Lead Operator - Packaging - 2nd Shift

About the role

At Novonesis, our production teams play a critical role in delivering innovative biosolutions that help address some of the world’s biggest challenges. As a Lead Operator, you will be a hands-on leader who supports daily production activities, promotes a strong safety culture, and helps develop a high-performing team.

Responsibilities

• Support production performance and maintain quality standards.
• Foster a collaborative and accountable team environment.
• Serve as a key resource for Operators and Supervisors while driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrate a safety-first, quality-always mindset and promote the same standards across the team.
• Identify and document process non-conformances and equipment failures; support root cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Manage inventory activities, including cycle counts, physical inventory, and inventory discrepancy investigations.
• Utilize electronic MRP systems to maintain accurate inventory and production records.
• Maintain and update procedures, process documentation, and controlled forms.
• Schedule and assign work, establish priorities, and evaluate results.
• Coach team members, provide feedback, support performance discussions, and contribute to employee development.
• Partner with Planning to meet customer demand and optimize production capacity.
• Champion continuous improvement through process standardization and lean manufacturing principles.
• Support employee training programs and develop training materials.
• Participate in new product introductions, customer trials, audits, and compliance activities.
• Maintain required certifications and ensure training compliance for yourself and the operational team.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous manufacturing, production, biotech, food, pharmaceutical, or related industry experience.
• Experience leading or coordinating production teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of inventory management processes and electronic MRP systems.
• Experience with process documentation, quality systems, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and root cause analysis capabilities.
• Ability to effectively communicate across functions and provide constructive coaching and feedback.
• Commitment to safety, quality, compliance, and operational excellence.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment while managing multiple priorities.

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement programs.
• GMP, food safety, biotechnology, fermentation, or regulated manufacturing experience.
• Experience supporting internal or external audits.
• Training development or facilitation experience.
• Exposure to new product commercialization or customer trial activities.
• Forklift certification or other manufacturing-related certifications.

Working Conditions

• This position combines office responsibilities with hands-on production work in a controlled manufacturing environment.
• 7 on, 7 off schedule with hours of 4:30 pm–3:00 am Monday–Friday and 4:30 pm–5:00 am Saturday–Sunday.
• Exposure to temperatures ranging from approximately 55–65°F.
• Exposure to wet, humid, dusty, and loud environments, moving machinery, airborne particles, and cleaning chemicals.
• Periodic work in freezer conditions as low as −55°F while wearing specialized protective equipment.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including coveralls, dust masks, hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves, and safety footwear.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and material handling.
• Regular lifting of up to 55 pounds unassisted and occasional lifting of up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Work in confined spaces and adherence to airlock protocols when required.
• Flexibility to work weekends, extended hours, and rotating first, second, and third shifts.
• Frequent use of vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment to safely perform duties.

Pay

• Hourly rate: $35–$30 per hour based on experience, plus shift premium.

Benefits

• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution.
• Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Healthcare Savings Account option.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Parental Leave.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Benefits begin on your first day of employment.