Mission Statement
The Compounding Support helps keep every batch moving safely, accurately, and on schedule. This role provides hands-on support to Senior Compounders through pump-outs, tank cleaning, water-phase fills, material organization, equipment preparation, and general production assistance. Success in this position means maintaining a clean, organized, and production-ready compounding area while following all safety, quality, GMP, and documentation requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Assist Senior Compounders with daily batch preparation and compounding support activities according to approved batch instructions and SOPs.
Perform product pump-outs and transfers using the correct pumps, hoses, tanks, totes, and containers.
Clean, sanitize, rinse, and prepare tanks, mixers, hoses, pumps, utensils, and related equipment between batches.
Complete water-phase fills and other approved preparation steps as directed by a trained Compounder or supervisor.
Stage, move, open, and organize raw materials, packaging containers, tools, and equipment needed for scheduled batches.
Operate a forklift and pallet jack to safely move raw materials, drums, totes, finished bulk product, and equipment throughout the facility after completing required company training and authorization.
Verify that tanks, totes, hoses, utensils, and work areas are clean, correctly labeled, and ready for use.
Support the safe transfer of finished bulk product to approved holding tanks, totes, or production areas.
Maintain clear identification and separation of raw materials, work-in-process, finished bulk product, waste, and cleaning materials.
Complete assigned cleaning, equipment, material-movement, and production-support documentation accurately and in real time.
Report spills, incorrect materials, damaged equipment, unusual product appearance, contamination risks, or other concerns immediately.
Follow PPE, chemical-handling, lockout/tagout, lifting, spill-response, GMP, and all other safety requirements.
Assist with general housekeeping, waste disposal, inventory organization, and continuous-improvement activities within Compounding.
Daily Operations
Review the daily compounding schedule and priorities with the Compounding Manager or assigned Compounder.
Prepare and verify the cleanliness and readiness of required tanks and support equipment.
Stage materials and supplies in the correct location without blocking aisles, exits, or production flow.
Support active batches, pump-outs, transfers, water phases, and changeovers as assigned.
Return tools, hoses, pumps, and materials to designated locations after each task.
Complete end-of-shift cleaning, organization, documentation, and shift handoff requirements.
Most Critical Daily Responsibilities
Keep tanks, hoses, pumps, utensils, and work areas clean and production-ready.
Support safe, timely pump-outs and product transfers without contamination or product mix-ups.
Stage the correct materials and equipment for the scheduled batch.
Communicate delays, shortages, equipment problems, spills, or quality concerns immediately.
Maintain accurate labels, traceability, and documentation for every assigned activity.
Performance Expectations
Completes assignments safely, accurately, and within the required production timeline.
Follows written instructions and does not make unauthorized changes to formulas, materials, equipment settings, or processes.
Maintains a clean, orderly, and audit-ready work area throughout the shift.
Demonstrates dependable attendance, punctuality, urgency, teamwork, and willingness to support changing production priorities.
Works as a self-starter who identifies the next required support task, maintains momentum, and completes responsibilities with limited supervision after training.
Protects product quality by preventing cross-contamination, material mix-ups, incorrect labeling, and incomplete cleaning.
Qualifications & Skills
High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
Previous experience in manufacturing, compounding, batching, chemical handling, sanitation, material handling, or production support preferred.
Ability to follow detailed written and verbal instructions, SOPs, batch documents, labels, and safety requirements.
Basic math skills and the ability to recognize quantities, weights, lot numbers, and material identifiers.
Strong attention to detail, organization, communication, and teamwork.
Self-starter with the ability to work independently, anticipate production-support needs, and know when to stop and ask for assistance.
Previous forklift-driving and pallet-jack experience required; must be able to complete Merit Manufacturing's equipment training and authorization requirements.
Systems, Equipment & Tools
Compounding tanks, mixers, pumps, hoses, totes, drums, transfer containers, and cleaning equipment.
Pallet jacks, carts, drum-handling equipment, and forklifts when trained and authorized.
Batch records, equipment-cleaning logs, material labels, production schedules, and other controlled documents.
Required PPE, including gloves, safety glasses, protective footwear, and other task-specific protection.
Physical Requirements
Stand and walk for the majority of the workday and regularly bend, reach, push, pull, climb, and perform repetitive movements.
Lift and carry up to 50 pounds independently and handle heavier materials with approved equipment or team assistance.
Work around water, cleaning chemicals, raw materials, fragrances, oils, powders, and manufacturing equipment.
Wear required PPE and safely work in areas that may be wet, warm, noisy, or exposed to strong odors.
Working Conditions
This position works in a fast-paced manufacturing and compounding environment. The employee must follow GMP, safety, sanitation, chemical-handling, and quality requirements at all times. Overtime, schedule adjustments, and weekend work may be required based on production needs.
Team Interaction
The Compounding Support employee works closely with the Compounding Manager, Senior Compounders, Pre-Weigh, Quality, Production, Warehouse, and Sanitation teams. Clear communication and timely escalation are essential to maintaining safe and efficient batch flow.
Growth Opportunities
This role provides hands-on exposure to compounding operations, equipment, materials, documentation, GMP requirements, and batch flow. Employees who demonstrate reliability, safety, accuracy, and technical growth may be considered for additional training and future advancement into Compounding or other manufacturing positions. Merit Manufacturing promotes from within whenever possible.
