Demo

Lead Production Associate - Bottling

Novonesis
Wausau, WI Full Time
POSTED ON 10/3/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/30/2026
Interested in a career that matters?

As the Lead Production Associate, you will lead daily production activities, support operators, and ensure equipment is set up and operating efficiently. This is a hands-on manufacturing leadership role focused on safety, quality, compliance, productivity, and continuous improvement. You will help the team achieve production goals while maintaining compliance with FDA, GMP, and 21 CFR Part 111 requirements.

Your key responsibilities in this role

  • Lead production line operators and promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and teamwork.
  • Schedule and assign work, prioritize activities, and monitor performance against production goals.
  • Train and mentor team members on equipment operation, compliance requirements, and best practices.
  • Perform machine setups, changeovers, calibrations, and adjustments using SMED principles to minimize downtime.
  • Troubleshoot equipment issues, perform minor repairs, and coordinate with maintenance teams as needed.
  • Conduct quality checks and ensure compliance with company policies, SOPs, FDA regulations, and 21 CFR Part 111.
  • Utilize SAP/MRP systems to maintain accurate inventory, production, scrap, and sample records.
  • Support Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing initiatives while identifying opportunities for improved productivity and efficiency.
  • Create and maintain controlled documents, including SOPs, work instructions, and operational forms.

What you'll need to be successful in this role

  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in a food, dietary supplement, pharmaceutical, or related manufacturing environment.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting skills.
  • Experience working within FDA, GMP, and 21 CFR Part 111 regulated environments.
  • Ability to perform root cause analysis and support process improvement initiatives.
  • Experience using SAP or similar MRP systems.
  • Basic computer skills for documentation, reporting, and production record management.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

  • Technical certification or Associate Degree in a manufacturing, maintenance, or technical field.
  • Knowledge of SMED, Lean Manufacturing, or Kaizen methodologies.
  • Experience creating or updating SOPs and work instructions.
  • Previous experience leading manufacturing teams.
  • Preventive maintenance experience in a production environment.

What we offer you

At Novonesis, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to a collaborative manufacturing environment where safety, quality, and continuous improvement are valued. We support employee growth through on-the-job learning, cross-functional collaboration, and opportunities to develop both technical and leadership capabilities. You'll join a team committed to operational excellence and delivering products that make a difference.

Working conditions

  • Shift: 2nd Shift
  • Hours: Monday through Thursday, 2:30 PM to 12:30 AM
  • Schedule: 40-hour work week
  • Overtime may be required based on business needs.
  • Work is performed primarily in a manufacturing environment.
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in production areas, including lab coat, hair/beard net, safety glasses, and gloves.
  • Frequent standing, walking, and equipment operation.
  • Regular use of hands for operating equipment and documentation activities.
  • Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
  • Occasional stooping, kneeling, and crouching.
  • Exposure to typical manufacturing noise levels and production facility conditions.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Hourly rate: $25.00 per hour plus shift premium.
  • 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

Relevant Information

  • Application deadline: 10/23/26

Our purpose guides 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. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.

Opportunities for everyone

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying.

We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

Explore Other Openings

If this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career

Salary : $25

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