Lead Operator - Fermentation - Nights

About the role

Working in a fast-paced, regulated production environment, this team operates with a strong safety-first and quality-always mindset. Collaboration, trust, and continuous improvement are at the heart of how we work—supporting each other across shifts to keep production running safely, efficiently, and on schedule.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example with a safety-first, quality-always mindset and set clear expectations for the team.
• Identify, document, and help resolve process non-conformances, equipment failures, and inventory discrepancies using root-cause thinking and lean principles.
• Schedule and assign daily tasks, set priorities, and evaluate results in collaboration with supervisors and planning partners.
• Maintain accurate production, inventory, and process records using electronic MRP systems and document management tools.
• Support audits, training activities, new product trials, and continuous improvement initiatives across fermentation and downstream processes.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Strong safety mindset and comfort working in a regulated manufacturing environment with strict sanitation and documentation requirements.
• Technical aptitude, including ability to read detailed production journals, follow procedures, and perform basic metric math (weights and volumes).
• Basic computer skills for navigating internal systems; experience with SAP or similar systems is beneficial.
• Ability to communicate clearly, provide feedback, and support team performance on a night shift.

Qualifications

• Experience in regulated industries such as food, biotech, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing.
• Forklift or pallet walker experience (training provided on-site if needed).
• Interest in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or helping train and develop others.
• Curiosity and motivation to deeply understand processes, not just execute tasks.

Skills

• Leadership and people-leadership skills.
• Operational and technical expertise.
• Problem-solving and root-cause analysis.
• Collaboration and teamwork.
• Continuous improvement mindset.

Benefits

• Structured training and cross-functional support.
• Opportunities to grow technical and leadership skills.
• Collaborative manufacturing culture.

Pay

Hourly rate: $28–$32 per hour, based on experience.

Schedule

Shift patterns: 7-on/7-off rotation, including 10-hour weekday shifts and 12-hour weekend shifts (specific assignment discussed during interviews).

Location

West Allis, WI, USA

Contact

If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career.