Head of Plant Operations, Blair NE

Overview

Are you ready for a new beginning? We need your talent, knowledge and dedication to better our world with biology. In Novonesis, solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity's biggest challenges. We are here to better our world with biology.

Join us as our new Head of Plant Blair (Enzymes and Protein production operations) at the Nebraska Plant Blair. We are seeking a leader who can instill a culture of working together for the optimal outcome of the plant. The head of site has direct line responsibility for Fermentation, Recovery, Food Recovery, Finish Goods Production, Scheduling, Process Engineering, and Site-wide Safety and Environmental teams.

You will coach and develop the managers over the production operations of about 160 people and oversee timely follow-up on performance, holding those managers accountable in a 24/7 operation.

• Provide operational leadership for fermentation, recovery, food recovery, finished goods production, scheduling, process engineering, and site safety and environmental programs.

• Ensure production sites have a quality system in conformance with the Novonesis Quality Management System (QMS) and ISO 9001.

• Maintain good standing with the local community as an excellent company with respect to environmental and Occupational Health & Safety management and as a well-recognized employer.

• Represent Novonesis in local associations such as Bio Nebraska, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, Greater Omaha State and Local Government, and Blair Refinery Campus Management Group.

• Develop leaders to fulfill requirements in operations and ensure compliance with Novonesis culture commitments; conduct yearly reviews to ensure targets are met for North America process.

• Promote a strong food/feed safety strategy and a strong safety culture.

• Ensure legal requirements and business licenses are maintained to secure operation.

• Partner with site leadership to uphold a strong company commitment and conduct social activities (annual parties, site performance presentations, etc.) for all employees.

• Ensure an environmental system is in conformance with the Novonesis Environmental Management System (EMS) and ISO 14001, aligning objectives with corporate sustainability goals.

• Develop well-defined business plans and clearly defined goals with follow-up to ensure progress and quality, including technology/capacity/product economic goals.

• Approve investment plans and budgets for production, hiring/firing and salary adjustments.

• BS in Chemical/Biochemical/Mechanical/Electrical/Industrial Engineering or related field with a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in increasing responsibilities.

• 5+ years of manufacturing/production experience.

• 10+ years of people management experience in supervision, management, and leadership.

• Excellent organizational skills with effective written and oral communication.

• Must possess visual acuity and physical ability to support all functions of the position.

• Travel approximately 10%.

Location:

On-Site, Blair, NE.

Final date to receive applications:
February 13, 2026.

Expected salary range: $,000 + LTI + annual bonus.

• 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.

Could our purpose be yours? Then apply today!

Novonesis is committed to inclusive recruitment and equality of opportunity. Do not attach a cover letter; instead, include a few sentences in your resume/CV about why you are applying. Do not include a photo in your resume/CV to ensure a fair recruitment process.

We are dedicated to fostering a community by embracing and respecting differences. Employment decisions are based on business needs and allow every individual to thrive regardless of identity or background such as ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

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