Department Manager - Product & Process Development US

Novonesis; West Allis (WI); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company contribution

Vacation & holidays

Job summary

Novonesis seeks a Manager, Process Optimization US to lead a team of scientists and project managers focused on LAB culture optimization across multiple culture areas. You will own and advance the optimization portfolio, collaborating with Product Development, Operations and commercial teams.

The role is based in West Allis, WI, with hybrid work. A PhD is valued; 5+ years of LAB experience, leadership and project management skills are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioprocessing or a related field.
• 5+ years of LAB culture-related experience.
• Strong knowledge of LAB production processes and optimization techniques.
• Proven ability to lead and manage diverse teams and projects.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ph.D. in Microbiology/Biotechnology/Bioprocessing or related field valued.
• Experience with process optimization tools or software; Lean/Six Sigma is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and support a team of 5–10 scientists, specialists and/or project managers.
• Own and drive the optimization portfolio with clear progress and measurable results.
• Drive process optimization initiatives across lab and production environments.
• Collaborate with Commercial Development, Product Management, Operations and Process Development teams.
• Provide scientific direction to site scientists on optimization projects.

Job description

Interested in a career that matters?Are you ready to lead process optimization work with global impact across cultures and biosolutions? In this role, you will join the center of excellence for process technology in Process and Product Development (PPD), supporting product and process optimizations for Living Active Bacteria cultures across Dairy, Human Health, Meat, Yeast and Animal Health.As Manager, Process Optimization US, you will help connect Product and Process Development, Operations, manufacturing sites and key cross-functional partners to deliver measurable improvements across the culture value chain.The role & your impactAs Manager, Process Optimization US, you will lead a team of 5 to 10 scientists, specialists and/or project managers focused on process optimization, production support and continued development of LAB culture-related processes.This is a global role with responsibility for Culture LABs in the US, based primarily in the West Allis/Milwaukee office, and with close collaboration across Product and Process Development, Operations and commercial and quality interfaces.Your key responsibilities in this roleLead, develop and support a team of 5-10 scientists, specialists and/or project managers, creating clarity, focus and strong team development.Own and drive the optimization portfolio in close collaboration with the team and leadership team, ensuring progress and measurable results.Drive process optimization initiatives and support production processes across laboratory and production site environments.Collaborate with CMO Business Management, Product Management Team, local Production and Product and Process Development on product portfolio and performance.Provide scientific direction and support to site scientists in process optimization-related projects.Build strong cross-functional cooperation across Novonesis, including interfaces such as Commercial Development, Innovation, QC IT, Global Engineering and Corporate Quality Management.What you’ll need to be successful in this roleBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioprocessing or a related field.5+ years of experience in LAB culture-related roles.Strong knowledge of LAB production processes and optimization techniques.Proven ability to lead and manage diverse teams effectively.Strong project management skills, including planning, organization and time management.Excellent problem-solving, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.Additional skills & interests we valueA Ph.D. in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioprocessing or a related field.Proficiency in process optimization tools or software.Familiarity with Lean or Six Sigma principles.Experience working across global teams, manufacturing sites and cross-functional stakeholder groups.What we offer youYou will be part of a global function with significant business impact across Product and Process Development and Operations.You will work in a collaborative environment that connects PPD, manufacturing sites, Operations and key partners across the culture value chain, giving you the opportunity to influence optimization work across multiple LAB culture areas.You will also have the opportunity to lead and develop a team of scientific experts while contributing to solutions rooted in biology that support Novonesis’ purpose.Working conditionsRole is based in West Allis, WI (Hybrid)Travel is expected approximately twice per yearCompensation & BenefitsExpected base salary: $130,000 – 150,000, dependent on experience401(k) with up to a 9% company contributionMinimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness TimeHealth, Dental, Vision & Life insuranceHealthcare savings account optionEmployee assistance programParental leaveTuition reimbursementAll benefits begin on your first dayApplication deadline: August 26, 2026Our purpose guides the wayIn 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 everyoneWe 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 openingsIf 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