Production Specialist

Production Specialist

Do you want to play a key role in ensuring the quality and performance of biosolutions used across food and feed industries? Join the West Allis Process & Technology (P&T) team — a highly collaborative group of microbiologists and engineers dedicated to optimizing product quality and plant performance. Our team thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where problem-solving and continuous improvement are part of everyday work. As a service-oriented function, we partner closely with teams across the site and globally to ensure Novonesis biosolutions consistently perform in our customers' processes and deliver safe, healthy products.

The Role & Your Impact

As a Production Specialist, you will operate in a mixed operational and tactical role within the Culture Plant, focusing on safety, quality, compliance, efficiency, and continuous improvement. You will be a key driver in solving day-to-day production challenges while also leading initiatives to optimize and enhance plant processes.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for culture performance issues and deviations
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Fermentation, Packaging, Maintenance, QC, and QA teams
• Manage and support projects to improve production processes, introduce new cultures, and enhance efficiency
• Conduct KPI analysis, safety observations, process confirmations, and training activities
• Develop and maintain standards, support audits, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., kaizen, waste walks)
• Participate in global network alignment and best practice sharing

What You'll Need to Be Successful

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Biology, or a related field
• At least 2 years of relevant experience (food science, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, brewing, or similar)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience working in a production or manufacturing environment

Technical and professional skills:

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and production systems (e.g., SAP, LIMS, PLCs)
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple stakeholders and disciplines

Core competencies:

• Strong collaboration and stakeholder alignment skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities
• Commitment to safety, quality, compliance, and continuous improvement
• Confidence in sharing insights and driving improvements

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

• Experience with project management methodologies
• Knowledge of systematic problem-solving frameworks
• Familiarity with LEAN or Six Sigma principles
• Exposure to GMP-regulated environments

What We Offer

At Novonesis, you'll join a purpose-driven organization committed to making a positive impact through biosolutions. We offer:

• Opportunities to work on meaningful challenges that directly impact product quality and customer outcomes
• A collaborative, global working environment with strong cross-functional engagement
• Continuous learning and development opportunities
• A culture that values innovation, safety, and inclusion

Ways of Working

This role is based at the WEA Culture Plant, where you will work across both office and manufacturing environments.

• Primarily day shift hours within a 24/7 production environment
• Occasional off-shift and weekend work to support projects or production needs
• Participation in a rotating off-shift support schedule
• Flexible scheduling with an expectation of a minimum of 40 hours per week
• Travel requirements are minimal (less than 10%)

Compensation & Benefits

• Expected base salary: $80,000 – $95,000 per year
• 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

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.

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.

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