Supervisor, Production

About the Role

Join the Teknova team and help shape the future of health. Our customers are working to discover novel therapies that will help people everywhere live longer, healthier lives. We ensure they have a reliable supply of the essential ingredients they need to succeed. As the Supervisor, Production, you will oversee day-to-day production operations with minimal direction, leading and developing a team while ensuring safety, quality, delivery, and continuous improvement goals are met.

Our Culture

At Teknova, our culture thrives on creative problem-solving, and our default answer is “Yes.” We are customer-obsessed and go all in for our customers and each other. We challenge the status quo to discover what’s possible, developing novel products that help our customers work more efficiently and bring them closer to breakthroughs.

Our Values

We value the unique personality and background of every team member—we want you to be you. By collaborating and sharing skills, we find new and better solutions for our customers. Our team is at the heart of everything we do, and we support each other in achieving our goals.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, coach, and develop assigned Production Technicians; set clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and conduct one-on-one and team meetings to support associate growth and engagement.
• Participate in interviewing, hiring, and onboarding of production associates; drive cross-training and maintain a team skills matrix to build workforce flexibility and depth.
• Deploy lean manufacturing principles and tools (e.g., 6S, standard work, visual management, kaizen, and waste elimination) to drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Conduct Gemba Walks and maintain housekeeping and 6S standards in assigned production areas; escalate equipment and material issues and coordinate with Maintenance, Facilities, Quality, and Supply Chain to minimize downtime.
• Serve as a role model of company values; foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Provide input and feedback to managers on production, processes, and team members to address and correct inefficiencies or performance concerns.
• Recognize and resolve problems; coordinate with engineering and facilities to troubleshoot equipment and improve procedures using alternative or innovative methods.
• Promote a safe work environment, enforce safety policies and proper use of PPE, conduct routine safety walks, and ensure timely reporting and investigation of accidents, incidents, and near misses.
• Ensure team compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), ISO requirements, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and good documentation practices; support deviation, non-conformance, and CAPA investigations, including root cause analysis.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (safety, quality, delivery, cost, and labor utilization); lead daily tier/shift meetings and ensure effective shift-to-shift communication and handoffs.
• Communicate technician absences and adjust workloads to meet production needs; assign tasks and monitor work at frequent intervals.
• Address performance and conduct issues promptly and fairly in partnership with the Production Manager and Human Resources, including documentation and follow-up.
• Ensure timely training of Production Technicians for all assigned work; maintain schedules and workflows to meet customer demands and production schedules.
• Coordinate with scheduling to meet production needs; ensure timecards are accurate and correct each pay period.
• Complete employee reviews according to the Performance Management process.
• Lead special production-related projects as assigned.
• Perform final batch record review before the product moves forward in production.
• Perform production-related duties requiring specialized training; accurately record completion data in databases or complete necessary paperwork.
• Coordinate effective work activities that contribute to company needs.

Requirements

• High school level chemistry and/or applicable lab experience.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of related experience.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles (e.g., 6S, standard work, kaizen, visual management, waste elimination) and the ability to learn and deploy these practices.
• Prior lead or supervisory experience in a manufacturing, laboratory, or GMP environment preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including motivating, coaching, and holding a team accountable.
• Background in Chemistry or related science preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse team.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations for basic dilutions and conversions.
• Ability to handle multiple projects concurrently.
• Ability to stand for 8-10 hours daily.
• Must be able to carry, lift, push, and pull up to 40 pounds.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) retirement plans with a 4% employer match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Teknova wellness program.
• Continuous learning opportunities.
• Paid holidays, paid time off, and paid sick leave.
• Performance bonuses that allow all team members to share in our success.

Pay

$72,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year.