A career where you can enhance lives every day
At Kensing, we work together to improve the quality of life of our clients, their customers, and each other. It shows in our dedication to collaboration, in our commitment to teamwork, and in the culture of pride and respect each of us strives to exhibit day after day.
We combine the deep heritage of our Kankakee plant with a commitment to leading the world in safety and purity, along with an eagerness for expansion. If you are passionate about innovation, about improving products and lives, we want to hear from you. At Kensing, we have a bright future ahead. You can be a part of it.
Field 1 Operator |Kankakee, IL | 1/28/2025
JOB TITLE: Field 1 Operator
DEPARTMENT: CC Sulfates
LOCATION: Kankakee, IL
SUPERVISOR: Shift Supervisor
JOB SUMMARY
The Chemical Plant Operator will manufacture quality finished goods and manage hazardous raw materials in a safe and efficient manner by follow operating procedures, safety procedures, regulatory requirements and site standards and policies to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the site.
In addition, the following activities will be performed
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct routine inspections and monitoring of operating equipment (e.g., pumps, storage tanks, instrumentation, utilities, safety equipment, tools etc.) in the reactors and associated areas to determine current operating status.
- Read, record and interpret data of instruments, reactors, tanks, pumps, cooling unit, etc., and makes corrective adjustments as required to keep efficient production on reactor trains.
- Perform maintenance, i.e., purges, washes, dries, and recharges equipment.
- Draws samples of product at specified stages and performs analytical laboratory tests to determine if manufacturing is proceeding efficiently and in conformity with specifications.
- Work from both verbal & written instructions of Shift Supervisor, standard procedures, batch sheet & loading sheets to operate reactors, as well as filling & loading systems.
- Works with the Panel Operator to set priorities without supervisor approval.
- Identification of equipment malfunctions and coordinates with maintenance and/or the Shift Supervisor to institute corrective actions.
- Data entry for documentation/record purposes into SAP, excel, batch records, etc.
- Assist in the running of reactors, to include analytical testing.
- Loading and unloading of raw materials and finished product to/from tank trucks, railcars, totes, or drums as required.
- Utilize power industrial trucks to move materials, equipment or supplies as required.
- Troubleshoot equipment problems.
- Prepare solutions, raw materials and equipment for the production of batches.
- Prepare equipment for operation, maintenance, & cleaning.
- Responsible for all aspects of personal safety, product quality, as well as, filling, loading, and unloading systems and their auxiliary equipment such as bins, filters, blend tanks, and utility equipment for air, nitrogen, cooling water, and steam.
- Assistance to plant during outages and maintain operating condition of key equipment.
- Perform assigned duties as outlined by supervisor, management, or designee.
- Adhere to all GMP Standards/Requirements.
- All other duties as assigned.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION:
Required: High school education or GED.
Preferred: Prior SAP knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word, Power point, etc.).
KNOWLEDGE/SPECIALIZED SKILLS:
- Ability to achieve a minimum score on pre-placement aptitude tests.
- Participate in all required safety training.
- A working knowledge of the mechanics & operation of different types of process equipment (e.g., pumps, valves, agitators, instrumentation, controls etc.).
- Demonstrated mechanical aptitude, troubleshooting and decision-making skills.
- Familiarity with safety practices and techniques relating to the chemical industry (e.g., Safe Work Permits, LOTO, Confined Space Entry, Hot Work). This includes writing permits & SEC’s.
- A basic understanding and awareness of chemicals and their nature, hazards, safety and health issues etc. (SDS’s, use of PPE etc.)
- Working 12-hr rotating shift, and overtime as required
- Maintain good housekeeping in work areas and assist in general cleanup as needed.
- Contribute to the success of plant goals & objectives through participation in activities to further advance safety, quality, costs, productivity and morale throughout the plant.
- A working knowledge of computers & the MS Windows operating system.
- Ability to multi-task and monitor/control a number of different activities simultaneously.
- Support and participate in the site ISO 9000, PSM, RMP and RCMS programs.
- Support & participate in the Kensing Process Safety Program (i.e., Zero Incident Mindset, complete training, report all incidents, participate in investigations etc.).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the job which include: working 12 hour rotating shifts and overtime as required, working indoors and outdoors with the use of stairways/ladders to perform tasks. Driving and operating a forklift truck is an essential part of the position.
- Takes daily direction from the Shift Supervisor and may have interaction with other members of management.
