Lead Operator

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 Lead Operator – Culture Fermentation

As a Lead Operator, you will play a key role in guiding and inspiring a dynamic production team. You’ll oversee daily operations, ensure quality and safety standards, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead with impact, collaborate cross-functionally, and contribute to the success of a growing organization.

In this role you'll make an impact by:

• Identifying and documenting process non-conformances and equipment failures while working collaboratively to mitigate risk, trouble shoot and determine root causes and action plans.
• Managing inventory processes, including cycle counts and physical inventory.
• Maintaining and updating procedures, process documents, and forms in the document management system.
• Participating in team meetings and championing safety initiatives.
• Taking accountability for team performance by setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and professionally handling difficult conversations to support team growth and development.
• Collaborating with supervisors on performance assessments and providing constructive coaching.
• Scheduling and assigning tasks, setting priorities, and evaluating results.
• Working with Planning to meet customer demands and optimize capacity planning.
• Promoting continuous improvement by standardizing processes and implementing lean principles.
• Investigating inventory discrepancies and managing sample and discard records.
• Facilitating employee training and creating robust training materials.
• Acting as a key contributor to new product development and customer trials.
• Supporting quality and compliance efforts during internal and external audits.
• Leading by example, effectively supporting Operators and Supervisors as needed.
• Maintaining valid certifications and training compliance for duties performed by self and team. 

To succeed you must hold:

• HS diploma or equivalent
• 4-5 years of production experience
• Proficiency in computers including MRP systems
• Ability to work in ultra-cold freezer conditions as low as -55°F for short durations with specialized protective gear.
• Ability to wear PPE such as but not limited to: coveralls, dust masks, hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves, and safety shoes.
• Physical ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, scoop, kneel, crouch, and lift and/or move materials or equipment up to 55 lbs. unassisted.  Repetitive bending and lifting of items to stack or dump is also required.  Lifting up to 100 lbs. assisted occasionally may be required. 

Location: West Allis, WI

Application Deadline: December 19, 2025

Expected Salary Range: $28/hr

Benefits you will enjoy:

• 401(k) with up to a 9% company contribution!  
• Minimum of 3 weeks' vacation plus 12 holidays and 2 weeks of Wellness Time  
• Health, Dental, Vision & Life insurance   
• Healthcare savings account option with generous employer contribution  
• 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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At Novonesis, we are committed to maintaining a safe and transparent recruitment process. Please be aware of potential scams targeting job seekers and take note of the following:

• Novonesis will never ask for sensitive personal information, such as bank account details, Social Security numbers, or passwords, at any stage of the hiring process.
• Novonesis does not make employment offers without conducting interviews with candidates.

If you receive suspicious communication claiming to be from Novonesis, please do not share any personal or financial information. We encourage you to verify the legitimacy of the message by contacting us directly through our official channels.