Job Information
Wilbur-Ellis Company Principal Formulation Chemist - Plant Nutrition in Centennial, Colorado
Investing in You, join a 100-year-old, family-owned leader in Ag - and grow with us! Wilbur-Ellis invests heavily in our employees by offering skill development and training, competitive compensation and benefits, and a tradition of promoting from within for a broad range of career opportunities. And we foster a supportive, people-first work environment.
"We know the confidence gap can get in the way of meeting spectacular candidates, so please don't hesitate to apply - we'd love to hear from you."
General Purpose and Scope of Position: The Formulation Chemist - Plant Nutrition will oversee lab activities focused on the development, registration, and troubleshooting of branded and value-added nutritional products and formulations. This role will provide critical support to manufacturing plants across the U.S., assisting in troubleshooting fertilizer blends, ensuring product stability, and maintaining product quality during times of high production. The chemist will also play a pivotal role in product innovation, partnering with sales, marketing, EHSS, regulatory, operations, and manufacturing teams to identify and meet business needs. Working in a dedicated laboratory, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge solutions, foster discovery, and drive business results.
Key Skills and Abilities:
Demonstrated expertise in formulation chemistry, with experience in nutrition and crop protection products preferred.
Experience with biotechnology such as plant metabolites and signaling compounds.
Strong problem-solving skills, particularly in product quality troubleshooting and stability assessments.
Proven ability to develop and execute innovative formulations, leveraging physical chemistry principles.
Familiarity with manufacturing processes and troubleshooting issues related to fertilizer blends.
Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing operations, providing clear and effective solutions to technical challenges.
Degree in chemistry, agronomy, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in fertilizer production environments or R&D environments preferred.
Proven discretion in handling confidential formulations.
Key Personal Attributes:
Strong analytical skills with keen attention to detail.
Excellent communication and collaboration abilities to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
Works well independently and is a self-starter passionate about changing food systems.
Proven ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a dynamic environment.
Passion for fostering innovation and maintaining a culture of discovery.
Commitment to a safety-first mindset.
Specific Responsibilities and Key Deliverables:
Support Manufacturing Plants Across the US: Troubleshoot blending issues, provide technical guidance, and ensure formulations are optimized for production efficiency. Product Innovation and Development: Design and develop new branded nutritional products, focusing on stability, performance, and market relevance. Laboratory Management: Oversee day-to-day lab operations to support product innovation and troubleshooting. Ensure proper equipment use and accurate data analysis. Branch Support: Act as a key resource for troubleshooting fertilizer compatibility, stability, and performance issues at branches nationwide. Stability Testing and Forensic Analysis: Conduct detailed analyses to ensure product stability over time and identify root causes of product failures or quality issues. Training and Field Support: Develop training materials and educational resources for field staff and customers, enhancing their understanding of product performance and use. Regulatory and Compliance: Collaborate with EHSS and regulatory teams to ensure formulations meet all labeling and registration requirements. Maintain accurate documentation, including SDS and label reviews. Vendor Collaboration: Evalua e raw materials and assess new technologies to drive innovation and support supply chain decisions. Competitive Analysis: Monitor competitive products and technologies, providing insights to marketing and product teams. Opportunity for Discovery: Work in a dedicated lab space that fosters creativity and hands-on experimentation, contributing to Wilbur-Ellis' leadership in innovation. Product Support: Review JDE BOM's prior to issuance of a JDE code for Branded and Value-Added Nutritional products to insure they meet labels and proper manufacturing formulations.
Other duties as assigned by the Sr. Manager Branded Tech Portfolio. Travel required: up to 20%.