Specialist Downstream Operations (h/f/d)

Novonesis; Rheinbreitbach; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Novonesis in Rheinbreitbach is seeking a Specialist Downstream Operations to support production coordination and documentation. You will work with the production team to ensure continuous and reliable output and contribute to QA activities and new line projects.

The role requires a biotechnology/processing background, strong English skills, and a hands-on, precise, analytical approach. Parental‑leave replacement, fixed-term until Jan 2029, with potential for continuation.

Qualifications

• University or University of Applied Sciences degree in biotechnology, process engineering or food technology.
• Experience with downstream processing methods in biotech or food industries.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications.
• Very good written and spoken English.
• Independent, structured and solution‑oriented approach.
• Strong scientific and analytical thinking.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Precise and conscientious working style.

Responsibilities

• Use and maintain SAP Business One for production, inventory management, and purchasing activities.
• Prepare and review manufacturing documents, SOPs, and other documentation required for food production in accordance with the quality management system.
• Create and provide ongoing support for corrective and preventive measures, including CAPAs and NCRs.
• Ensure the supply of raw materials for the Downstream area.
• Ensure batch-specific traceability and conduct traceability tests.
• Contribute to the planning, implementation, and commissioning of new production lines, including the design and specification of equipment and facilities.

Skills

Biotechnology degree

Process engineering

Food technology

Microsoft Office

English (written and spoken)

Independent, structured, solution‑or‑d

Scientific thinking

Communication & teamwork

Education

Biotechnology degree

Process engineering / food technology degree

Tools

SAP Business One

Job description

Interested in a career that matters?

Interested in a career that matters?

As Specialist Downstream Operations, you will support the organization and coordination of production processes and workflows at our Rheinbreitbach site. Working closely with the department and production management teams, you will help ensure continuous and reliable production. You will join a team of four employees that works closely with approximately 33 colleagues in production.

The role & your impact

In this operational and coordinating role, you will support continuous production and ensure that the necessary processes, documentation, and materials are available for the Downstream area. You will also contribute to quality activities and the continued development of our production capabilities.

Your key responsibilities in this role

• Use and maintain SAP Business One for production, inventory management, and purchasing activities
• Prepare and review manufacturing documents, SOPs, and other documentation required for food production in accordance with the quality management system
• Create and provide ongoing support for corrective and preventive measures, including CAPAs and NCRs
• Ensure the supply of raw materials for the Downstream area
• Ensure batch-specific traceability and conduct traceability tests
• Contribute to the planning, implementation, and commissioning of new production lines, including the design and specification of equipment and facilities

What you'll need to be successful in this role

• A university or university of applied sciences degree in biotechnology, process engineering, food technology, or a comparable qualification
• Experience with common downstream-processing methods and process workflows in the biotechnology or food industry
• Confident use of Microsoft Office
• Very good written and spoken English
• An independent, structured, and solution-oriented approach
• Strong scientific and analytical thinking
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• A precise and conscientious working style

Additional skills & interests we value

• Professional experience in the food, biotechnology, or chemical industry
• Knowledge of FSSC requirements or other food-industry regulations
• Knowledge of HACCP
• Knowledge of quality management, quality management systems, or food law

What we offer you

You will join a team that works closely with production and department management and contributes directly to the reliable organization of our production processes. The position gives you the opportunity to contribute to both day-to-day operations and the planning and commissioning of new production lines.

This is a parental-leave replacement position, fixed-term until January 2029. The possibility of continued employment after the fixed-term period exists.

Working conditions

• Full-time position of 40 hours per week at our Rheinbreitbach site
• Flexible working hours with core hours and a working-time account
• Home-office working is possible
• Little or no travel, with any travel agreed in advance

Our purpose guides the way

In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity's biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It's how we've gotten so far. And it's how we'll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.

Opportunities for everyone

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.

We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

Explore other openings

If this position isn't the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You're welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career