Production Supervisor - Fermentation - Days

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 9am-7pm (M-F) and 5am-pm (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 foc