Who we are:
Founded in Japan in 1887, Kao is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives with our high quality products and services to create a Kirei Life for all – a beautiful life that respects the needs of our consumers and customers as well as the planet. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. As a company driven by purpose and strong corporate values we pride ourselves to be listed among the World´s Most Ethical Companies since 16 consecutive years. Our corporate philosophy, the Kao Way, guides us in everything we do – acting with integrity, courageously driving innovation and treating each other with trust and respect.
The role:
As an Environmental Safety Scientist at Kao's European Research Laboratory (EURL), you will apply your scientific expertise to ensure environmental safety. You'll lead environmental safety assessments and drive sustainability initiatives across our renowned product lines, including Guhl, John Frieda, Molton Brown and more. In this pivotal role, you’ll be the go-to expert for environmental safety and sustainability, providing technical support, conducting GHS hazard assessments, and shaping policies that align with European regulations. Collaborating closely with global teams in Japan and America, you’ll share your insights to uphold Kao’s commitment to environmental stewardship while influencing the development of innovative, eco-conscious products.
This is a full-time role to be based on-site at our European Research Laboratory in Darmstadt, offered on a 3 year fixed term contract basis.
What you will do:
- Provide Environmental Safety Clearance of our raw materials used in our EURL brands and Molton Brown worldwide (hazard characterization and proper state of the art risk assessment incl. documentation in the systems and in-house pro-active communication)
- Conduct Environmental Safety Assessments of all EURL and Molton Brown final formulations, reflecting the latest scientific knowledge, Kao in-house standards and marketing claims.
- Be an active member in the Kao Environmental Safety Expert Team to work on the Kao Global Environmental Assessment Strategy under strong consideration of EURL specific needs.
- Provide technical support for EURL sustainability initiatives, (GHS hazard assessments) and environmental safety policy implementation.
- Represent the EURL in industry consortia dealing with environmental safety on CosEU or IKW level.
- Cooperate with other functions to finalise projects (regulatory, Microbiology, R&D Researcher, production, marketing and sales,..)
What you will need:
- Master's degree in Environmental Sciences, environmental toxicology or other related biological sciences.
- Ideally you will bring professional experience in product safety assurance in a consumer products company; with significant experience in environmental safety & toxicology.
- Experience in dealing with European environmental safety regulations and guidelines, including risk assessment principles.
- Ability to thrive in a rapidly paced, constantly evolving environment.
- Ability to complete several, diverse complex objectives simultaneously.
- Very good English and German language skills, including presentation skills in both languages
How we work: Having been selected among the World´s Most Ethical Companies for 18 consecutive years, we are a company with a purpose and strong corporate values. We never compromise on quality and craft our products with care for the consumer and the environment. At Kao, each employee can actively shape their job and their career. We work collaboratively to achieve our common goals, always aiming to deliver the best for our customers.
What we offer: A friendly and flexible work environment with competitive salaries, benefits package, ongoing development and the opportunity to enhance your skills and deliver tangible results. At Kao your voice will be heard. Your opinion really counts. We believe that change comes from taking opportunities into your own hands, so we value and reward entrepreneurial thinking and innovation.
Hiring Process: Kao embraces the diversity and the individual personalities of its people because we believe it is diversity that makes us strong. This is why we welcome applications from all areas of the global community.
Want to learn more: If you feel you are as unique as our products and want to find out why 33,000 people across the globe opted for a career with us please visit https://www.kao.com/emea/en/
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What We Do
Ever since the company's founding in 1887, Kao has strived to deliver value to the life of people everywhere in the world. Today, we are a leading manufacturer in the fields of hygiene, beauty and health, while our chemical business contributes to the development of diverse industries. With more than 33,000 employees, our mission is to enrich the lives of people globally and contribute to the sustainability of the world.
In the regions of Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), we focus on our Beauty Care business with premium brands in three business sectors: Consumer, Salon and Cosmetics.
Our Business Sector represents skin and hair care brands that are recognized worldwide for their innovation and quality, such as Jergens, Curél, Bioré, Guhl, and John Frieda.
Our Salon Business Sector is committed to unleashing the creativity of stylists around the globe. With our industry leading brands Goldwell, KMS and Oribe, stylists have everything in their hands to create beautiful show-stopping hair representative of the individuality of their clients.
Our London-based boutique brand, Molton Brown, offers luxury beauty products found only in our exclusive Molton Brown stores, high-end department stores and travel retail, as well as five-star hotels around the world.
All three business sectors are driven by the same values and beliefs: Creating high-quality products and constantly striving for the best is what is at the heart of everything we do.
This is why we understand that our people are one of our core assets, and we strive for a working environment that allows team members to flourish and grow. Join us, and you will have opportunity to help us make life beautiful
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