- Daily interaction may be required with the Production Execution Manager, Production Scheduler, QA Lab, Maintenance and Engineering staff to ensure workload, schedule and priorities are followed.
- Most of the work is completed outside working in the elements.
BENEFITS:
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- Supplemental Benefits
- Accident insurance
- Legal Services
- Pet Insurance
- ID Theft
- Critical Illness
- Company Paid Short Term Disability
- 401K with Company Match
PAY RATE: $34.70/Hour
Maintenance Specialist | Hopewell, VA | 1/27/2025
JOB TITLE: Maintenance Specialist
DEPARTMENT: Operations
LOCATION: Hopewell, VA
SUPERVISOR: Head of Production
JOB SUMMARY
The Maintenance Specialist is responsible for overseeing all maintenance activities in the Hopewell North Plant. This includes monitoring both the daily/weekly and long-term maintenance plans and planning and executing turnarounds safely and as scheduled. This position will be responsible for optimizing the current maintenance work process to identify cost reduction and plant uptime opportunities. The Maintenance Specialist will work directly with Operations and contractors to drive work execution efficiency and asset availability.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Work Order Planning:
- Create maintenance notifications for the plant as needed.
- Create/Edit job plans for the effective execution of work by providing job scopes, job step sequence, labor and material requirements, skill requirements, specifying the necessary tools and equipment, external resources, and determining work order costs.
- Identify permitting requirements and special isolation needs.
- Create task lists (job plan library) for recurring jobs.
- Create purchase requisitions and reservations for necessary materials, equipment or services and orders material.
- Continually improve the job plans by collaborating with Operations and Contractors to 1) Maintain a spare parts inventory, 2) Build & Maintain Bill of Materials for area equipment, 3) Continually update task lists to ensure: necessary changes or improvements are incorporated, and efficiencies are captured per job feedback, 4) Obtaining and analyzing feedback from the work crew through the job feedback process and 5) Updating the task list and job plan libraries.
- Review work scopes for changes which would result in triggering a Management of Change (MOC).
- Create Job Packets as needed by providing spec sheets, vendor manuals, P&IDs, pictures, isolation plans, job plan/feedback form, etc.
Turnaround Planning:
- Create job plans for the safe and effective execution of turnaround projects: job scopes, job step sequence, labor and material requirements, skill requirements, specifying the necessary tools and equipment, external resources, and determining work order costs.
- Participate and coordinate with turnaround group on scheduled jobs and external resource needs.
- Coordinate purchase requisitions / purchase orders and expedite orders to assure scheduled delivery for turnaround.
Manage the backlog of unplanned work:
- Review the backlog and planning list.
- Clarify incomplete or unclear work notifications.
- Group work orders and/or notifications together that can be planned and completed as a single order.
- Determine the appropriate degree of planning.
- Develop, track and report maintenance KPIs.
- Confirm the proper SAP status codes including work order start and finish dates to allow proper scheduling of the work order.
Contractor Management:
- Work directly with Kensing contractors to ensure alignment in priority for area jobs.
- Lead the weekly plant maintenance meeting with operations, engineering and contractors.
- Monitor and audit contractor work hours and identify improvement opportunities.
Maintenance Optimization
- Identify equipment and instrumentation with low MTBF and execute projects to address, using the MOC system as needed.
- Conduct routine reliability PMs, such as steam trap survey, leak detection, vibration monitoring, IR scanning, etc.
- Continuously review and update PM programs and frequencies to improve plant uptime.
- Subject matter expert for maintenance program continuous improvement activities.
- Adhere to all GMP Standards/Requirements.
- All other duties as assigned.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION:
Required: High School Diploma or equivalent and at least 5 years of maintenance or Mechanical Engineering experience in a chemical/petrochemical or similar manufacturing environment.
EXPERIENCE:
- Experience with SAP is required.
- Experience using Microsoft Applications as part of daily tasks (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Office.)
- Hands on knowledge and experience with various types of process systems and equipment, and crafts, along with an understanding of maintenance work processes. Possess an understanding of maintenance scheduling.
- Direct experience performing equipment monitoring tasks (steam trap survey, leak detection, vibration monitoring, IR scanning, etc.) preferred.
KNOWLEDGE/SPECIALIZED SKILLS:
- Focus on safety in all actions.
- Ability to procure and expedite materials and resources.
- Work together with a team to quickly troubleshoot unexpected process interruptions.
