Production Supervisor - Fermentation - Days

Chr. Hansen • West Allis, WI

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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 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.

Requirements

• 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
• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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
• A hands-on leadership style
• A continuous improvement mindset
• A strong focus on safety, quality, and people development

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• Drive continuous improvement
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Implement process, safety, and quality improvements
• Support lean manufacturing initiatives such as 5S
• Ensure compliance and documentation
• Enforce GMP, Food Safety, and Food Defense requirements
• Maintain accurate production records and documentation
• Support audits and CAPA follow-ups
• Support plant operations and maintenance coordination
• Coordinate preventative maintenance activities
• Assess equipment condition and initiate repairs
• Monitor inventory and support supply planning

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager