Team Leader - Filling & Packaging

Position Summary

Supervise personnel and operational needs within the area of responsibility to ensure production of efficacious, safe, and high-quality products in a Lean manner, while maintaining a safe and accident-free environment. Promote and achieve an environment of high colleague engagement, decision-making, and support/development. Provide leadership and clear/concise communication inside and outside of their area of responsibility.

Hours: 1st shift. Some off-shift and weekend work may be required.

Position Responsibilities

• Ensure all group functions meet Corporate, APHIS, and GMP quality aseptic standards and are in compliance with departmental SOPs.
• Provide leadership and accountability to meet production schedules and financial commitments.
• Update/create item codes of production fluids used in manufacturing to maintain accuracy of materials and labor used.
• Work with on-site and off-site colleagues to produce and execute production schedules to meet budget and market demands.
• Assist in evaluation of production capacities and implementation of production schedules to meet supply requirements as well as maximize production volumes.
• Initiate purchase orders for materials needed to support the production schedules.
• Ensure proper training for colleagues and facilities are operated in a safe, environmentally acceptable manner.
• Ensure objectives and goals are clearly understood by all department personnel.
• Investigate process excursions/deviations and production issues utilizing Right First Time (RFT) tools to ensure corrective actions are identified and implemented to eliminate the root cause of the problem.
• Perform investigation write ups in a detailed and appropriate manner to thoroughly explain incidents to a reviewer and in line with company standards.
• Initiate and implement ideas to improve production process reliability from the standpoint of quality, safety, and product cost.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of capital, personnel, and operating budgets.
• Assist with technical projects within areas of responsibility by having effective communication with site and off-site Technical Specialists and timely implementation of changes needed for those projects.
• Provide manufacturing subject matter expertise in the coordination, document preparation, and introduction of new production processes as well as site to site transfers to/from the White Hall facility.
• Maintain state of the art competence on technological developments within area of responsibility and recommend equipment and/or process enhancements that will provide improved efficiencies, safety, and a competitive advantage.

Education and Experience

Minimum Requirement:

• BS in biological sciences or related discipline.
• Two years' supervisory and bio/pharmaceutical manufacturing experience.
• Fundamental understanding and experience with cleanroom environments, aseptic manufacturing principles, general packaging operations, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Preferred Requirement:

• M.A./M.S. in business or science related degree with 2 years' experience in biological manufacturing.
• Prior supervision of 10+ employee operation in biological manufacturing and aseptic filling.
• Previous experience assisting in and/or leading Technical Project teams focusing on improving reliability and capability of production activities.
• Previous experience using SAP for manufacturing and planning functions.
• Preference given to applicants with relevant experience in biological production and/or aseptic manufacturing.

Technical Skills and Competencies Required

• Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, and positively influence employees to meet defined objectives and daily production schedules.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and interact effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to hold one-self and others accountable to goals/objectives and team values.
• High integrity and self-motivation.
• Strong ability to multi-task.
• Strong communication (oral and written), interpersonal, and team/group interactive and leading skills.
• Strong commitment to product quality, customer service, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to resolve technical issues, troubleshoot manufacturing processes, and investigate process deviations/excursions.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead/develop others and optimize team performance.
• Ability to represent department's interests with higher management and related groups (i.e., Materials Mgmt., HR, QA/QC, EMU, EHS, and technical support).
• Strong computer skills.
• Driven with the ability to stay on site to work through last minute issues, complete needed batch record reviews, or other items with critical timing.
• Knowledge of 9CFR and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Technical knowledge and/or expertise in sterilization, aseptic manufacturing, cleanroom behaviors, and validation principles.
• Demonstrated understanding of SOPs, cGMPs, OSHA regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong experience in APHIS regulations.
• Good knowledge of statistical applications and evaluation of data.
• Prior Lean methods training.
• Technical knowledge and expertise in their area of responsibility of biological products.
• Certified in RFT M1 (yellow belt) or M2 (green belt).
• Training in leadership and management techniques consistent with Zoetis Core Values and leadership competencies.

Physical Position Requirements

Exposure to chemicals, fumes, odors, noise, live steam, temperature fluctuations, biohazards, continuous standing and lifting to a maximum of 50 lbs. Normal hours are first shift; some off-shift and weekend work.