Head of Plant Operations, Blair NE

Are you ready for a new beginning?

We need your talent, knowledge and dedication to better our world with biology.

Our purpose points the way

In 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.

We’re here to better our world with biology.

Join us as our new Head of Plant Blair (Enzymes and Protein production operations)
Welcome to the Nebraska Plant Blair. We are seeking a leader who can instill a culture of working together for optimal outcome of the plant. In addition to the operational responsibilities of production the site head responsibilities include site compliance, external relations, member of Cargill campus leadership team and working with the site leadership team to drive culture. The head of site has direct line responsibility for Fermentation, Recovery, Food Recovery, Finish Goods Production, Scheduling, Process Engineering, and Site wide Safety and Environmental teams. You will coach and develop the managers over the production operations of about 160 people. You will oversee timely follow-up on the performance of the departments and hold those managers accountable in a 24/7 operation.
 

In this role you’ll make an impact by:

• Ensuring production sites have a quality system that is in conformance to the Novonesis Quality Management System (QMS) and ISO9001.

• Good standing with the local community as an excellent company with respect to environmental and OHS management and a well-recognized employer.

• Represent Novonesis in various local business associations such as BioNebraska, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, Greater Omaha State and Local Government, Blair Refinery Campus Management Group

• Work to develop leaders to fulfill requirements in operations and ensure compliance with Novonesis culture commitments and conduct yearly reviews to ensure targets are met for North America process

• Strong food/feed safety strategy and a strong safety culture

• Responsible for ensuring legal requirements and various business licenses are maintained to secure operation.

• Partner with site leadership team to ensure that staff maintains a strong company commitment and that social activities (annual parties, site performance presentation etc.) are conducted on a regular basis for all employees.

• Ensure an environmental system is in conformance to the Novonesis Environmental Management System (EMS) and ISO14001 and objectives to align with corporate sustainability goals

• Ensure the existence of well-defined business plans for the organization and clearly defined business goals with follow up to ensure progress and quality are met along with technology/capacity/product economic goals

• Approve investment plans, budgets for production, hiring/firing and salary adjustments

To succeed you must hold:

• BS require Chemical/Biochemical/Mechanical/Electrical/Industrial Engineering or related field with a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in positions of increasing responsibilities

• 5+ years of manufacturing/production experience

• 10+ years of people management with experience demonstrated in supervision, management, and leadership.

• Excellent organizational skills with effective written and oral communication

• Must possess visual acuity and physical abilities to support all functions of position.

• Travel approximately 10%

Location: (On-Site, Blair, NE)
Application deadline: February 13, 2026

Expected salary range: $200,000-250,000 + LTI +annual bonus

Benefits you will enjoy: 

• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution

• Minimum of 3 weeks of vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time 

• Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance  

• Healthcare savings account option

• Employee assistance program 

• Parental leave

• Tuition reimbursement 

• All benefits begin on your first day

Could our purpose be yours? Then apply today!

At Novonesis we commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants. We recommend you not to attach a cover letter to your application. Instead, please include a few sentences in your resume/CV about why you are applying. To ensure a fair recruitment process, please refrain from adding a photo in your resume/CV.
 
Novonesis is dedicated to fostering a unique community by embracing and respecting differences. We make all employment decisions based on business needs, ensuring that every individual can thrive, regardless of identity or background such as ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.
Want to learn more?
Learn more about Novonesis, our purpose, and your career opportunities at novonesis.com
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