Product Stewardship & Compliance Specialist

The Product Stewardship & Compliance Specialist is responsible for delivering comprehensive stewardship services for products manufactured by Kaneka North America LLC in Texas, as well as those produced at KAH facilities in Ohio, California, and other international locations. This role serves both internal and external stakeholders across KNA and KAH, ensuring regulatory compliance, safety, and sustainability throughout the product lifecycle.

Key responsibilities include managing compliance with evolving domestic and international regulations, supporting new product introductions and market expansions, and maintaining alignment with corporate initiatives such as ISO 14001, carbon neutrality, and broader corporate social responsibility goals. As regulatory landscapes shift and business needs evolve, additional duties will be assigned to support Kaneka's commitment to responsible manufacturing and environmental stewardship.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

• Prepare and maintain GHS-compliant Safety Data Sheets for Kaneka North America (KNA) products and intermediate materials.
• Support KAH business entities by preparing and maintaining SDSs as needed.

Transportation Compliance (IATA/DOT)

• Collaborate with the IATA Specialist to ensure accurate GHS labeling for product containers and hazardous material shipping documentation.
• Specify appropriate packaging for hazardous materials in compliance with DOT regulations.
• Assist in evaluating DOT-related issues for other KAH business entities.
• Develop and maintain training materials for the shipment of hazardous and non-hazardous materials.

Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)

• Investigate TSCA status for products and imported raw materials.
• Prepare Pre-Manufacture Notices (PMNs) for new or existing products.
• Submit polymer exemption reports (PERCs) and maintain records to support year-end reporting for imported or manufactured polymers.
• Provide TSCA-related support to other KAH business entities.
• Prepare and submit TSCA Section 12(b) notifications to the EPA.
• Oversee additional required TSCA reports.

Customs Compliance

• Determine accurate Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to optimize tariff classifications through strategic and compliant reclassification of materials to reduce import duties and improve cost efficiency.
• Assist with NAFTA/USMCA compliance, including preparation of Certificates of Origin.
• Support research and approval processes for one-time imports and exports.
• Maintain the KASI database to ensure customs compliance.
• Provide customs-related support to other KAH business entities.

NSF Certification

• Submit information requests to NSF to support product approvals for new applications across KNA and KAH business entities.

Corporate Social Responsibility & Carbon Neutrality

• Assist with program development, data management, KPI tracking, and updates.
• Contribute to the establishment of local policies and standards for KNA and KAH.

ISO 14001 Environmental Management

• Support the development and implementation of ISO 14001 programs and standards.

Canadian New Substance Notifications (NSN)

• Prepare and submit NSNs for the introduction of new products into Canada.

EU Plastics Directive & REACH Compliance

• Assist with product certification for food contact applications under EU REACH regulations.
• Prepare food certification documentation for polymer products produced or imported into the European Union.

Global Chemical Control Laws

• Support product registration efforts in international markets.
• Maintain documentation to demonstrate compliance with applicable chemical control laws.
• Assist customers in maintaining compliance when using KNA or KAH products.

Product Stewardship & Risk Management

• Evaluate product stewardship risks related to mergers and acquisitions and advise management accordingly.
• Support new business ventures and provide leadership in aligning product stewardship practices with KNA and KAH requirements.

Emotional Intelligence Competencies

• Demonstrate emotional empathy, a positive attitude, excellent communication skills, adaptability, and strong interpersonal skills.

Enthusiastic - Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
Team Player - Works well as a member of a group
Detail Oriented - Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

Ability to Make an Impact - Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
Self-Starter - Inspired to perform without outside help
Goal Completion - Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks

Bachelors of Chemistry (required)

5 - 7 years: Product Steward or supporting these functions in the chemical industry; polymers (required)

Skills