Lead Production Operator

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

Benefits offered by this job

12-hour shifts

401(k) with up to 9% company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Novonesis is seeking a Lead Operator to guide a production team through influence, ensuring safe, efficient manufacturing and continuous improvement. You will monitor production equipment, manage materials, and support troubleshooting while promoting safety and quality.

We expect a High School diploma, 5+ years in manufacturing, and the ability to obtain Lead Operator certification within 1 year. Strong communication and documentation skills are essential in this GMP-driven environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred 5+ years of experience in industrial manufacturing.
• Ability to obtain Lead Operator certification within 1 year.
• Proficient with electronic and paper-based documentation systems.
• Experience in GMP and safety-regulated environments.
• Strong verbal and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor utilities, production processes, environmental systems, and process control equipment in accordance with PMDs, 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.

Skills

Leadership by influence

GMP experience

Troubleshooting

Communication

Documentation

Computer literacy

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

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 ImpactAs 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 SuccessfulHigh 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 OfferAt 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 ConditionsSchedule: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–SunWeek 2: Off Mon–Tue, work Wed–Thu, off Fri–SunCompensation & BenefitsHourly Pay:$33-$37/hr base rate$3/hr night shift differential1.5× Sunday pay rateBenefits you will enjoy:401(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 leaveAll benefits begin on your first dayRelevant InformationApplication Deadline: October 20th, 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