Senior Operations Technician

For over 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way. Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence.

About the role

The Senior Operations Technician, in conjunction with the execution of routine production activities, will primarily support the team by driving completion of process work, sampling, documentation, material transfers, and assisting with training. The Senior Operations Technician also supports continuous improvement, transfer of new products, and may assist with deviations and change management.

This position provides technical and operations support to ensure that manufacturing schedules are met in a compliant manner with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements. The scope of support includes every manufacturing stage from raw materials through final antigen product at our site in De Soto, Kansas.

Responsibilities

• Models Company leadership principles and inclusive behaviors
• Provides coaching and supports skills development and process capabilities within their team
• Supports effective feedback and coaching within the team during the Performance Management cycle
• Provides appropriate task-based training
• Demonstrates a strong compliance mindset (EHS and Quality) and continuously sets a high standard for themselves and others
• Follows safe operating instructions for all tasks and equipment
• Ensures that the right tools and equipment specified for the task are available and utilized
• Ensures that the correct personal protective equipment required is available and utilized
• Follows up on any reported defects or workplace hazards immediately
• Reports all accidents, incidents, and near misses within 24 hours and participates in investigation and identification of effective corrective and preventative actions
• On-time completion of Quality compliance tasks in relation to Deviation, CAPA, and Change Control management
• Ensures Quality Assurance including cGMP, RFT, and good documentation practices and provides coaching to others
• Acts as Change Manager and Stakeholder for change management activities within Production
• Supports the update, review, and approval of GMP documentation including, but not limited to: SOPs, MDs, Qualification Protocols, and new product/product transfer documentation
• Supports the Daily, Weekly, and Monthly schedule adherence of production activities within their department
• Builds and maintains strong collaborations with different stakeholders throughout the Site Operations such as BTS, Engineering, Quality, and R&D
• Supports the Manufacturing Operations Teams in creating a culture of continuous improvement and leads by example
• Represents Manufacturing Operations in the execution of the project portfolio and improvement initiatives
• Supports initiatives for stabilizing and improving production processes
• Assures effective application of Lean Six Sigma, Project Management, and Change Management Tools
• Supports Manufacturing Operations key productivity metrics by investigating and solving operations issues with appropriate techniques and skills
• Contributes to a data-driven decision-making process and visualizes problems, progress, and results
• Recognizes and investigates opportunities for financial savings
• Ensures antigen products specifications are met prior to release for compliance to product Outlines, United States Department of Agriculture 9 Code of Federal Regulations, and cGMP

Requirements

• High School Diploma plus three (3)+ years of experience working in a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing role (required)
• BSc Degree in a relevant scientific discipline plus experience working within a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing role (preferred)
• Strong knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices demonstrated within applicable manufacturing environment
• Efficient and effective attention to detail, achieving consistent error-free implementation of daily job assignments and complete documentation using Good Documentation Practices
• Ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and employ basic problem-solving skills
• Principled verbal and written communications
• Ability to follow and comply with Manufacturing Directions, Standard Operating Procedures, Company/Corporate/Regulatory Policies
• Demonstrates basic skills in effective time management to meet given deadlines and complete basic laboratory procedures
• Ability to work effectively with team members and show initiative to assist others on the team
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel
• Experience using quality improvement tools and continuous improvement processes and site quality metrics
• Knowledge of system-controlled material usage through ERP environments such as SAP

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Immunology, or similar
• Experience working in a manufacturing environment and using large-scale filtration and separation techniques
• Knowledge of aseptic processes used in manufacturing

Skills

• Aseptic Operations
• CAPA Management
• Change Controls
• Change Management
• Cleanroom Gowning
• Coaching
• Computer Literacy
• Corrective Action Management
• Deviation Management
• Documentation Preparation
• Document Management
• Equipment Set Up
• GMP Compliance
• GMP Documentation
• GMP Training
• Information Systems
• Manufacturing
• Manufacturing Processes
• Manufacturing Strategies
• Master Batch Records
• Operations Support
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Production Scheduling
• Product Transfers

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Pay

The salary range for this role is $59,100 - $93,000. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits. Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days.