Lead Production Operator

Novonesis; Blair (NE); On-site; USD 45,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company match

Vacation & holidays

Health, Dental, Vision & Life

HSA benefits

Employee assistance program

Parental leave

Benefits start day one

Job summary

Novonesis is seeking a Lead Operator to guide a production team through influence, not direct supervision. You will ensure safe, efficient manufacturing and drive improvement while supporting a culture of safety and collaboration.

You will lead troubleshooting, monitor processes, and coordinate across the operating team to meet production objectives. The role emphasizes hands-on leadership and adherence to GMP and ZEAL standards.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Lead Operator certification within 1 year.
• Proficient computer literacy.
• Experience working in GMP environments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor utilities, production processes, environmental systems, and control equipment in accordance with PMDs, SOPs, GMPs, and manuals.
• Ensure raw materials are available for production.
• Collect and analyze samples and take action based on results.
• Investigate abnormal process or equipment performance and support troubleshooting.
• Coordinate work activities to promote efficient plant utilization.
• Share technical knowledge and assist operators during troubleshooting.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and participate in special projects.
• Promote a proactive safety culture with proper PPE use and incident reporting.

Skills

Leadership by influence

GMP experience

Safety culture

Problem solving

Team coordination

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

PC literacy

Job description

Interested in a career that matters?

At Novonesis, our operators play a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production processes that help bring biological solutions to life. As a Lead Operator, you will combine strong operational expertise with informal leadership, helping your team achieve production objectives while supporting a culture of safety, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

You will be part of a production team where teamwork, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning are essential. Through your technical expertise and leadership by influence, you will help ensure reliable operations while fostering a positive and proactive working environment.

The Role & Your Impact

As a Lead Operator, you will lead the production team through influence rather than direct people management. You will ensure safe and efficient manufacturing operations, support troubleshooting efforts, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that optimize plant performance and team effectiveness.

Key responsibilities include:

• Operate and monitor utilities, production processes, environmental systems, and process control equipment in accordance with Product Manufacturing Directions (PMDs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), GMP requirements, and production manuals.
• Ensure raw materials are available and prepared for use in production processes.
• Collect and analyze raw material, intermediate product, finished product, environmental, and waste stream samples and take appropriate action based on results.
• Investigate abnormal process or equipment performance and support troubleshooting and repair activities.
• Coordinate work activities across the operating team to promote efficient plant utilization and achievement of production objectives.
• Proactively share technical knowledge and act as a resource for operators and staff during equipment, process, and product troubleshooting.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, support special projects, and utilize improvement tools such as A3 problem solving.
• Promote a proactive safety culture through visible leadership, proper PPE use, hazard identification, incident reporting, and process compliance.
• Ensure team adherence to PMDs, SOPs, GMP requirements, ZEAL standards, and plant housekeeping expectations through coaching, training, and process confirmations.
• Support training development and provide input regarding operator development and training plans.
• De-escalate urgent personnel issues and coordinate immediate actions when management is unavailable.

What You’ll Need to Be Successful

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred 5+ years of experience working in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• The ability to achieve Lead Operator certification requirements within 1 year.
• Proficient computer literacy.
• Demonstrated experience operating production equipment and monitoring manufacturing processes.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment, processes, and product-related issues.
• Experience working within GMP and safety-regulated environments.
• Ability to complete operational and production documentation accurately using electronic and paper-based systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership through influence and collaboration.
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, accountability, and teamwork.
• Ability to move freely around the factory and outdoor surroundings, including pushing, pulling, kneeling, and squatting.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds unassisted.
• Ability to manually manipulate and operate equipment and tools (e.g., turning valves, aligning hoses).
• Use of PPE including uniform, hard hat, eye protection, ear protection, hair net, beard net, and respirator.
• Ability to climb stairs and work at heights (ladders, platforms, tanks).
• Ability to enter and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to pass a written test for certification purposes.

What We Offer

At Novonesis, you’ll have the opportunity to develop both your technical expertise and leadership capabilities. We offer a collaborative work environment where knowledge sharing, innovation, and continuous improvement are highly valued. As a Lead Operator, you will play a visible role in shaping team performance, supporting operational excellence, and helping build a culture grounded in safety, accountability, and inclusion. You’ll work alongside experienced colleagues while contributing to meaningful solutions that make a difference around the world.

Ways of Working / Working Conditions

Schedule:

• 12-hour shifts alternating between days & nights every 2 weeks (6:30–7:00 am/pm)
• 2‑2‑3 rotation:
  • Week 1: Work Mon–Tue, off Wed–Thu, work Fri–Sun
  • Week 2: Off Mon–Tue, work Wed–Thu, off Fri–Sun

Compensation & Benefits

Hourly Pay:

• $33-$37/hr base rate
• $3/hr night shift differential
• 1.5× Sunday pay rate

Benefits you will enjoy:

• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution
• Minimum of 3 weeksofvacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time
• Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance
• Healthcare savings accountoption
• Employeeassistanceprogram
• Parental leave
• All benefits begin on your first day

Relevant Information

Application Deadline: October 20th, 2026

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