Want to work for a company that is reimagining distribution? Join Univar Solutions, the premier global distributor of chemicals and ingredients. Our goal is to function as a direct extension of our customers' teams; to serve as an ally in their quest of business success.

At Univar Solutions, we're building on our more than 90 years of experience and drawing on deep resources - inventory and logistics experts, scientists, PhDs, procurement, customer service, sales and marketers-to deliver consultative services and an unmatched portfolio to solve customers' formulation and operational challenges. When you work for Univar Solutions, you'll play an important role in shaping how we deliver more than chemical and ingredients.

Primary Purpose:

This is a key position based in our Laboratory, based in Houston, Texas, which is part of our network of Global Solution centers. You will report into the North AmericaTechnical Director and will work very closely with the business to help us drive growth in this area. Additionally, you will work with other technical colleagues across the globe. Excellent interpersonal skills are a must as you will interact with customers, suppliers, and our own internal teams

You will have experience of operating within a Personal Care/beauty/cosmetics lab and will work on solving customer projects as well as bringing new insights and initiatives which will benefit our customers and suppliers.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a technical community that works in tandem with our commercial colleagues, and thus a pragmatic and positive approach will be crucial

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead lab-based activity in our Personal Care lab (with emphasis on naturals), working alongside other technical managers, ensuring that objectives are set, targets are met, and that resources are allocated and prioritized appropriately
• Co-ordinate projects and resolve any issues and roadblocks
• Apply your technical problem-solving experience to solve our customers technical problems, but also guide our technicians and chemists to solve issues
• Manage Laboratory infrastructure ensuring that efficiency and compliance at all times
• At Univar Solutions we are "serious about safety", and it is critical that safe practices are strictly adhered to enabling safe conditions for all those who work in or visit the laboratory
• Interface/collaborate with key global customers and suppliers and be an ambassador who is able to "sell" our technical capabilities, and ultimately our ingredients
• Drive innovation within application projects to meet customer needs/market trends and support Marketing's initiatives and metrics
• Supervise and monitor projects and revenue generation, ensure that all metrics are being met
• Increase participation in technical forums with presentations, posters, papers etc.
• Operate within budget
• Update/collaborate/Co-ordinate with regional laboratories, with particular emphasis on ensuring we meet our modernization goals. This will need very close collaboration with not only the business, but leaders of other Global Solution centers to ensure Global harmonization and optimization
• Build positive relationships with key commercial and marketing teams, ensuring we are meeting business expectations, getting involved in resolving issues, and advancing upwards in case of any major issues and/or resource shortfalls
• Establish and co-ordinate technical training program for the Sales Team
• Build a very cohesive communication link and plan with our commercial and marketing colleagues
• Travel will be required to visit customers, suppliers, trade shows and scientific events

Specialized Knowledge/Skills:

• Strong inter-personal and communication skills and the ability to develop strong, successful business relationships with customers as well as internal teammates
• Excellent computer skills including MS Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of CRM platforms such as Salesforce.com would be an advantage
• Ability to manage time and resources effectively in order to achieve goals
• Strong business acumen, including an understanding of the business relationship between manufacturers, distributors and end-users of products and services

Education/Experience:

• BS in Science (ideally Cosmetic or Chemistry based), or related fields is required.
• 5+ years of experience, with very strong emphasis on Naturals, Balanced or green chemistries
• Understanding of Personal Care and Cosmetic Ingredients is essential. Experience of working in distribution would be distinct advantage
• A broad knowledge of the "Personal Care Life-cycle" (including, development and scale up) would be advantageous

Univar Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected classification.

We offer comprehensive benefits toemployees including medical, dental, STD, LTD and life insurance, 401k, generous PTO and much more.

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