Job Title:  Quality Technician - Chemist

No Relocation Assistance Offered
# 151806 - Richmond, Indiana, United States

The purpose of the job is to perform analytical, physical, and chemical testing as required in the site QA/QC (lab standard) program by completing data analysis of finished product, work-in-process, and raw materials.  The position is important in meeting the objectives established to achieve Key Performance Indicators while fulfilling internal and external regulatory requirements, establishing and implementing testing, as well as inspection procedures.  The role must audit testing results to determine if product specifications are met and  recommend corrective action as necessary to develop plant quality control manuals. It is responsible for food safety, quality and housekeeping activities in order to meet GMP, FDA, and AIB requirements.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform analytical testing and inspection of raw materials, in-process, and finished product in accordance with the Quality plan and standard operating procedures.  Approve material usage based on test results.
• Analyzes ingredients and finished product for moisture, fat, protein, ash, and minerals paralleling compliance with official laboratory methods
• Perform micro sampling using proper sampling, testing, and preparation procedures. Such as routine peroxide value and free fatty acid. Keep records and documents updated.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date and concise laboratory notebooks and records.  Maintain databases for recording test results and communicate results as needed to Plant and Corporate Quality. Analyze intra and inter lab variation (Control Charting, etc.)
• Communicate with third party laboratories regarding testing procedures, data results, and analysis.  Maintain up-to-date knowledge of testing procedures and work with outside suppliers and internal resources to solve testing issues as they arise
• Maintain equipment and equipment calibrations.  Order and keep inventory of lab supplies for the Micro, Analytical and Bulk Receiving Labs
• Conduct training/cross-training as required for new employees and technicians in statistical concepts, microbiological testing, NIR, and mycotoxin testing.
• Assists in SAP processes / transactions such as hold/, product traceability and recall, and regulatory compliance. Able to quickly retrieve and understand data to support FDA, USDA, external and internal audit requests.
•  Complete testing and/or preparation for outside lab testing as required for commissioning new ingredients or diets as well as guaranteed analysis and international testing.
• Manage special quality and continuous improvement projects for the facility.
• Prepare, review, and update Standard Operating Procedures for the Lab and QA processes.
•  Adheres to quality programs such as HACCP, SOPs, and document control.
•   Identify and report Food Safety issues to management. Understand and comply with Hill’s policies, safety standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Food Safety

Education/ Experience Requirements

Basic qualifications:  

• BS degree in Chemistry, Food Science or related field  OR

• Bachelor's degree with 3+ years' experience in analytical laboratory in food, consumer product or pharmaceutical industry

• Ability to work any work schedule, including weekends.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs 

Preferred qualifications: 

• 5 or more years of experience in an analytical laboratory.

• Knowledge of quality systems.

• Computer skills including email, spreadsheet, presentation and database management.

• Good technical, communications, and interpersonal skills. 

• Previous experience using SAP.

• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Broad Supply Chain perspective

• Knowledge of analytical method validation

Expected Areas of Skills 

• Basic SPC knowledge and strong math and statistical skills.

• Advanced computer application experience in Microsoft Word and Excel as well as Google Applications

• In-depth knowledge of basic microbiological testing and laboratory procedures.

• Skilled in the proper use of aseptic sampling 

• Basic skills in mycotoxin testing.

• Demonstrable safety skills pertaining to all required lab methodologies.

Leadership Competencies 

• Analysis and Decision Making 

• Effective Execution 

• Teamwork and Collaboration 

Functional Competencies 

• Managing Production  

• Managing Materials and Services 

• EHS and Quality 

Cross-Functional Competencies

• Supply Chain Systems and Analysis

• EHS and Quality Leadership

• Cross Organizational Collaboration

Managing with Respect Competencies

• Communicate Effectively

• Promotes Teamwork

• Set the Example

• Values Unique Contributions

Salary Range $46,560- $67,095 USD

Pay is based on several non discriminatory factors including but not limited to experience, education, skills and office location. In addition to your salary, Colgate-Palmolive offers a performance based bonus and competitive benefits package.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Are you interested in working for Hill's Pet Nutrition? You can apply online and attach all relevant documents such as a cover letter and resume or CV. Applications received by e-mail are not considered in the selection process. Become part of our team. We look forward to your application.

Work that matters, fueled by passion for pets!  At Hill’s we have a purpose.  Every day around the world, we transform the lives of millions of pet families through pioneering innovation, amazing nutrition, and the best and brightest people. Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hills' mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. 

HILL'S® Prescription Diet® therapeutic pet foods, HILL'S® Science Diet® and HILL'S® Ideal Balance™ wellness pet foods are sold worldwide. Hill’s is a division of Colgate-Palmolive, a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition, with sales of products in more than 200 countries.  To learn more about Hill's and Colgate, please visit http://www.hillspet.com and http://www.colgatepalmolive.com, or find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please contact Application_Accommodation@colpal.com with the subject "Accommodation Request" should you require accommodation.