Operation Support Specialist - Shift 2

Simtra BioPharma Solutions•Bloomington, IN

About The Position

The Operations Support Specialist is an embedded Operations partner assigned to manufacturing shifts within an Operations Focus Factory. The role works directly with on-shift Manufacturing and Quality colleagues during operational events to support deviation response, capture critical details, initiate deviations promptly, and help operations return safely and compliantly after incidents. The Specialist is a primary author of manufacturing deviations and is expected to write and close approximately three to four deviations per month, depending on event volume and complexity. The role also owns and drives assigned CAPAs and continuous improvement actions related to manufacturing processes and oversees CAPA effectiveness after implementation. The position partners across Manufacturing, QA, Engineering, Maintenance, Validation, MSAT, Microbiology, Training, and other functions. It helps investigate operational events, develop technically sound investigation narratives, identify root causes and appropriate actions, and support timely deviation closure. The Specialist also contributes to ongoing improvement of manufacturing reliability, right-first-time execution, aseptic practice, documentation accuracy, downtime recovery, and batch release readiness. The role maintains accurate, timely, traceable, inspection-ready investigation and CAPA records, follows applicable GMP and site procedures, and promptly escalates quality, safety, compliance, or supply risks. The stated shift is 2:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The job description also notes that assigned shift coverage may include second shift, third shift, Weekend AM, or Weekend PM according to business needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered in accordance with HR guidance.
Ability to work assigned shift coverage, including second shift, third shift, Weekend AM, or Weekend PM as assigned by business need.
Strong written communication skills and ability to translate complex manufacturing events into clear, factual, logically structured investigation narratives.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with Manufacturing, QA, technical subject matter experts, and site support functions in a fast-paced production environment.
Ability to execute multiple investigations and CAPA actions while maintaining attention to detail, compliance, safety, and product quality.
Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment as applicable.
Duties may require overtime, including nights and weekends.
Ability to use hands and fingers to manipulate office equipment.
Position requires sitting for long hours and may involve periods of walking or standing.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of GMP documentation practices, data integrity principles, deviation investigations, root cause analysis, and CAPA execution.
Experience in sterile, aseptic, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other highly regulated manufacturing operations.
Shop floor presence and credibility.
Timely event detail capture.
Technical writing clarity.
Root cause analysis capability.
CAPA ownership and follow-through.
Shift-based collaboration.
GMP/GDP discipline.
Continuous improvement mindset.

Responsibilities

Partner with Manufacturing and QA colleagues during operational events to understand what happened, what was impacted, immediate actions taken, and information needed for investigation.
Capture critical event details, including timing, equipment state, batch or material identifiers, personnel, process parameters, alarms, documentation status, environmental or area conditions, and containment actions.
Support timely initiation of deviation investigations and ensure clear handoffs when events span shifts or weekends.
Coordinate with Manufacturing, QA, Engineering, Maintenance, Validation, and other partners to support a safe, compliant return to operations after incidents.
Author complete, clear, technically sound manufacturing deviation investigations, including event chronology, impact assessment input, immediate actions, root cause analysis, corrective and preventive action rationale, and objective evidence.
Apply structured root-cause tools such as 5 Whys, fishbone/Ishikawa, fault tree, process mapping, human performance analysis, and data trending as appropriate.
Drive assigned deviations to timely closure and coordinate input from relevant subject matter experts and support functions.
Write and close approximately three to four manufacturing deviations per month, adjusted for complexity, business priorities, and quality system requirements.
Identify recurring event themes, process vulnerabilities, documentation gaps, human-factor contributors, training opportunities, and equipment or workflow issues for potential continuous improvement actions.
Own and execute assigned CAPA actions related to manufacturing processes, documentation, training, equipment interfaces, behavior-based errors, process controls, and recurring operational issues.
Lead or support continuous improvement actions that improve manufacturing reliability, right-first-time execution, aseptic practice, documentation accuracy, downtime recovery, and batch release readiness.
Build effective working relationships with operators, group leaders, supervisors, QA representatives, and technical support functions through visible, responsive, practical floor support.
Communicate event status, investigation needs, action owners, and next steps across shifts and functions.
Participate in shift handoffs, tier meetings, deviation review routines, CAPA progress reviews, and Focus Factory performance discussions as assigned.
Coach manufacturing colleagues on event detail capture, GDP expectations, deviation readiness, and prevention mindsets without replacing QA decision authority.
Maintain accurate, timely, traceable, inspection-ready investigation records, CAPA records, objective evidence, and supporting documentation.
Follow applicable GMP, data integrity, site deviation, CAPA, continuous improvement, change control, training, and document control procedures.
Promptly escalate quality, safety, compliance, or supply risks through established channels.
Perform other duties as assigned.