Lead Production Associate - Bottling

Location: Town of Wausau

Interested in a career that matters?

As the Lead Production Associate, you will lead daily production activities, support operators, and ensure equipment is set up and operating efficiently. This is a hands-on manufacturing leadership role focused on safety, quality, compliance, productivity, and continuous improvement. You will help the team achieve production goals while maintaining compliance with FDA, GMP, and 21 CFR Part 111 requirements.

Your key responsibilities in this role

Lead production line operators and promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and teamwork.

Schedule and assign work, prioritize activities, and monitor performance against production goals.

Train and mentor team members on equipment operation, compliance requirements, and best practices.

Perform machine setups, changeovers, calibrations, and adjustments using SMED principles to minimize downtime.

Troubleshoot equipment issues, perform minor repairs, and coordinate with maintenance teams as needed.

Conduct quality checks and ensure compliance with company policies, SOPs, FDA regulations, and 21 CFR Part 111.Utilize SAP/MRP systems to maintain accurate inventory, production, scrap, and sample records.

Support Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing initiatives while identifying opportunities for improved productivity and efficiency.

Create and maintain controlled documents, including SOPs, work instructions, and operational forms.

What you'll need to be successful in this role

High School Diploma or GED required.

Minimum of 2 years of experience in a food, dietary supplement, pharmaceutical, or related manufacturing environment.

Strong mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting skills.

Experience working within FDA, GMP, and 21 CFR Part 111 regulated environments.

Ability to perform root cause analysis and support process improvement initiatives.

Experience using SAP or similar MRP systems.

Basic computer skills for documentation, reporting, and production record management.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Additional skills & interests we value

Technical certification or Associate Degree in a manufacturing, maintenance, or technical field.

Knowledge of SMED, Lean Manufacturing, or Kaizen methodologies.

Experience creating or updating SOPs and work instructions.

Previous experience leading manufacturing teams.

Preventive maintenance experience in a production environment.

What we offer youAt Novonesis, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to a collaborative manufacturing environment where safety, quality, and continuous improvement are valued. We support employee growth through on-the-job learning, cross-functional collaboration, and opportunities to develop both technical and leadership capabilities. You'll join a team committed to operational excellence and delivering products that make a difference.

Working conditions

Shift: 2nd Shift

Hours:

Monday through Thursday, 2:30 PM to 12:30 AM

Schedule:

40-hour work week Overtime may be required based on business needs.

Work is performed primarily in a manufacturing environment.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in production areas, including lab coat, hair/beard net, safety glasses, and gloves.

Frequent standing, walking, and equipment operation.

Regular use of hands for operating equipment and documentation activities.

Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.

Occasional stooping, kneeling, and crouching.

Exposure to typical manufacturing noise levels and production facility conditions.

Compensation & Benefits Hourly rate: $25.00 per hour plus shift premium.
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…