Technical and Quality Assurance Leader

Natural Plant Products LLC supplies botanical ingredients to the global personal care industry. Our specialty oils have unique chemistries that make them viable alternatives to synthetic emollients, suitable for use in a wide range of applications including skin care, color cosmetics, hair care, and more. Our commitment to a “farm-to-face” supply chain, natural product innovation, and cooperative based management drives our success. We are seeking an experienced Technical and Quality Leader to ensure the integrity of our organization’s high-quality oil products.Position SummaryAs the leader of the Technical and Quality initiatives of Natural Plant Products LLC, you will direct the technical and quality programs and systems for our company, working closely with our production, product, and marketing teams to achieve our mission of providing premium plant-based oils to consumers worldwide. This individual combines expertise in new product innovation, technical support, quality systems, regulatory compliance, and process improvement while effectively balancing innovation objectives, product quality, regulatory requirements, manufacturing realities, and customer expectations.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesTechnical InnovationLead and coordinate new product development projects from concept through commercialization.Evaluate market opportunities, customer needs, and technical feasibility of new products.Develop product specifications, testing protocols, and validation plans.Coordinate pilot trials, product testing, scale-up activities, and commercialization.Conduct technical evaluations of new raw materials, suppliers, and formulation opportunities.Develop and maintain Technical Data Sheets (TDS), Product Specifications, Technical Bulletins, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and related documentation.Prepare technical communications explaining product functionality, applications, benefits, and processing recommendations.Ensure technical documents remain current and aligned with product and regulatory changes. Manage document control processes and technical record retention.Technical MarketingProvide technical expertise to support sales and marketing initiatives.Develop technical content for brochures, presentations, websites, trade shows, and customer communications.Liaise with external parties to create meaningful technical studies and research Review marketing materials for technical accuracy and compliance.Support customer meetings, trade shows and product demonstrations as the technical subject matter expert.Respond to technical inquiries from customers, distributors, and prospects.Assist with sustainability, sourcing, and product claim substantiation initiatives.Process ImprovementEvaluate manufacturing, packaging, and quality systems to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.Lead continuous improvement projects using data-driven methodologies.Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).Analyze production and quality metrics to identify trends for improvement.Support root cause investigations and implement sustainable solutions.Collaborate with Production to optimize manufacturing processes, reduce waste.Quality AssuranceMaintain and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS).Ensure compliance with internal quality standards, customer requirements, and applicable industry regulations.Oversee incoming raw material, in-process, and finished product quality testing programs.Review and approve Certificates of Analysis (COAs), specifications, and quality records.Manage nonconforming materials and finished products.Coordinate internal audits, supplier evaluations, customer audits, and third-party certification audits. Travel required.Investigate customer complaints and oversee corrective actions.Regulatory Monitor regulatory developments impacting products, ingredients, labeling, and manufacturing practices.Ensure compliance with applicable FDA, MoCRA, cosmetic, food, agricultural, environmental, and state regulations as applicable.Prepare and maintain regulatory documentation, registrations, certifications, and customer compliance packages.Support customer requests related to regulatory, quality, sustainability, and compliance programs.Additional ResponsibilitiesParticipate in product portfolio development and stage gate processes.Perform other duties as assigned.Minimum QualificationsEducationBachelor’s degree in chemistry, food science, biology, chemical engineering, quality management, natural sciences, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.Equivalent combination of education and industry experience may be considered.Experience5+ years of experience in technical services, product development, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, or related manufacturing environment. Experience commercializing new products preferred. Experience with FDA-regulated products including specialty chemicals, cosmetics, food ingredients, dietary supplements, or agricultural products. Experience managing audits (quality, social, biodiversity, etc.), certifications, and customer technical requirements.Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesHands on experience in product development and commercialization processes.Excellent technical writing and documentation skills.Strong understanding of quality systems, GMPs, HACCP, ISO standards, and regulatory frameworks related to MoCRA and REACH.Ability to interpret regulations and translate requirements into practical business processes.Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.Effective communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and quality management systems.Work Environment & Physical RequirementsHybrid work, with on-site reporting in an office setting, within a manufacturing facility in Salem, OR.May require extended hours during peak periods.Travel required for supplier audits and evaluations, and trade shows.