Team Leader – Fermentation

Zoetis Spain SL; Charles City (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoetis is seeking a 2nd shift Team Leader for Fermentation in Charles City to ensure safe execution of the production schedule in compliance with GMP, cGMP, and regulatory guidelines. You will lead a team, drive continuous improvement, and develop staff through performance management and coaching.

The role requires strong leadership, manufacturing experience, and proficiency with SAP, TrackWise, and Minitab. Flexibility for evenings, nights, and weekends is essential.

Qualifications

• ,
• 1) BA/BS with 2-4 years leadership OR MBA/MS with 0-2 years leadership OR 8+ years leadership in biotech/manufacturing.
• 2) Experience in microbiology/biology/engineering or related science.
• 3) Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
• 4) Proficiency with SAP and TrackWise; knowledge of GMP/GLP/GLCP.

Responsibilities

• Manage and own department performance, including leadership in floor operations, audits, and meetings.
• Coordinate shift changes and on-call support to cover 3-shift operation.
• Ensure GMP compliance, training, and EHS adherence for direct reports.
• Lead investigations and problem-solving using DMAIC and Minitab tools.
• Develop direct reports, manage performance reviews, and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with process engineers, QA, and maintenance on issues and improvements.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Communication

English proficiency

GMP knowledge

Education

BA/BS in science/engineering

MBA/MS in leadership/biotech

Tools

SAP ERP

TrackWise

DMAIC

Minitab

MS Office (Word/Excel)

Job description

Role Description 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 specialists 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.

Full time Regular Colleague

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Zoetis from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Zoetis mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Zoetis employees, or to Zoetis resume database will be considered Zoetis property. Zoetis will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Zoetis will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search.

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.