Job Description
Job Description
Why Somafina?
Somafina is an industry leader in contract manufacturing of dietary supplements. Our commitment to our customers and our aggressive growth strategy provide opportunities to manage uniquely complex projects with a team of dedicated and expert collaborators. We pride ourselves in our superior commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards while fostering a company culture that is collaborative and supportive.
Job Summary: This position will be responsible for developing new gummy dietary supplement products. The Gummy Formulation Scientist will work with sales representatives and customers to develop efficacious gummy dietary supplement formulas to meet expected price points. They will make recommendations for in process formula adjustments to improve efficiencies in manufacturing and provide relevant information to marketing department to write supplement/nutritional facts panels. This is an exciting opportunity with growth potential. It is the perfect opportunity for someone wanting to combine science and creativity to develop gummy products that enhance customer health and wellness.
Job Duties & Responsibilities:
· New formula development of gummies that meet cost targets.
· Compile and store all relevant ingredient and packaging documentation (COA’s Specifications, Certifications, Clinical Studies, etc.)
· Assist with allowable product claims, and ensure they are formulated to meet certification requirements as needed (Kosher, Halal, Non-GMO, Certified Organic, Gluten Free, etc.)
· Assist with Supplement Facts Panels
· Provide samples and documentation to quality to qualify new suppliers and materials.
· Suggest changes to existing formulas to assist manufacturing efficiency improvement efforts.
· Establish testing requirements (methods & frequency) for new ingredients and products.
· Develop finished product specifications for new and existing products.
· Develop raw material specifications for new ingredients and packaging.
· Create samples for customer approval and to initiate stability testing.
· Provide Certificates of Analysis on new product samples.
· Assists production of scale up for new gummy formulas.
· Troubleshooting for gummy production batches.
· Support Sales Inquiries about Products/Ingredients
· Other duties as assigned – Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Job Education & Experience:
· Minimum of 5 years’ experience developing gummy formulas for dietary supplements, OTC drugs or food production.
· In-depth theoretical and hands on experience in gummy technologies and equipment for various dosage formulas including sustained release (MR/DR) formulations.
· May handle hazardous materials and may require wearing personal protective equipment as needed.
· Must be able to move about the laboratory and the facility.
· Extensive knowledge of the handling of gummy production materials as well as the compounding process, acquired either through experience or education.
· Continuously demonstrate a strong and efficient performance in all aspects of formulation activities; including but not limited to, minimizing and/or eliminating errors in your performance, assist with support tasks (stocking, cleaning, filter testing, etc.) without additional prompting, and help others with their formulations when available.
· Strong attention to detail, math skills, and knowledge of the metric system
· Ability and willingness to change direction and focus promptly to meet shifting organizational and business demands.
· Ability to work individually and as part of a team to create and contribute to an environment that values people and encourages trust, teamwork, and open communication.
· Ability to effectively manage oneself, demonstrate integrity, be productive under pressure, and achieve developmental goals.
· Ability to communicate effectively to team members and superiors.
Job Competencies:
· Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
· Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
· Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
· Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
· Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
· Design - Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into images; Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.
· Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
· Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
· Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.
· Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.
· Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
· Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
· Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
· Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.
· Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
· Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
· Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity; Works quickly.
· Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
· Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
· Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
· Visionary Leadership - Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates.
· Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in an office setting, sitting in front of a computer approximately 75% of the time. Must be able to lift to 10 lbs., push and pull up to 10 lbs., have proper hearing, vision, and speech capabilities.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.