Production Supervisor

Novonesis; West Allis (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with up to a 9% company match

3 weeks vacation + 12 holidays + 2 wks

Wellness Time

Health, Dental, Vision & Life

HSA option

Employee assistance program

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Novonesis in West Allis, WI, is seeking a Production Supervisor to lead shift operations in a high‑risk, regulated manufacturing environment. You will manage a team of production employees, schedule personnel, and foster safety, quality, and production discipline across night shifts.

You’ll drive root-cause analysis, implement Lean improvements, ensure GMP and Food Safety compliance, and collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and QA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of frontline leadership experience in manufacturing or food processing.

Responsibilities

• Lead shift operations and people management to meet safety and productivity targets.
• Deliver production performance by monitoring activities and resolving issues in real time.
• Drive continuous improvement with root-cause analysis and Lean initiatives.
• Ensure GMP, Food Safety, and documentation compliance and audits.
• Coordinate maintenance coordination and cross-functional collaboration with ops, maintenance, quality, and supply chain.

Skills

Leadership

Manufacturing experience

GMP familiarity

Lean manufacturing

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Science, Engineering, or a related field

Job description

Interested in a career that matters?At Novonesis, we believe in the power of biology to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. As part of our Production team in West Allis, WI, you’ll play a critical role in delivering high-quality biological solutions safely and efficiently.Our Production team is responsible for executing day-to-day manufacturing operations supporting fermentation and downstream processes. The team includes operators, shift leads, and technical support staff working across shifts to meet safety, quality, and production targets.We are a highly collaborative group that partners closely with maintenance, quality, engineering, and supply chain to ensure reliable plant operations. Together, we contribute directly to Novonesis’ purpose by driving operational excellence and continuous improvement while maintaining a strong focus on safety and product quality. This positions works a 7 on 7 off schedule with hours of 7:00PM-5:00AM (Monday-Friday) and 5:00PM-5:00AM (Saturday and Sunday).The Role & Your ImpactAs a Production Supervisor , you will be a hands-on leader responsible for managing shift operations, leading a team of production employees, and ensuring that production targets are achieved safely and efficiently.Key responsibilities include:1. Lead shift operations and people managementDrive a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to all safety requirementsSchedule and assign personnel, set priorities, and communicate expectationsCoach and develop employees on performance, safety, quality, and productivityFoster engagement, teamwork, and accountability2. Deliver production performanceEnsure achievement of safety, quality, productivity, cost, and people metricsMonitor production activities and resolve operational issues in real timeServe as the first-line troubleshooter for process and equipment issues3. Drive continuous improvementLead root cause analysis and corrective actionsImplement process, safety, and quality improvementsSupport lean manufacturing initiatives such as 5S4. Ensure compliance and documentationEnforce GMP, Food Safety, and Food Defense requirementsMaintain accurate production records and documentationSupport audits and CAPA follow-ups5. Support plant operations and maintenance coordinationCoordinate preventative maintenance activitiesAssess equipment condition and initiate repairsMonitor inventory and support supply planningThis role is a mix of operational and tactical execution, requiring real-time decision-making in a dynamic manufacturing environment and close collaboration with operators, maintenance, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams.What You’ll Need to Be SuccessfulTo thrive in this role, you bring a strong combination of leadership capability, manufacturing experience, and a commitment to safety and quality.Required qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Business, Science, Engineering, or a related fieldOR10+ years of frontline leadership experience in manufacturing or food processingProven supervisory or team leadership experience in a production/manufacturing environmentExperience working in GMP or other regulated environmentsExposure to continuous improvement or lean manufacturing practicesCore competencies:Leadership and accountability – ability to set clear expectations and drive performanceStrong communication skills across all levels of the organizationProblem-solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis and sustainable solutionsCollaboration and ability to build strong cross-functional relationshipsAdaptability in a fast-paced, ever-changing production environmentAdditional Skills & Interests We ValueWhile not required, the following will help you stand out:Experience in food, biotech, or fermentation-based manufacturingHands-on experience with lean tools and continuous improvement initiativesExperience supporting audits and regulatory inspectionsA passion for developing people and building high-performing teamsWe also value individuals who bring a hands-on leadership style, a continuous improvement mindset, and a strong focus on safety, quality, and people development.What We OfferAt Novonesis, you’ll join a purpose-driven company where your work makes a real impact. We offer:Opportunities to lead and develop teams in a critical manufacturing environmentA collaborative and inclusive culture focused on safety and innovationCareer development opportunities and exposure to cross-functional teamsThe chance to contribute directly to operational excellence and plant performanceWays of Working / Working ConditionsWork setup: Onsite, in a production/manufacturing environmentSchedule: Night shift (rotating 7 nights on / 7 nights off)Hours: 7:00PM-5:00AM (Monday-Friday) and 5:00PM-5:00AM (Saturday and Sunday).Flexibility: Limited due to the operational nature of the roleTravel: Up to 10% (occasional site visits or training)Additional note: Initial training period may require a Monday–Friday schedule with modified hoursCompensation & BenefitsBase salary: $80,000 – $95,000 USD annually, depending on experience401(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 leaveTuition reimbursementAll benefits begin on your first dayRelevant InformationApplication deadline: 11/6/26Our 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