Interested in a career that matters? At Novonesis, we believe in the power of biology to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. As part of our Production team in West Allis, WI, you’ll play a critical role in delivering high-quality biological solutions safely and efficiently. Our Production team is responsible for executing day-to-day manufacturing operations supporting fermentation and downstream processes. The team includes operators, shift leads, and technical support staff working across shifts to meet safety, quality, and production targets. We are a highly collaborative group that partners closely with maintenance, quality, engineering, and supply chain to ensure reliable plant operations. Together, we contribute directly to Novonesis’ purpose by driving operational excellence and continuous improvement while maintaining a strong focus on safety and product quality. This positions works a 7 on 7 off schedule with hours of 7pm-5am (M-F) and 5pm-5am (Sat, Sun). The Role & Your Impact As a Production Supervisor, you will be a hands-on leader responsible for managing shift operations, leading a team of production employees, and ensuring that production targets are achieved safely and efficiently. Key responsibilities include: 1. Lead shift operations and people management Drive a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to all safety requirements Schedule and assign personnel, set priorities, and communicate expectations Coach and develop employees on performance, safety, quality, and productivity Foster engagement, teamwork, and accountability 2. Deliver production performance Ensure achievement of safety, quality, productivity, cost, and people metrics Monitor production activities and resolve operational issues in real time Serve as the first-line troubleshooter for process and equipment issues 3. Drive continuous improvement Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions Implement process, safety, and quality improvements Support lean manufacturing initiatives such as 5S 4. Ensure compliance and documentation Enforce GMP, Food Safety, and Food Defense requirements Maintain accurate production records and documentation Support audits and CAPA follow-ups 5. Support plant operations and maintenance coordination Coordinate preventative maintenance activities Assess equipment condition and initiate repairs Monitor inventory and support supply planning This role is a mix of operational and tactical execution, requiring real-time decision-making in a dynamic manufacturing environment and close collaboration with operators, maintenance, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams. What You’ll Need to Be Successful To thrive in this role, you bring a strong combination of leadership capability, manufacturing experience, and a commitment to safety and quality. Required qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Science, Engineering, or a related field OR 10+ years of frontline leadership experience in manufacturing or food processing Proven supervisory or team leadership experience in a production/manufacturing environment
Experience
working in GMP or other regulated environments Exposure to continuous improvement or lean manufacturing practices Core competencies: Leadership and accountability – ability to set clear expectations and drive performance Strong communication skills across all levels of the organization Problem-solving skills with a focus on root cause analysis and sustainable solutions Collaboration and ability to build strong cross-functional relationships Adaptability in a fast-paced, ever-changing production environment Additional Skills & Interests We Value While not required, the following will help you stand out:
Experience
in food, biotech, or fermentation-based manufacturing Hands-on experience with lean tools and continuous improvement initiatives
Experience
supporting audits and regulatory inspections A passion for developing people and building high-performing teams We also value individuals who bring a hands-on leadership style, a continuous improvement mindset, and a strong focus on safety, quality, and people development.
What We Offer
At Novonesis, you’ll join a purpose-driven company where your work makes a real impact. We offer: Opportunities to lead and develop teams in a critical manufacturing environment A collaborative and inclusive culture focused on safety and innovation Career development opportunities and exposure to cross-functional teams The chance to contribute directly to operational excellence and plant performance Ways of Working /
Working Conditions
Work setup: Onsite, in a production/manufacturing environment Schedule: Night shift (rotating 7 nights on / 7 nights off) Flexibility: Limited due to the operational nature of the role Travel: Up to 10% (occasional site visits or training) Additional note: Initial training period may require a Monday–Friday schedule with modified hours Compensation &
Benefits
Base salary: $80,000 – $95,000 USD annually, depending on experience 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: 7/31/26 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 Before you submit your application, you can update your Language Settings in the top bar. Here, you can choose from a selected set of languages to ensure that communication is sent in your preferred language. Create a job alert, and we’ll let you know when new opportunities matching your interests open up. To create a job alert: Click this link to set up a job alert. Please note: You’ll need to sign in or create an account to proceed. Once signed in, select “Create Job Alert”. Choose the job categories and locations that match your interests. Click “Create” - and we’ll notify you directly when a relevant position is posted. Choose a career that matters - and never miss an opportunity to make a difference. In 2024, Chr. Hansen and Novozymes joined forces to form Novonesis. We are 10,000 people worldwide whose expertise spans more than 30 different industries. All around the world our biosolutions already create value for thousands of customers and benefit the planet. Our biosolutions enable feeding and fueling the world more sustainably, from healthy and sustainable nutrition to biofuel. Our biosolutions also reduce the use of fossil-based resources, chemicals, energy and water. And this is just the beginning.