Lead Production Operator

Novonesis•Blair, NE

9d•$33 - $37•Onsite

About The Position

At Novonesis, our operators play a critical role in ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production processes that help bring biological solutions to life. As a Lead Operator, you will combine strong operational expertise with informal leadership, helping your team achieve production objectives while supporting a culture of safety, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence. You will be part of a production team where teamwork, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning are essential. Through your technical expertise and leadership by influence, you will help ensure reliable operations while fostering a positive and proactive working environment. As a Lead Operator, you will lead the production team through influence rather than direct people management. You will ensure safe and efficient manufacturing operations, support troubleshooting efforts, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that optimize plant performance and team effectiveness.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent.
The ability to achieve Lead Operator certification requirements within 1 year.
Proficient computer literacy.
Demonstrated experience operating production equipment and monitoring manufacturing processes.
Ability to troubleshoot equipment, processes, and product-related issues.
Experience working within GMP and safety-regulated environments.
Ability to complete operational and production documentation accurately using electronic and paper-based systems.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated leadership through influence and collaboration.
Strong commitment to safety, quality, accountability, and teamwork.
Ability to move freely around the factory and outdoor surroundings, including pushing, pulling, kneeling, and squatting.
Ability to lift up to 60 pounds unassisted.
Ability to manually manipulate and operate equipment and tools (e.g., turning valves, aligning hoses).
Use of PPE including uniform, hard hat, eye protection, ear protection, hair net, beard net, and respirator.
Ability to climb stairs and work at heights (ladders, platforms, tanks).
Ability to enter and work in confined spaces.
Ability to pass a written test for certification purposes.

Nice To Haves

Preferred 5+ years of experience working in an industrial manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Operate and monitor utilities, production processes, environmental systems, and process control equipment in accordance with Product Manufacturing Directions (PMDs), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), GMP requirements, and production manuals.
Ensure raw materials are available and prepared for use in production processes.
Collect and analyze raw material, intermediate product, finished product, environmental, and waste stream samples and take appropriate action based on results.
Investigate abnormal process or equipment performance and support troubleshooting and repair activities.
Coordinate work activities across the operating team to promote efficient plant utilization and achievement of production objectives.
Proactively share technical knowledge and act as a resource for operators and staff during equipment, process, and product troubleshooting.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives, support special projects, and utilize improvement tools such as A3 problem solving.
Promote a proactive safety culture through visible leadership, proper PPE use, hazard identification, incident reporting, and process compliance.
Ensure team adherence to PMDs, SOPs, GMP requirements, ZEAL standards, and plant housekeeping expectations through coaching, training, and process confirmations.
Support training development and provide input regarding operator development and training plans.
De-escalate urgent personnel issues and coordinate immediate actions when management is unavailable.