Production Lead

Veranova; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Veranova in Devens, MA is seeking a Production Lead to operate production equipment, guide shift technicians, and ensure safety, compliance and on-time production. The role collaborates with QA, QC, Purchasing, Maintenance and Material Control to meet performance goals and schedules.

The successful candidate will have an AA/BA in a STEM field or equivalent experience, strong leadership, and the ability to work rotating shifts.

Qualifications

• AA/BA or equivalent in a STEM field with 3–5 years of experience; or a high school diploma and/or Pharmaceutical Certification with 7–10 years of experience.
• Experience in a production kilo-lab and/or plant; basic production laboratory skills desirable.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to provide technical guidance; demonstrated leadership to direct a work group.
• Good written and verbal communication in English; read/interpret English materials and communicate with peers and managers.
• Ability to work independently and in a team; solid understanding of GMP and FDA regulations.

Responsibilities

• Promote a safe, professional, and productive work environment; ensure staff understand performance expectations and have tools to perform duties.
• Train staff on production activities, organize daily work for training, track completion, and address performance matters.
• Optimize use of staff, materials, and equipment to safely produce quality products and identify efficiency improvements.
• Ensure documentation, controlled substances, and waste-handling comply with SOPs, FDA cGMPs, DEA, and safety regulations.
• Maintain accurate operational documentation and reports, including handover and deviation reports; report incidents promptly.

Skills

Leadership

Teamwork

Problem solving

Communication

Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Pharmaceutical Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Full Time - Salary Mechanics Devens, MA, US

5 days ago Requisition ID: 1610

At Veranova, we believe people are our most important asset, and we are dedicated to building the most talented workforce in our industry. Our commitment to uncompromising focus on quality, compliance, safety, and excellence in delivery shapes everything we do. We are not just looking for skills; we are seeking innovative individuals who have a mindset open to learning and growth, and a desire to make a difference. Every role at Veranova plays a part in delivering an exceptional customer experience through ownership and integrity.

Veranova is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of complex active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for pharma and biotech customers. With deep technical expertise and impressive flexibility, we develop solutions and processes that support and accelerate innovation.

Join us on our mission to enable current and next-generation therapeutics to improve and save the lives of patients.

Day Shift: 6AM-6PM (2,2,3 rotation)

Night Shift: 6PM-6AM (2,2,3 rotation)

Role Overview:

The Production Lead is responsible for operating production equipment, completing associated documentation, and directing production technicians on shift on the same duties. The production lead is also responsible for ensuring that the shift meets all safety, compliance, and performance goals while meeting production schedules. The position will coordinate with other departments such as QA, QC, Purchasing, Maintenance, and Material Control to ensure all support activities are completed in a manner that all performance goals and production schedules are met. The Production Lead will serve as the acting Production Supervisor in the absence of the Production Supervisor.

Core Responsibilities:

• Promote a positive, professional, and safe work environment by demonstrating integrity and a strong work ethic; ensure team members understand performance expectations and have the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to perform their duties.
• Provide timely positive and constructive feedback; train staff on production activities, organize daily work to accommodate training, assist the Production Supervisor with tracking completion, and communicate employee relations and performance management matters.
• Effectively utilize staff, materials, and equipment to safely produce quality products at optimal productivity; maintain appropriate supply inventory and identify and communicate opportunities to improve efficiency, increase productivity, and reduce costs.
• Ensure work, facility and pharmaceutical systems documentation, controlled substances, and waste-handling activities comply with Company SOPs, FDA cGMPs, DEA requirements, and applicable safety, health, environmental, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain accurate operational documentation and reports, including shift handover reports, material usage reports, deviations, and safety investigations; promptly report incidents, complete investigations as necessary, and elevate issues regarding goals versus results.
• Facilitate problem resolution through strong working relationships with Analytical/QC, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, and Material Control; coordinate with QC Testing regarding the timing and prioritization of in-process sample requirements.
• Ensure production and support equipment is in proper operating condition and appropriately labeled with current status tags; collaborate with Maintenance and maintain housekeeping and 5S standards appropriate for a pharmaceutical manufacturing environment.
• Participate as an active member of the Emergency Response Team and complete required training and related activities; perform Production Technician duties as needed to support production schedules.

Qualifications:

• AA/BA or equivalent with a minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a STEM field; or a high school diploma and/or Pharmaceutical Certification or equivalent with 7–10 years of experience.
• Experience working in a production Kilo-Lab and/or Plant; prior basic production laboratory skills are desirable.
• Good mechanical aptitude and the ability to provide technical guidance, including demonstrated leadership skills to direct a work group.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, problem-solving and multitasking skills, good judgment, and the ability to make decisions with guidance from senior team members or a supervisor.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to read, analyze, and interpret English-language materials; write clearly and neatly; and communicate effectively with peers and managers.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment, with a good understanding of Microsoft Office; a solid understanding of GMP and FDA regulations is desirable.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts. While performing the duties of this job, it is required to stand, walk, and use hands to operate objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands or arms; climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch when necessary for job activity.
• Able to lift 50 lbs. and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds using available material-handling equipment.

Salary Range:

The salary range for this role is $90,000–$100,000 annually. This range represents a good‑faith estimate of the compensation we expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. In exceptional cases, compensation may exceed the stated range.

All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our annual incentive bonus program. Bonus targets vary by career level and are based on individual and company performance.

Our Commitment:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health & wellness benefits. Access to mental health resources and wellness programs. Generous PTO and holiday pay policies.
• Financial Wellness: Veranova is committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. This includes a competitive base salary, eligibility for performance-based bonuses, and an attractive 401(k) Plan with company match. Salary ranges reflect the scope and expectations of the role, and are based on market data, internal equity, and role-specific factors. Final compensation may vary depending on experience, skills, education, and business needs.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning through LinkedIn Learning, workshops, conferences, and mentorship. Tuition Assistance for Undergraduate and Graduate degree programs.
• Inclusive Culture: At Veranova, an inclusive culture is integral to our values. We welcome people with diverse experiences and perspectives who share our mission to improve and save lives. Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. Veterans, first responders, and those transitioning from military to civilian life bring valuable skills that strengthen our team.

Additional Information:

Applicants for this role must be authorized to work in the United States without further employer sponsorship.

Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Veranova does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Veranova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Veranova to provide equal employment access and opportunity to all persons regardless of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, physical or mental disability, genetic information, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

All applications are carefully considered, and your details will be stored on our secure Application Management System. This is used throughout Veranova for the selection of suitable candidates for our vacancies as they arise. Veranova respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. For more information about how your personal data is used please view our privacy notice .