- Effective resolution of issues during emergency shutdowns and turnarounds.
- Excellent organizational and work management skills.
- Keen attention to detail and a high degree of quality orientation.
- Strong communication skills, both orally and written.
- Analytical & Strategic Thinking
- Quality Orientation & Attention to Detail
- Business and Financial Acumen
- Teamwork
- Work Management
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills
- Entrepreneurial Actions
- Customer Focus
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- 50/50 office/plant floor split should be expected.
- Able to wear the required PPE for all tasks (i.e. hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed boots.)
- Comfortable working for periods of time outdoors as required.
- Potential to lift up to 50lbs on occasion and comfortable at heights.
- Some travel for specialized training may be required, but infrequent.
R&D Innovation SNVE Manager| Spain (Talavera or Valencia) | 10/8/2024
JOB TITLE: R&D Innovation SNVE Manager
DEPARTMENT: Research and Innovation
LOCATION: Spain (Talavera or Valencia)
SUPERVISOR: SVP of R & I
JOB SUMMARY
The role will be an invaluable part of Kensing’s Research & Innovation team and will play a key part in driving Kensing customer satisfaction and increasing Kensing’s overall market valuation. The position reports to the Senior Vice President: Research and Innovation and will participate in product development, application development, and customer support.
The role of this position is to enhance Kensing’s position in the antioxidant and nutritional supplement marketplaces through the development of products and applications based on natural Vitamin E, mixed tocopherols and phytosterols.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Works in a fast-paced, results-oriented team environment to provide unique solutions to internal and external customers’ needs.
- Responsible for technical support for the existing product line in the sterols and natural vitamin E business and their key customers in both Human Health and Nutrition and Pharmaceutical/ Nutraceutical applications.
- Contributes directly to both customer satisfaction and sales growth by leading and providing technical expertise to customers, salespeople, and marketing.
- Builds world class capabilities in Sterols and Natural Vitamin E applications in particularly Human Health and Nutrition and Pharmaceutical/ Nutraceuticals.
- Drives major transformative innovation projects by identification and development of complementary technologies in the Sterols and Natural Vitamin E space.
- Works with business and marketing to create unique value propositions for our products.
- Supports innovation and formulation development as the lead subject matter expert.
- Supports/accompanies the leadership team and salespeople in technical calls with key customers.
- Performs assigned tasks using own discretion and judgment as to the specific approach or technique.
- Adhere to all GMP Standards/Requirements.
- Other Duties as assigned.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION:
Required: MS in Chemistry or similar with 10 years of related industrial experience.
Preferred: Ph.D. in organic chemistry or similar, with appropriate experience in a related industrial setting.
EXPERIENCE:
- Solid organic chemistry knowledge and understanding of the fundamental aspects of complex chemistry and processes.
- Specific experience in the development and/or application of natural antioxidants for the food and feed industries is highly desirable.
- Commercial experience with product formulations and shelf-life enhancement techniques.
- Experience within the supplement and natural products industries including direct exposure to the associated regulatory bodies and guidelines.
- Proven ability and desire to solve technically complex problems.
- Excellent planning and organizing.
- Business acumen with excellent communication skills.
KNOWLEDGE/SPECIALIZED SKILLS:
- Self-starter with strong work ethic. Go-getter, problem-solver.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, in English and Spanish.
- The ability to successfully manage various projects and contribute to team investigations.
- Ability to work well in a fast-paced team setting, especially in a resource limited environment.
- Must be able to operate with limited supervision.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Travel: Up to 25% (+/-).
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift to 25 pounds at a time.
LOCATION:
Preferred locations: Talavera or Valencia.
Head of Sustainability | Spain | 10/28/2024
JOB TITLE: Head of Sustainability
DEPARTMENT: EHS
LOCATION: Madrid, Valencia Spain
SUPERVISOR: Global Director-ESG, Health and Safety
JOB SUMMARY
The Head of Sustainability-Kensing will be accountable for and not limited to establishing and executing ESG Strategy & Requirements, practices, policies, procedures and standards for Kensing, ESG, enforcement and NGO interaction, ESG reporting, assist in maintaining ESG databases and systems, Management of Change (MOC), supporting Kensing in ESG awareness and training, and global consultation as required. The role will be the face of Kensing with respect to sustainability with customers and represent the company in all the forums to drive Kensing’s sustainability vision and strategy.
