Lead Product Quality Chemist

Job description

The North America Product Quality team safeguards the integrity of Veolia’s chemical portfolio through rigorous quality assurance, continuous process improvement, and proactive incident resolution. We serve as a critical technical resource for the Supply Chain, leading initiatives in supplier assessment, manufacturing optimization, and product scale-up. Furthermore, our team drives innovation and operational excellence by providing deep analytical expertise, validating QC specifications, and conducting comprehensive manufacturing capability assessments.

The Lead Product Quality Chemist serves as a strategic technical leader within the North America Product Quality team, responsible for optimizing laboratory operations and driving continuous quality improvement. This role integrates advanced analytical chemistry expertise with operational oversight to ensure adherence to rigorous quality standards, mentor laboratory personnel, and execute cross-functional initiatives that support Supply Chain goals and long-term business objectives.

Key Characteristics

Technical Proficiency & Analytical Expertise This role requires strong hands-on laboratory skills with sophisticated instrumentation (ICP, spectrophotometers, viscometers, auto-titrators) and the ability to perform calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The candidate must develop deep technical knowledge in analytical methods, quality control procedures, and process chemistry to support manufacturing and product development Problem-Solving & Continuous Improvement Mindset The position demands proactive identification and resolution of manufacturing issues through root cause analysis (RCA), process troubleshooting, and quality incident investigations.

Success requires driving manufacturing improvements, managing off-spec inventory rework, and supporting cost-savings initiatives—all requiring analytical thinking and innovation. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication This role serves as a critical bridge between multiple departments (Manufacturing, Technology, Supply Chain, Regulatory, EHS, etc.) and requires frequent travel to North American plants for training, support, and scale-up activities.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate complex technical information to diverse audiences are essential for success.

Essential Functions

Technical Leadership & Laboratory Operations: Oversee laboratory operations and advanced analytical testing (e.g., ICP, spectrophotometers, titrations), ensuring equipment maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting align with rigorous quality standards.

Manufacturing Support & Process Optimization

Provide direct technical and chemical process support to North American production plants, including batch troubleshooting, product scale-up, and guidance on manufacturing standards.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

Manage and update QC procedures and material specifications, ensuring continuous compliance with ISO quality initiatives, regulatory requirements, and safety protocols.

Quality Incident Management & Problem Solving

Lead quality incident investigations and conduct formal Root Cause Analysis (RCA) exercises to resolve manufacturing issues, manage off-spec inventory, and drive corrective actions.

Strategic Initiatives & Digital Integration

Leverage digital tools (e.g., SAP, data analytics) to monitor production trends, enhance process visibility, and lead manufacturing initiatives focused on cost-savings and operational excellence.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Supply Chain, Technology, Manufacturing, EHS, and Commercial teams to align technical quality goals with long-term business objectives.

Professional Development & Field Support

Travel to NORAM sites as needed for process scale-up, manufacturing support, and technical training of plant operators. (10% travel required)

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry or related field with applicable laboratory or work experience. Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in process, analytical (lab), or quality chemistry. Experience with analytical instrumentation, wet chemistry, and sample preparation. Knowledge and experience in industrial chemical manufacturing processes. Strong organizational skills and ability to manage and drive multiple projects in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Desired Traits

Demonstrated ability to master specific chemical products/processes and analytical equipment methods. Experience with instrumental techniques including sample/standard preparation and method development for ICP, spectroscopy, and titrations. Ability to interpret and understand analytical results from chromatography and NMR spectra. Experience with SAP data platform software. Strong interpersonal skills Strong technical written communication skills.

Strong problem-solving skills, with a results-oriented mindset. Experience with quality control, quality assurance, and/or chemical manufacturing processes. Experience with making data-driven decisions that impact quality, cost, processes, etc. Strong project management skills and ability to proactively push projects forward to meet deadlines.