Lead Operator - Packaging - 2nd Shift

Novonesis; West Allis (WI); On-site; USD 62,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with up to 9% company match

Vacation: 3 weeks + 12 holidays + 2 w.

Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance

Health Savings Account option

Employee Assistance Program

Parental Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Benefits begin on day one

Job summary

Novonesis is seeking a Lead Operator to drive production performance and maintain high quality in a controlled manufacturing environment. You will lead and coach operators, manage inventories, and partner with Planning to meet customer demand while promoting continuous improvement.

The role requires strong troubleshooting skills, experience with MRP systems, and a commitment to safety and compliance. Expect a fast-paced schedule with 7 on, 7 off shifts and opportunities for growth within a

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in manufacturing, production, biotech, food, pharmaceutical, or related industry.
• Experience leading or coordinating production teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of inventory management processes and electronic MRP systems.
• Experience with process documentation, quality systems, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, and root cause analysis capabilities.
• Ability to communicate across functions and coach/feedback.
• Commitment to safety, quality, compliance, and operational excellence.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a safety-first, quality-always mindset and promote the same standards across the team.
• Identify and document process non-conformances and equipment failures while supporting root cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Manage inventory activities, including cycle counts, physical inventory, and inventory discrepancy investigations.
• Utilize electronic MRP systems to maintain accurate inventory and production records.
• Maintain and update procedures, process documentation, and controlled forms.
• Schedule and assign work, establish priorities, and evaluate results.
• Coach team members, provide feedback, support performance discussions, and contribute to employee development.
• Partner with Planning to meet customer demand and optimize production capacity.
• Champion continuous improvement through process standardization and lean manufacturing principles.
• Support employee training programs and develop training materials.
• Participate in new product introductions, customer trials, audits, and compliance activities.
• Maintain required certifications and ensure training compliance for yourself and the operational team.

Skills

Leadership

Inventory management

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Communication across functions

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

MRP systems

Job description

Interested in a career that matters?

Are you passionate about leading people, driving operational excellence, and ensuring products are manufactured safely and efficiently? At Novonesis, our production teams play a critical role in delivering innovative biosolutions that help address some of the world’s biggest challenges. As a Lead Operator, you will be a hands‑on leader who supports daily production activities, promotes a strong safety culture, and helps develop a high‑performing team. This structure and headline follow the Novonesis Recruiter Guide for blue‑collar roles.

The Role & Your Impact

As a Lead Operator, you will be responsible for supporting production performance, maintaining quality standards, and fostering a collaborative and accountable team environment. You will serve as a key resource for Operators and Supervisors while helping drive continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Demonstrate a safety‑first, quality‑always mindset and promote the same standards across the team.
• Identify and document process non‑conformances and equipment failures while supporting root cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Manage inventory activities, including cycle counts, physical inventory, and inventory discrepancy investigations.
• Utilize electronic MRP systems to maintain accurate inventory and production records.
• Maintain and update procedures, process documentation, and controlled forms.
• Schedule and assign work, establish priorities, and evaluate results.
• Coach team members, provide feedback, support performance discussions, and contribute to employee development.
• Partner with Planning to meet customer demand and optimize production capacity.
• Champion continuous improvement through process standardization and lean manufacturing principles.
• Support employee training programs and develop training materials.
• Participate in new product introductions, customer trials, audits, and compliance activities.
• Maintain required certifications and ensure training compliance for yourself and the operational team.

What You’ll Need to Be Successful

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous manufacturing, production, biotech, food, pharmaceutical, or related industry experience.
• Experience leading or coordinating production teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of inventory management processes and electronic MRP systems.
• Experience with process documentation, quality systems, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem‑solving, and root cause analysis capabilities.
• Ability to effectively communicate across functions and provide constructive coaching and feedback.
• Commitment to safety, quality, compliance, and operational excellence.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment while managing multiple priorities.

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement programs.
• GMP, food safety, biotechnology, fermentation, or regulated manufacturing experience.
• Experience supporting internal or external audits.
• Training development or facilitation experience.
• Exposure to new product commercialization or customer trial activities.
• Forklift certification or other manufacturing‑related certifications.

What We Offer

At Novonesis, you’ll join a collaborative team dedicated to innovation, operational excellence, and personal growth. We offer opportunities to develop leadership skills, contribute to meaningful improvement initiatives, and work alongside talented colleagues who are passionate about making a difference. You’ll play an important role in shaping team performance and supporting the delivery of biosolutions that positively impact the world.

Working Conditions

This position combines office responsibilities with hands‑on production work in a controlled manufacturing environment.

• This position works a 7 on, 7 off schedule with hours of 4:30pm‑3:00am M‑F and 4:30pm‑5:00am Sat‑Sun.
• Exposure to temperatures ranging from approximately 55‑65°F.
• Exposure to wet, humid, dusty, and loud environments, moving machinery, airborne particles, and cleaning chemicals.
• Periodic work in freezer conditions as low as ‑55°F while wearing specialized protective equipment.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including coveralls, dust masks, hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves, and safety footwear.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and material handling.
• Regular lifting of up to 55 pounds unassisted and occasional lifting of up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Work in confined spaces and adherence to airlock protocols when required.
• Flexibility to work weekends, extended hours, and rotating first, second, and third shifts.
• Frequent use of vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment to safely perform duties.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Rate: $35‑$30 an hour based on experience, plus shift premium
• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution.
• Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time.
• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
• Healthcare Savings Account option.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Parental Leave.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Benefits begin on your first day of employment.

Relevant Information

Application Deadline: 9/18.26

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.

Opportunities for everyone

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants.

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.