Lead Operator - Packaging

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 in Packaging

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. This position will work Monday-Friday with hours of 6:30am-3pm.

In this role you'll make an impact by:

• Demonstrating a safety first, quality always mindset and expect the same from others.
• Identifying and document 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.
• Utilizing electronic MRP systems to maintain accurate inventory and process records.
• Maintaining and updating procedures, process documents, and forms in the document management system.
• Participating in team meetings and champion 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 provide constructive coaching.
• Scheduling and assigning tasks, set priorities, and evaluate 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 manage sample and discard records.
• Facilitating employee training and create 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:

• Ability to read, write and speak English.
• Ability to apply basic mathematical concepts to the production process including conversion of weight and volume in the metric system.
• Ability to read and follow a production journal to packaging finished goods.
• Ability to operate a pallet walker and/or forklift, preferred.
• Ability to use basic hand tools (hammer, screwdriver, wrench) for assembly and disassembly of equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers regarding the status of the production process.
• Basic computer skills. ERP system knowledge (SAP), preferred.
• These characteristics are normally acquired through a High School Diploma or GED with experience in a production environment preferred.

Location: West Allis, WI (On-Site)
Application deadline: 10/10/25

Expected salary range: $25-$29 depending on experience

• 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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Stay alert: Avoid recruitment scams
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.