Operations Shift Leader (Nights)

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd; Opelika (AL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

Pharmavite is seeking a Shift Leader to provide leadership across a 12-hour shift, drive safety, quality, and production performance on a consumer-packaged goods line. You will stabilize teams, coach leaders, and foster a cross-trained workforce to improve throughput and yield.

Ideal candidates have a four-year degree, six years of manufacturing leadership, and Six Sigma/Lean credentials, with proficiency in ERP systems, JD Edwards, Excel, and Power BI.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Six Sigma and/or Lean/Continuous Improvement experience and certification preferred.
• Minimum six years of experience in manufacturing or consumer-packaged goods with supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, stable shift operations and provide leadership coverage across the shift.
• Set clear priorities and ensure consistent execution across departments.
• Reinforce safety standards, PPE use, and safety programs participation.
• Lead the team to meet daily KPIs such as OEE, schedule adherence, throughput, and yield.
• Coordinate work assignments, equipment changeovers, and root-cause problem-solving.

Skills

Leadership

Kaizen events

Six Sigma

ERP systems

Power BI

Problem-solving

Education

Four-year degree or equivalent

Six Sigma/Lean certification

Tools

JD Edwards

Power BI

Excel

Job description

Position Summary

The Shift Leader provides leadership across the shift and the broader site to ensure safe, stable, and effective operations. The role supports frontline teams, stabilizes performance and dynamics, and serves as a visible leadership presence that drives accountability, consistency, and engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead safe, stable shift operations: provide leadership coverage across the shift and the broader site.
• Set clear priorities and ensure consistent execution across departments.
• Reinforce safety standards, PPE use, and participation in safety programs.
• Promote accountability and consistency as a visible leadership presence.
• Lead the team to meet or exceed daily KPIs such as OEE, schedule adherence, changeovers, throughput, and yield.
• Coordinate work assignments and equipment changeovers.
• Troubleshoot operational and quality issues to maintain production flow.
• Maintain accurate production records and support audit readiness.
• Stabilize and support the team; address day‑to‑day issues quickly to reduce disruption.
• Reinforce standards and strengthen team accountability.
• Support employee retention by fostering engagement and responding to concerns.
• Coach and support department leaders in real time.
• Develop leaders and team capability; train mentors to create a more agile, cross‑trained workforce.
• Drive problem‑solving and continuous improvement; identify losses and opportunities to improve throughput and yield.
• Lead or support root‑cause problem‑solving with urgency; use continuous improvement tools and daily performance data.
• Partner with maintenance, quality, and supply chain teams to remove barriers.
• Act as the shift point of contact for communication and escalation; ensure timely follow‑up.
• Coordinate response during emergency situations.
• Keep key stakeholders informed for quick and effective decision‑making.

Critical Success Factors

• Strong leadership presence across the shift, providing direction, stability, and reinforcement of standards.
• Safety‑first and quality‑focused mindset, protecting people and ensuring consistent execution.
• Ability to stabilize teams and shift performance, managing day‑to‑day issues with urgency.
• Effective people and leader development skills; coaching department leaders and team members.
• Strong communication, judgment, and escalation management as a trusted point of contact.

Education & Qualifications

• Four‑year degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Six Sigma and/or Lean/Continuous Improvement experience and certification preferred; internal Lean Green Belt and Kata coach certification within one year of employment.
• Minimum six years of experience in a manufacturing or consumer‑packaged goods environment, including supervisory or leadership experience.
• Specific experience in the department preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Competent knowledge of SOPs and cGMPs within a CPG and regulated environment.
• Experience working in a rapidly evolving environment, adjusting to changing job requirements, and setting standards.
• Experience leading and coaching projects, daily improvement initiatives, delivery of results across shifts, and Kaizen events.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ERP systems; JD Edwards and Power BI skills are a plus.
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem‑solving, and oral and written communication skills.
• Experience coaching, developing, and building high‑performing teams, including cross‑training and empowering individuals.

Physical Requirements

Primarily office work, with periods on the production floor. Ability to stand and walk on concrete floors, and work the 6:00pm to 6:30am shift on a 2‑2‑3 rotation.

Compensation & Benefits

National Target Base Pay Range:$80,000–$133,000 (California and NewYork metro:$88,000–$146,000). Compensation decisions consider location, education, experience, qualifications, and job‑related skills. Total rewards include annual performance bonus, medical, dental, vision benefits, 401(k) match, and wellness benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Pharmavite is an equal‑opportunity employer. We prohibit employment discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, and any other basis protected by state and federal law. Pharmavite recruits, hires, employs, trains, promotes, and compensates individuals solely based on job‑related qualifications and abilities. We provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief. If you need an accommodation during the application process, email [e-mail].

Disclaimer

The above information is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this classification and is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. California Fair Chance Act: Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.