Senior Chemist

The Senior Chemist is responsible for the research, development, optimization, validation, and continuous improvement of formulations for soaps, sanitizers, and other hygiene products. The position provides technical expertise in formulation chemistry, raw material evaluation, product performance, stability testing, and regulatory compliance to ensure products meet quality, safety, and customer requirements.

The role works closely with the Chemical Process Engineer and the Production team to support the successful transfer of formulations into manufacturing while maintaining product integrity and regulatory compliance.

• Develop and optimize formulations for soaps, sanitizers, disinfectants, and other hygiene products.
• Evaluate new raw materials, fragrances, colorants, preservatives, and packaging compatibility.
• Conduct laboratory experiments, formulation trials, and product performance evaluations.
• Perform stability, compatibility, and shelf-life studies.
• Recommend formulation improvements to enhance product performance, manufacturability, and cost efficiency.
• Investigate and resolve formulation-related quality issues.

• Perform chemical and physical analyses of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products.
• Develop and validate laboratory test methods.
• Ensure laboratory results are accurate, reliable, and properly documented.
• Prepare Certificates of Analysis (COA), technical reports, and formulation records.

• Provide technical guidance during pilot batches and initial production trials.
• Support the Chemical Process Engineer during technology transfer from laboratory to manufacturing.
• Assist in troubleshooting formulation-related production concerns while the Chemical Process Engineer leads process optimization.
• Recommend formulation adjustments to improve product consistency and manufacturing performance.

• Ensure formulations comply with applicable Philippine FDA regulations, customer specifications, and internal quality standards.
• Support implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
• Maintain complete formulation documentation and revision history.
• Participate in internal, customer, and regulatory audits.
• Assist in product registration and technical documentation when required.

• Ensure compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), including safe handling, storage, labeling, and disposal of hazardous chemicals.
• Ensure laboratory compliance with applicable DENR environmental regulations and company Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) policies.
• Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and conduct chemical risk assessments.
• Promote safe laboratory practices and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Identify opportunities to improve formulation robustness, product quality, and laboratory efficiency.
• Participate in Root Cause Analysis, Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support cost reduction initiatives through raw material optimization and formulation enhancements.

• At least 5 years of progressive experience in formulation development within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in soap, sanitizer, cosmetics, personal care, household chemicals, pharmaceutical, or FMCG manufacturing is highly preferred.
• Experience supporting pilot production, technology transfer, and new product commercialization.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001, GMP, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and Philippine FDA regulatory requirements.

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry.
• Must be a Licensed Chemist registered with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
• Master's Degree is an advantage.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in formulation development within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience in soaps, sanitizers, disinfectants, personal care products, or household chemicals is highly preferred.
• Experience in production scale-up and process validation.
• Experience supporting manufacturing operations.

Technical Competencies

Strong knowledge of:

• Surfactant chemistry
• Emulsion systems
• Preservative systems
• Alcohol-based sanitizers
• Raw material compatibility
• Stability testing
• Analytical chemistry
• Laboratory instrumentation
• GMP
• Risk assessment
• Process validation
• Root Cause Analysis
• Statistical Process Control
• Design of Experiments (DOE)

Preferred Manufacturing Exposure

Candidates with experience in one or more of the following industries are highly preferred:

• Personal Care Manufacturing
• Soap Manufacturing
• Sanitizer Manufacturing
• Cosmetics Manufacturing
• Household Chemicals
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Food Manufacturing (chemical processing)
• FMCG Manufacturing
• Contract Manufacturing

• Philippine FDA Product Registration
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• ISO 9001
• ISO 22716
• ISO 14001
• ISO 45001
• Lean Manufacturing
• Six Sigma
• CAPA
• FMEA
• HACCP principles (where applicable)

• Strong leadership
• Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Decision-making
• Innovation mindset
• Excellent communication skills
• Collaboration
• Project management
• Coaching and mentoring ability

• Laboratory and manufacturing plant environment.
• Exposure to chemicals, solvents, alcohol-based products, and cleaning agents.
• May require extended working hours during product launches, validations, and production trials.
• Required to wear prescribed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while inside laboratory and manufacturing areas.

• Successful commercialization of new formulations
• Product Right-First Time (RFT) rate
• Manufacturing yield improvement
• Number of customer complaints attributable to formulation
• Product stability pass rate
• Cost savings through reformulation
• Laboratory turnaround time
• Compliance audit results
• CAPA effectiveness
• Zero safety violations and laboratory incidents