Do you want to be part of creating beauty that lasts for generations? Are you seeking a company that values Transparency, Ownership, Unity, Grit & Hustle? Do you crave being part of a TOUGH winning team in a growth-oriented environment?

AHF Products is a leader in innovative flooring products and solutions with a family of strong brands serving the residential and commercial markets. With decades of experience in award-winning flooring design, innovation, product development, manufacturing, and service, we improve the quality of people’s lives through great products and a deep commitment to outstanding customer service. We are headquartered in Mountville, Pennsylvania with a global manufacturing footprint employing over 2250 people worldwide.

We believe that business is personal. With a deep-rooted belief in the power of teamwork and trust, we consider our staff, customers, and suppliers as true partners. We pledge to deliver reliable, consistent, and best-in-class products, services, and support. We look for people who aren’t afraid to act on ideas, commit the courage to drive successful outcomes and have fun along the way. If these ideals appeal to you, you are going to want to join our team!

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Kankakee Flooring Plant team has a job opportunity for a Plant Process Chemist located in Kankakee, IL. This role will conduct basic and applied research on raw materials that will enhance the quality, characteristics of our products, improve current product formulas and provide innovative products to the marketplace. The position requires hands-on lab analysis of materials and ability to pilot and scale-up trials at production facilities. This position reports to the Quality Manager.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Qualified individuals must have the ability (with or without reasonable accommodation) to perform the following duties:

• • Monitor the quality of plant raw materials to ensure that they meet specifications.
  • Research, explore, and test new raw materials for production.
  • Perform Scale-up production trials and report the results
  • Identify and evaluate alternative processes or raw materials that may improve performance of products.
  • Work with cross-functional teams to improve process results.
  • Perform physical property testing of materials and products.
  • Conduct research into use of alternative formulations/raw materials to generate product cost savings and improve process efficiencies and track the savings.
  • Monitor experiments and record results; prepare detailed reports both written and oral with conclusions and recommendations.
  • Provide training and mentorship to staff.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Provide total commitment to personal safety and ensure others are working in a safe manner as well.
  • Perform tasks in accordance with proven skill levels as directed by Safety Manager.
  • Participates in Continuous Improvement, also provides suggestions to improve processes and participates on team projects.
  • Work cooperatively with production staff to accomplish tasks and achieve departmental goals.
  • Maintain property, plant, and equipment to support and improve the safe production and performance of the operations.
  • Perform other tasks as assigned.

  KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

  
  
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams with different opinions to gain consensus on the correct strategy.
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to communicate with all levels of the organization
  • Proficient computer skills including MS Office
  • Experience leading projects or groups
  • Ability and willingness to work required hours to support the needs of the plant team
  • Proven ability to recognize potential safety hazards and develop an engineering solution to eliminate.
  • Ability to work self-directed with limited resources and able to meet challenging timelines.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence upper management and gain buy in from shop floor end users.
  • Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to always maintain appropriate confidentiality.
  
  

  QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry or related field desired.
  • 1-3 years practical work experience in a production or research environment is desirable.
  • Project management experience is a plus.
  • Proficiency using Microsoft Office software (Microsoft Excel, Word, and Project).
  • Proven verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong technical and presentation reporting skills
  
  

  PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  • Push, pull, carry and lift 20 - 50lbs
  • Walking, stretching, bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, grasping and repetitive movements
  • Talk, hear, read, write and comprehend English
  • Must be able to work in a non-temperature-controlled environment
  
  

  MENTAL DEMANDS

  The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  • Think analytically
  • Make decisions
  • Develop options and implement solutions
  • Work with a team
  • Maintain regular and punctual attendance (consistent with ADA and/or FMLA)
  • Attention to detail
  • Communicate effectively
  • Multitask in a fast pace environment
  • Work with a Sense of Urgency
  
  

  AHF Products provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.