Poultry Specialist

Zoetis Spain SL; Charles City (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis is seeking a Manufacturing Lead at the Charles City site to drive the introduction of new methods and process improvements within a GMP environment. You will partner with GMT and QA to ensure compliant execution and optimize yields while reducing bioburden and contamination.

Strong poultry knowledge and analytical skills are essential. The role emphasizes hands-on collaboration with engineering, maintenance, and procurement to ensure equipment upgrades meet regulatory requirements and

Qualifications

• Degree in Poultry Science or related technical field with relevant experience.
• GMP/cGMP guidelines knowledge and experience in manufacturing environments.
• Lean Six Sigma, Green Belt preferred, with a drive for continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Take the manufacturing lead in introducing new methods or modifications to processes.
• Collaborate with GMT, Manufacturing Team, QA, and Regulatory to ensure GMP compliance.
• Work with suppliers to ensure proper materials and poultry knowledge is leveraged.
• Lead cost improvement projects and monitor site metrics and trends.
• Author investigations and implement corrective actions to eliminate root causes.

Skills

Biological manufacturing

GMP knowledge

Lean Six Sigma

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Education

BA/BS in Poultry Science or related technical field

MBA/MS (optional)

Tools

Quality systems

GLP/cGMP knowledge

Job description

Provide the expertise to address process/product issues within Manufacturing, partnering with other network colleagues as needed. Identify and drive continuous process improvements. Take lead of introduction of new methods/processes to increase process efficiency/automation. Conducts all activities and makes decisions that are in accordance with Company policies & SOPs, Zoetis Values, & global regulatory guidelines (including cGMP/cGLP/cGCP), environmental guidelines, as appropriate, etc.

Position Responsibilities

Take the manufacturing lead in the introduction of new methods/processes or modifications to existing processes. Partnering with GMT, Manufacturing Team, and other experts as needed. Work with suppliers and Procurement to ensure the proper eggs and other raw materials are being utilized by the site. Partner with site colleague to increase Poultry knowledge and the site and how colleague can impact the efficacy of the product. Work as the primary point of contact with Project Engineering and/or maintenance on installation of upgrades or new equipment to ensure the changes comply with GMP regulatory requirements and are suitable for our manufacturing processes. Take the manufacturing lead in the introduction of new processes or modifications to existing processes as supported by Global Manufacturing Technology (GMT). Liaison with colleagues to ensure they are trained and understand the criticality of the poultry processes work they are conducting. Spend time in the production environment, examining the processes and reviewing the data. Identify best practices and take action to reduce bioburden, contamination and increase yield. Responsible for delivering assigned cost improvement projects, site metrics and trends. Author investigations and reports, utilizing Right First Time (RFT) tools and scientific reasoning. Ensure corrective actions are identified and implemented to eliminate the root cause of the problem, partner with other Zoetis colleagues within the network when needed. Examine the process and review data, to identify best practices and take action to reduce contamination, increase efficiencies and increase potencies. Provide poultry expertise to Manufacturing Team process improvement discussions (e.g., as part of Gemba walks) to improve process reliability and efficiency. Collaborate with QA and Regulatory to Review manufacturing directions and associated documents (this includes reviewing OOPs, Dossiers, PMs, SOPs and representation at Change Control and Dport). Communicate and work with Engineering and/or Maintenance on process improvement of equipment and new projects. Collaborate with area Team Leader, Process Specialists, Trainers, and colleagues to train and lead colleagues in the performance of best practices. Serve as a Poultry expert for the Charles City site colleagues.

Education and Experience

BA/BS with 2-4 years of experience OR MBA/MS with 0-2 years of experience OR Minimum of 8 years relevant experience. Bachelor’s Degree in Poultry Science or related technical field. Must have strong technical/analytical skills and possess a high degree of personal motivation. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact across divisional boundaries.

Technical Skills Requirements

Experience in biological manufacturing and/or testing, as well as knowledge of Charles City antigen production systems, biological product formulation (blend/fill/lyophilization), packaging, and/or testing. A working knowledge of vaccine production methods and experimental design and experience in GLP or cGMP. Strong technical writing skills. Strong analytical/problem resolution skills. Knowledge of APHIS, VMD, FDA, USDA regulations applicable to the Pharmaceutical/Biological industry. Preferred experience in Lean/Six Sigma. Green Belt certification if currently doesn’t have Green belt certification, commitment to obtain green belt certification within 1 year of training. Demonstrated ability to achieve results.

Physical Position Requirements

• Must be able to sit, walk or stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to wear a respirator
• Must be able to reach above shoulder level, bend/stoop, kneel, push/pull, and handle/grip frequently.
• Must be able to work scheduled 40 hours with the ability to work overtime as needed.
• Frequent lifting and carrying of 5 to 25 lbs.
• Regular reaching, bending, stooping, and twisting
• Repetitive motion and substantial movement of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in environments with extreme temperature (hot /cold) & humidity, with limited lighting and in crowded spaces. The noise of these work environments are typical office noises.

Zoetis is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status or any other protected classification. Disabled individuals are given an equal opportunity to use our online application system. We offer reasonable accommodations as an alternative if requested by an individual with a disability. Please contact Zoetis Colleague Services at [e-mail] to request an accommodation. Zoetis also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act. All applicants must possess or obtain authorization to work in the US for Zoetis. Zoetis retains sole and exclusive discretion to pursue sponsorship for the acquisition or maintenance of nonimmigrant status and employment eligibility, considering factors such as availability of qualified US workers. Individuals requiring sponsorship must disclose this fact.

Join Zoetis - and build your career with a global animal health company dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses.

Why Zoetis

Zoetis has more than 60 years of experience in delivering innovative, high-quality products and services that benefit our customers.

Zoetis work environment

At Zoetis, we take pride in a collaborative spirit and high-performing environment where every colleague is given room to learn and grow.

Your opportunities at Zoetis

We invest in our people and offer diverse and exciting opportunities to make a difference in a growing global industry while shaping the future of animal health.

Results that matter

Our colleagues make an impact by working hand-in-hand with those who raise and care for animals to better understand and address the unique real-world challenges they face.