The Head of Sustainability will report to Global Director-ESG, Health and Safety and will work closely with Operations, HR, Procurement, and Marketing to ensure the company is moving forward on targets and objectives set. The role will also seek guidance from the CEO on strategy and customer/market related vision and conduct periodic reviews with Kensing Executive Team (KET).
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Sustainability/ESG
- Establishing ESG Strategy and Requirements, Practices, Policies, Procedures and Standards: Determine Applicability to Sites & Processes, Interpret Regulations, Interact with Regulatory Agencies, N.G.O’s, Various trade associations and customers on ESG topics. Assist in RC14001 management system creation and maintenance.
- ESG Leadership: Conduct Assessments on ESG metrics and targets, and mentor leaders in ESG compliance, hazards, and risks – processes.
- Responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of ESG management systems and programs in relation to Environmental and sustainability; the active promotion of ESG awareness; the collection, reporting, and analysis of key ESG performance indicators; and ensuring appropriate training is being administered
- Utilize sustainability databases, such as Persefoni and EcoChain to input Kensing’s sustainability metrics and extract data upon request for coworkers, superiors, sales force, etc.
- Work cross-functionally to obtain requested data for sustainability reports such as The Carbon Disclosure Project and report to CDP
- Assess and assist in developing Kensing’s Scope 3 Emissions reporting plan to help maximize information conveyed in both internal and external reports
- Work with the marketing & communications team to plan and write sustainability articles for internal platform to increase levels of sustainability-engagement throughout the organization
- Update ESG metrics deck from Systems to support efficient communication throughout the organization and outside the organization
- Report to various questionnaires and subscribed to assessment organizations, as an example but not limited to:
- EcoVadis – Annually
- Carbon Accounting Annually
- CDP / SBTi annually
- RC 14001 surveillance audits – annually
- Investor APEX annually – EcoVadis like
- ORCP – Novata – Annually
Procurement
- Assist, as needed, with the implementation of the existing Responsible Sourcing Strategy.
- Collect, analyze, and report on sustainability performance metrics related to palm and soy sourcing. Use this data to drive informed decision-making and transparently communicate progress towards our science-based targets.
- Contact suppliers to gather, and monitor, GPS and satellite data to demonstrate 100% traceability to the refinery, mill and plantation. Prepare a monthly report which identifies those suppliers that are in compliance with traceability to the origin of raw materials.
- Identify and approve suppliers that meet savings and sustainability requirements.
- Assist with ESG (supplier self-assessments and onsite assessments), supplier re-evaluation assessments and supplier scorecard scoring, evaluation and supplier action.
- Develop strong supplier relationships to understand the total cost of ownership of raw materials and the supply chain.
- Monitor commercial needs for RSPO mass balance and segregated palm/PKO derivative needs, and purchased credits, and work, in conjunction with Quality, to maintain document’s for RSPO audits.
- Ability to develop and implement sustainable sourcing strategies.
- Strong understanding of sustainable sourcing principles, industry standards (e.g., RSPO, RTRS), and certification schemes.
- Lead the completion of the following required submittals and updates:
- RSPO ACOP Annual submission
- 2) AASD/SPI questionnaire etc.
- Adhere to all GMP Standards/Requirements
- Other Duties as Assigned
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION:
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, Environmental Science, Sustainability or related field or 8-10 years providing EHS and Sustainability guidance to chemical manufacturing environments.
- Preferred: Masters in Sustainable Development, climate management and finance or related programs
EXPERIENCE:
- 8-10+ years of industry experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience in industry around sustainability, sourcing in Personal Care and Ingredients; supply chain management, or a related field, with a focus on palm and/or soy sourcing
KNOWLEDGE/SPECIALIZED SKILLS:
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills with a “get things done” attitude.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders.
- Experience working in a fast-paced, international environment.
- Hands-on doer and strategic thinker
- Entrepreneurial spirit a must
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Travel: Up to 25%; to NA, Europe, LA and Asia
- Fluent English
- Spanish and a second European language desirable
- Hybrid/Remote Work Potential if Position is within US
- The position could be located preferably in Madrid, Valencia or Northeast US, preferably Chicago. Home based could be an option for highly qualified individuals but would require 50% travel intensity.
LOCATION:
Preferred locations: The position could be located preferably in Madrid, or Valencia. Home based could be an option for highly qualified individuals but would require 50% travel intensity.
