Operations Area Specialist

Novo Nordisk A/S; Powhatan (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay and annual bonus

14 paid holidays

Health, dental, and vision insurance (

401(k) with company match

Parental & family leave

Tuition assistance

Life & disability insurance

Employee referral program

Job summary

Novo Nordisk A/S in North Carolina seeks a Shift Production Leader to act as a key member of the production leadership team, providing operations support and coaching to high-performing manufacturing operators.

Reports to the Shift Manager and drives daily scheduling, process confirmation, and continuous improvement while ensuring safety and quality standards across aseptic production, finished assembly, and packaging.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required in a manufacturing context or related field.
• Two years minimum manufacturing experience; aseptic experience preferred for certain areas.
• Lean/Six Sigma experience and willingness to drive sustainable improvements is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; capable of training and coaching others.
• Proficient computer skills: MS Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Access; SAP & novoLIMS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily schedule with Work Cell Leaders and support groups to optimize area performance.
• Coach and mentor operators on technique, behavior, and mindset; share proven solutions across shifts.
• Confirm operations standards and drive quality/compliance improvements on shift.
• Resolve issues related to systems such as e-time, PRISM, and SAP; escalate when needed.
• Implement process improvements and enforce safety and environmental requirements.
• Support development planning for operators on shift and ensure training compliance.
• Perform additional accountabilities as assigned.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Team leadership

Technical training

Process improvement

Communication

Education

Associate’s degree

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

MS Word

Outlook

Excel

PowerPoint

Access

SAP

novoLIMS

Job description

At Novo Nordisk, we want to make a difference. For more than 100 years, we have led the way in diabetes care. Being part of Novo Nordisk allows our employees to embark on the opportunity to help improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world.

In NC, we operate three pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities that are responsible for fulfilling different steps in our injectable and oral treatment supply chains. Our Product Supply Aseptic Manufacturing (PS AM) facility in Clayton, NC is a 457,000 square foot aseptic "fill and finish" site that is responsible for producing innovative, injectable diabetes and obesity treatments. At PS AM, you’ll join a global network of manufacturing professionals who are passionate about what they do.

What we offer you:

• Leading pay and annual performance bonus for all positions
• All employees enjoy generous paid time off including 14 paid holidays
• Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance – effective day one
• Guaranteed 8% 401K contribution plus individual company match option
• Family Focused Benefits including 14weeks paid parental & 6 weeks paid family medical leave
• Free access to Novo Nordisk-marketed pharmaceutical products
• Tuition Assistance
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Employee Referral Awards

At Novo Nordisk, you will find opportunities, resources, and mentorship to help grow and build your career. Are you ready to realize your potential? Join Team Novo Nordisk and help us make what matters.

The Position

Serves as key member of shift production leadership team, to include providing operations support & coaching.

Relationships

Reports to Shift Manager.

Essential Functions

• Acts as a process advocate, coordinating daily schedule with Work Cell Leaders & support groups, removing barriers & enabling processes to run optimally based on assigned area of responsibility (Aseptic Production, Finished Production Assembly, Finished Production Packaging)
• Serves as coach & mentor for team members related to technique, behavior & mindset by:
  • Visualizing/tracking events & actions
  • Confirming that operators understand & follow processes
  • Verifying that solutions work & are shared across shifts
• Executes process confirmation of operations standards used on shift & work with process teams to proactively improve quality & compliance
• Resolves/elevates issues related to systems such as e-time, PRISM & SAP
• Implements process improvements
• Observes & enforces all safety & environmental requirements
• Manages development planning process for operators on shiftFollow all safety & environmental requirements in the performance of duties
• Other accountabilities, as assigned

Physical Requirements

Moves equipment &/or supplies weighing up to 33 pounds within the facility using various body positions. Routinely operates & inspects manufacturing equipment using hands. Strap & unstrap pallets using hands. Ability to be on feet for up to a 12-hour shift. May required corrected vision to 20/20 or 20/25 based on role. May require colour vision based on role. Occasionally ascends/descends a ladder. May be required to work at elevated heights. Occasionally works around odorous &/or hazardous materials. May be required to wear gloves. Occasionally performs critical job functions in extremely cold work environment. Occasionally positions oneself within confined spaces for inspection, repair & maintenance of equipment. Ability to work in loud noise environments with hearing protection. May be required to secure a motorized vehicle license & operate a motorized vehicle based on the role.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree from an accredited university required
• May consider a High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of four (4) years of manufacturing experience, preferably in a pharmaceutical environment. If position is for Aseptic Production, two of the four years must be aseptic processing experience
• Minimum of two (2) years of manufacturing experience required, preferably in a pharmaceutical environment. If position is for Aseptic Production, both years must be aseptic processing experience
• Experience using Lean/Six Sigma methodologies & achieving sustainable process improvements a plus
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly in writing & in presentations preferred
• Demonstrates knowledge of adult learning methodologies & is able to use multiple methods to train & coach others preferred
• Computer expertise in the following applications: MS Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, SAP & novoLIMS preferred
• Experience planning, organizing, managing execution, checking results & revising work plans preferred

We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.

At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and defeating diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.

Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.

If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.