.g., tampons/sampling), ensuring timely cross-functional inputs and approvals.
• Provide real-time coaching and formal training to build capability across Systems and R&D teams.
• Coordinate Personal Care R&D specification activities, prioritizing urgent needs and escalating issues to leadership.
• Serve as the point-of-contact for Personal Care R&D regarding specification systems and drive continuous improvement in collaboration with central system teams.
• Coordinate movement, procurement, and storage of research raw materials.
• Develop and update work instructions and procedures.
• Maintain accurate timelines and trackers (Excel) and proactively escalate risks or delays.

Candidate Profile – Who Thrives In This Role -

• Highly organized and detail-oriented; comfortable managing timelines and multiple moving parts.
• Strong project management mindset—able to lead processes, track progress, and ensure timely completion.
• Skilled at working cross-functionally and proactively following up to gather missing information.
• Previous exposure to R&E or packaging engineering environments is a plus.
• Ideal for: career contractors with systems coordination experience, or new graduates with strong internship experience in project management or technical/product development.
• Must be persistent, collaborative, and confident in leading teams through processes and timelines.

Required -

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong computer/systems skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel) for timeline tracking.
• Clear, professional communication (written and verbal); strong follow-through and stakeholder management.
• Ability to learn legacy systems quickly and manage repetitive, detail-oriented tasks.

Preferred -

• Experience with SAP PLM and EtQ (training provided; prior exposure is a plus).
• Working knowledge of consumer product materials, recipes, and product specifications.
• Prior coordination experience in SKU activation, claims, or change control environments.

Education -

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.