Lead Operator

Novonesis; West Allis (WI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Lead Operator, where you will inspire a dynamic production team and oversee daily operations. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead with impact, ensuring quality and safety while driving continuous improvement. You'll collaborate cross-functionally and contribute to the organization's growth, all while working in a controlled environment that values diversity and innovation. If you are passionate about making a difference and thrive in a hands-on production setting, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in a controlled production environment with varying conditions.
• Ability to manage inventory and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and ensure quality and safety standards.
• Promote continuous improvement and manage inventory processes.
• Facilitate employee training and support new product development.

Skills

Leadership

Inventory Management

Continuous Improvement

Safety Compliance

Team Collaboration

Education

High School Diploma

Experience in Production Environment

Tools

Electronic MRP Systems

Job description

Location

Country: USA
State: Wisconsin
City: West Allis

Our Purpose

At Novonesis, solutions rooted in biology guide our efforts to address humanity's biggest challenges. With over a century of experience, our mission is to better our world through biosolutions. Now, more than ever, the world needs change, and we believe in the endless possibilities for transformation with biology.

Join us as our new Lead Operator

As a Lead Operator, you will guide and inspire a dynamic production team, overseeing daily operations, ensuring quality and safety standards, and driving continuous improvement. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead with impact, collaborate cross-functionally, and contribute to our organization's growth. Schedule: 7 on, 7 off, with hours of 10:45 pm - 9:08 am (Monday-Friday) and 8:45 am - 9:08 am (Saturday & Sunday).

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a safety-first, quality-focused mindset and promote the same among team members.
• Identify and document process non-conformances and equipment failures; collaborate to mitigate risks, troubleshoot, and determine root causes and action plans.
• Manage inventory processes, including cycle counts and physical inventory.
• Use electronic MRP systems to maintain accurate records.
• Maintain and update procedures, process documents, and forms.
• Participate in team meetings and champion safety initiatives.
• Set clear expectations, provide feedback, and handle difficult conversations professionally to support team growth.
• Collaborate with supervisors on performance assessments and coaching.
• Schedule and assign tasks, set priorities, and evaluate results.
• Work with Planning to meet customer demands and optimize capacity.
• Promote continuous improvement through standardization and lean principles.
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and manage sample and discard records.
• Facilitate employee training and develop training materials.
• Contribute to new product development and customer trials.
• Support quality and compliance during audits.
• Lead by example, supporting operators and supervisors as needed.
• Maintain certifications and training compliance for yourself and your team.

Minimum Requirements

This role involves both office tasks and hands-on production in a controlled environment with varying temperatures, exposure to wet, humid, dusty, loud conditions, machinery, airborne particles, and chemicals. Work in ultra-cold freezer conditions (-55°F) with protective gear is required. PPE including coveralls, masks, hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves, and shoes must be worn. The role requires frequent standing, bending, lifting (up to 55 lbs unassisted, occasionally 100 lbs assisted), and working in confined spaces with airlock protocols. Flexibility for weekend shifts, extended hours, and rotating shifts is necessary.

Apply Today

If our purpose resonates with you, submit your application by 5/16/25. We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. Please include a few sentences in your resume/CV about why you're applying, and avoid attaching a cover letter or photo. Learn more about Novonesis and our opportunities at novonesis.com. Even if this role isn't for you, share it with someone who might be interested. Thank you for your referrals!