Team Leader - Fermentation

Zoetis; Charles City (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis is seeking a 2nd shift Team Leader for Fermentation in Charles City, IA. The role focuses on safe execution of the production schedule under GMP and regulatory guidelines, promoting engagement and development using site and corporate resources.

Responsibilities include leading department performance, ensuring training compliance, and performing safety and manufacturing investigations, with on-call coverage as needed across a 3-shift operation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 2–4 years leadership experience, or MBA/MS with 0–2 years, or 8+ years leadership in a biologics setting.
• Experience leading teams and driving performance in a GMP environment.
• Strong communication and people development capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead department performance, including floor operations, meetings, and shift changes.
• Offer on-call support evenings, nights, and weekends for coverage.
• Ensure GMP adherence and effective training across direct reports.
• Conduct safety and manufacturing investigations as needed.
• Develop reports and improvements using performance management tools.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Regulatory compliance

Team development

Problem solving

English proficiency

Education

BA/BS with 2–4 years leadership

MBA/MS with 0–2 years leadership

8+ years leadership experience

Tools

SAP ERP

TrackWise

Minitab

Microsoft Office

Job description

This 2nd shift Team Leader in Fermentation is responsible for the safe execution of the Charles City production schedule in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices and other applicable regulatory requirements. Team Leaders actively promote colleague engagement and development utilizing both site and corporate resources. 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. Update and maintain department procedures including Manufacturing Directions and SOPs using Microsoft Word software.

Position Responsibilities

• Manage and own department performance, including leadership and/or participation in floor operations, area audits, department meetings, shift changes, etc.
• Must be flexible in daily start time to ensure leadership coverage across the 3-shift operation. Must be available for on-call support in evenings, nights, and weekends.
• Ensure effective utilization of the GMP process for all direct reports, including annual objectives, individual development plans, one-on-one meetings, quarterly and year-end reviews. Continuously improving the capabilities of the team.
• Perform safety related M1 investigations, including initial safety event summary to site leadership.
• Perform manufacturing related M1 investigations as needed in the area.
• Ensure direct reports are compliant with all training requirements.
• Perform Human Performance Evaluation as applicable.
• Continuously develop direct reports to build a strong team and site. This includes the use of performance management tools, improvement initiatives, direct feedback, and open communication.
• Effective and timely management of employee relations in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Participate and/or lead special projects as directed by area Manager/Others.
• Respond to process and/or equipment events by ensuring communication with process specialists, quality, regulatory, EHS, finance, maintenance, and Operational Excellence specialist(s) as necessary.
• Compliance and execution of EHS-regulations (Zoetis, US). Compliance and execution of standards and instructions of company manufacturing specifications and SOPs.
• Responsible for completion of Manufacturing Batch Record Review and other application department documentation.
• Department Specific Responsibilities as indicated.

Education and Experience

• BA/BS with 2-4 years of leadership experience OR MBA/MS with 0-2 years of leadership experience OR Minimum of 8 years relevant leadership experience, preferably in a Biologics manufacturing site.
• Relevant manufacturing or analytical experience in microbiology, biology, engineering, or other scientific discipline. Demonstrated commitment to the Zoetis Core Beliefs and leadership competencies.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead, develop, and motivate individuals and teams.
• Demonstrated ability to interact positively with all levels of colleagues including senior leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results.
• Extensive knowledge and capabilities with Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Extensive knowledge and capabilities with SAP Enterprise Resource System
• Strong communication (oral and written), interpersonal, and team/group interactive and leadership skills.
• Strong commitment to product quality, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to resolve technical issues, troubleshoot manufacturing processes, and investigate process deviations/excursions.
• Thorough knowledge of 9CFR and EU regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs).
• Experience using Trackwise (Event Tracking System) Change Request and Investigation Writing software preferred but not required.
• Experience using Operational Excellence and problem-solving tools such as DMAIC and Minitab analytical software preferred but not required.
• Proficient in English, both oral and written, with sound technical writing skills.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to walk, sit, 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.
• Must be comfortable working in varying temperatures.
• 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.

About Zoetis

At Zoetis, our purpose is to nurture the world and humankind by advancing care for animals. As a Fortune 500 company and the world leader in animal health, we discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize vaccines, medicines, diagnostics and other technologies for companion animals and livestock. We know our people drive our success. Our award-winning culture, built around our Core Beliefs, focuses on our colleagues' careers, connection and support. We offer competitive healthcare and retirement savings benefits, along with an array of benefits, policies and programs to support employee well-being in every sense, from health and financial wellness to family and lifestyle resources.