Job Description

Company Overview

Kao Specialties Americas (KSA) is a subsidiary of Kao Corporation based in Tokyo, Japan. We are a leader in the specialty chemicals sector, dedicated to developing and manufacturing high-quality personal hygiene, laundry, food, cosmetic products, and surfactant chemistries. Our commitment to innovation and quality drives our success across three major business segments.

Summary

Kao Specialties Americas LLC is seeking a proactive and experienced  Quality Control Supervisor to lead the daily operations of our QC laboratory in Pasadena, TX. This role is critical in ensuring that all raw materials, intermediates, and finished products meet rigorous quality and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical chemistry expertise, leadership skills, and a passion for continuous improvement in a chemical manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities:

• Inspect and test products to ensure they meet quality standards.
• Analyze data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Supervise and coordinate the activities of QC technicians in a chemical manufacturing lab.
• Oversee analytical testing using techniques such as GC, titration (e.g., acid-base, redox, Karl Fischer), and other wet chemistry applications.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues with laboratory instrumentation, including GC and auto-titration systems.
• Ensure compliance with internal quality standards and external regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 9001, OSHA, EPA).
• Review and approve test results, batch records, and Certificates of Analysis (COAs).
• Investigate non-conformances, implement corrective actions, and support root cause analysis as directed by Management.
• Maintain calibration and preventive maintenance schedules for laboratory instruments.
• Train and mentor lab personnel on testing procedures, safety protocols, and quality systems.
• Collaborate with production, R&D, and EHS teams to support product quality and process improvements.
• Prepare quality reports, trend analyses, and audit documentation.
• Support internal and external audits and ensure readiness for regulatory inspections.
• Ensures sufficient manpower is available for planned work and shift coverage.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a quality control or analytical laboratory within the chemical manufacturing industry.
• At least 1 year of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of analytical instrumentation and chemical testing methods.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and chemical safety regulations.
• Excellent communication, time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., ASQ-CQE, Six Sigma).
• Experience with hazardous materials handling and chemical process safety.

If you are passionate about ensuring product quality and compliance in a dynamic environment, we invite you to apply for the Quality Assurance Manager position at Kao Specialties Americas today!

KSA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package which includes medical, dental, life insurance, savings plan, and paid time off.

Kao Specialties Americas LLC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, religion, age, or veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

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