What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plant Chemist - University Park, IL position at Verdant Specialty Solutions?
Support where quality meets production.
Verdant Specialty Solutions is seeking a Plant Chemist to lead quality control operations and serve as the site’s subject matter expert on all manufactured chemistries, driving product quality, process integrity, and technical problem-solving across production.
This is not strictly a quality role, but one where you will partner with the plant manager and operations to ensure safe execution of right-first time production. This is a plant-facing position where your work directly impacts execution of the production plan, introduction of new products to the plant, troubleshooting, customer satisfaction, and operational performance.
If you are detail-oriented, hands-on in the lab, and confident working alongside plant management, quality chemists, and operations to solve real-time production challenges—we want to talk to you.
Why This Role Is Different
This role is based in a chemical manufacturing facility in University Park, IL and requires regular presence in both the laboratory and production environment.
Verdant Specialty Solutions is a global specialty chemicals manufacturer combining innovation, agility, and operational excellence. With operations across the United States and Europe, we bring functional chemistry to life, safely, reliably, and responsibly.
If you’re ready to bring your lab expertise into a role where quality decisions drive real-world outcomes, apply today!
Verdant Specialty Solutions is seeking a Plant Chemist to lead quality control operations and serve as the site’s subject matter expert on all manufactured chemistries, driving product quality, process integrity, and technical problem-solving across production.
This is not strictly a quality role, but one where you will partner with the plant manager and operations to ensure safe execution of right-first time production. This is a plant-facing position where your work directly impacts execution of the production plan, introduction of new products to the plant, troubleshooting, customer satisfaction, and operational performance.
If you are detail-oriented, hands-on in the lab, and confident working alongside plant management, quality chemists, and operations to solve real-time production challenges—we want to talk to you.
Why This Role Is Different
- Develop deep understanding of how chemistry performs at manufacturing scale and what factors impact safe and on-specification manufacturing
- Direct Production Impact: your leadership and understanding of process chemistry and quality results determine whether materials move forward or stop
- End-to-End Visibility: from raw material qualification to final product certification
- Plant Integration: work side-by-side with operators, engineers, and maintenance
- Quality Ownership: lead compliance with ISO, GMP, and customer-driven quality standards
- Real-Time Decision Making: you are the key interface between quality data and operations to drive batch disposition and customer outcomes
- Be the subject matter expert in the products and manufacturing processes at the plant
- Lead the quality team and perform wet chemistry and instrumental analyses on raw materials, in-process samples, and finished goods
- Certify materials and finished products for release and shipment
- Generate Certificates of Analysis (COAs) using LIMS and SAP systems
- Conduct in-process testing and communicate results to operations in real time
- Support investigations related to customer complaints and product quality concerns
- Maintain laboratory calibration, documentation, and retain systems
- Participate in Gauge R&R studies to validate methods and ensure data reliability
- Ensure proper handling, labeling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and hazardous waste
- Lead compliance with ISO 9001, EFfCI, GMP, RSPO, and site HSSE requirements
- Hands-on experience with wet chemistry and analytical instrumentation
- Demonstrated expertise with organic synthesis and process chemistry
- Strong understanding of laboratory safety, chemical handling, and solution preparation
- Ability to interpret data and make sound quality decisions in a production environment
- Clear, effective communicator across operations, engineering, and leadership
- High attention to detail with disciplined documentation practices
- Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, batch-driven manufacturing setting
- Independent thinker with strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or related field (preferred)
- OR relevant laboratory experience in a manufacturing or industrial setting
- Experience with LIMS, SAP, or similar systems is a plus
- Familiarity with quality systems and regulatory frameworks (ISO, GMP, etc.)
This role is based in a chemical manufacturing facility in University Park, IL and requires regular presence in both the laboratory and production environment.
- Exposure to chemicals, reagents, and industrial operations
- Required use of PPE (lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, etc.)
- Standing for extended periods and hands-on lab work
- Close collaboration with plant operations and cross-functional teams
- Competitive compensation and benefits
- Stable, plant-based role with clear impact on operations
- Opportunity to grow within a global specialty chemicals organization
- Exposure to quality systems, regulatory frameworks, and manufacturing excellence
- A team-oriented environment where your work matters every day
Verdant Specialty Solutions is a global specialty chemicals manufacturer combining innovation, agility, and operational excellence. With operations across the United States and Europe, we bring functional chemistry to life, safely, reliably, and responsibly.
If you’re ready to bring your lab expertise into a role where quality decisions drive real-world outcomes, apply today!
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