Creative Lab Compounder

Lebermuth Co•South Bend, IN

About The Position

The Creative Lab Compounder prepares samples for product development, formulation studies, and process reviews, ensuring work is accurate, complete, and timely. The role supports fragrance and flavor sample preparation and testing while contributing to a collaborative, innovative environment and continuous improvement initiatives. The position is in the Creative Lab, reports to the Director of Creative Lab Operations, and is classified as non-exempt. The Compounder uses lab equipment to measure, weigh, and mix chemicals and ingredients according to formula specifications; retrieves ingredients and prepares samples for odor evaluation and fragrance application testing; and observes raw materials and mixtures for quality and integrity. The role also supports perfumers and the sample room, monitors and updates inventory, follows operating, maintenance, disposal, quality, and safety procedures, and completes required paperwork. The position collaborates with cross-functional teams and participates in feedback sessions and team meetings. Other duties may be assigned, and reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. The role generally follows an 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule, which may vary from week to week to meet business and customer needs. It involves handling raw materials, including essential oils and flavor and fragrance chemicals, and requires wearing appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety glasses and gloves.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 1 year of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, dosages, proportions, and volume.
Ability to solve practical problems and work with concrete variables where standardization may be limited.
Ability to interpret written or oral instructions.
Attention to detail and interest in precision work; organization and effective documentation skills.
Effective listening and problem-solving skills, and sound judgment.
Ability to prioritize and plan work without explicit direction for each task.
Basic computer and keyboard skills.
Working knowledge of manufacturing, inventory control, and order-processing software.
Ability to communicate and receive information verbally and in writing, and to give and receive feedback professionally.
Ability to read and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, governmental regulations, chemical hazard information, and safety procedures.
Ability to write professional correspondence, present information effectively, and respond to questions.
Self-motivation, dependability, strong work ethic, customer and process focus, accuracy, flexibility in shifting priorities, and adherence to safety requirements.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-growth environment as a collaborative, respectful, continuous-learning team member.
Ability to operate a keyboard and view a computer screen occasionally; write information in a logical flow occasionally; and frequently read, review, and interpret work orders or processes.
Ability to communicate by phone, in person, and/or computer frequently; listen, problem-solve, and respond frequently.
Ability to stand, sit, walk, climb, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, squat, twist, push, pull, and carry items frequently.
Ability to lift or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds throughout a scheduled workday.
Ability to handle raw materials, including essential oils and flavor and fragrance components or chemicals, daily.
Frequent or daily vision abilities for close, distant, and peripheral vision, depth and color recognition, and focus adjustment.
Ability to wear suitable personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and gloves, as required.

Responsibilities

Measure, weigh, and mix chemicals and ingredients with appropriate equipment and in the proper sequence to meet fragrance and flavor formula specifications.
Retrieve ingredients and prepare samples for odor evaluation and fragrance application testing.
Observe raw materials and mixtures for odor and physical appearance to ensure product quality and integrity.
Report product development issues to management to help avoid production delays.
Monitor raw-material supply levels and inform the Senior Creative Lab Compounder when supplies are low.
Assist perfumers and the sample room with pouring and filtering oils to support the team and fulfill customer orders on time.
Update sample-room inventory quantities and assist with locating missing production components when requested.
Follow operating procedures, maintain equipment, and dispose of waste materials properly.
Maintain a clean and organized workspace and assist with laboratory cleaning and sanitation.
Complete required paperwork, including equipment logs and regulatory documentation.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve lab processes and operational performance.
Participate in feedback sessions and team meetings to share insights, discuss challenges, and contribute to solutions.