The Associate Manager- 2nd shift is responsible for leading and developing a team of 10-15 production operators during 2nd Shift (2:00 pm - 10:30 pm) operations in the manufacturing and packaging of prepared culture media for pharmaceutical and food industry customers. This position ensures the safe, efficient, and compliant execution of nightly production activities, with direct accountability for meeting shift-level output, quality, and safety goals.
As the on-site decision-maker during 2nd Shift, the Associate Manager provides hands-on leadership and support, making real-time operational decisions, coaching team members, and maintaining shift continuity. A key responsibility of this role is fostering a high-performance team culture through active floor presence, clear communication, regular feedback, and structured performance management. The Associate Manager identifies opportunities for cross-training, reinforces GMP and safety practices, and ensures clean shift handoffs to sustain seamless operations across all shifts. This role is highly execution-focused, requiring strong attention to detail, people management, and decisive problem-solving during off-hours.
Primary Duties
Operational Oversight
Lead and monitor all 2nd Shift production activities to ensure safety, compliance, and adherence to schedule.
Oversee equipment startups, line changeovers, and shutdown procedures across production and packaging areas.
Maintain proper staffing across lines, including reallocation of labor in response to real-time needs.
Act as the primary decision-maker for shift-level issues, troubleshooting and escalating only as necessary.
Use SAP and Tulip MES systems to validate production steps, track material usage, and close batch records.
Ensure a clean, organized, and audit-ready production environment.
People Management
Supervise and support 10-15 direct reports, ensuring clear expectations and accountability throughout the shift.
Provide hands-on coaching, conduct shift huddles, and reinforce safe, efficient practices on the floor.
Document and deliver performance feedback; manage attendance, conduct corrective actions, and support employee development.
Lead team morale and engagement activities, encouraging ownership and pride in work.
Quality and Compliance
Review documentation and verify in-process checks and batch records for accuracy and compliance.
Enforce GMP, ISO, and safety policies during all shift activities.
Identify, investigate, and document deviations or non-conformances in real-time.
Ensure proper line clearance and documentation between batches.
Shift Communication and Handoffs
Deliver structured and consistent shift handoffs to and from 3rd and 1st shift leadership.
Communicate key updates, open items, and production progress to ensure full continuity across the operation.
Maintain shift notes and relay all relevant information for downstream execution or escalation.
Safety and Culture
Actively lead by example in safe work practices and enforce safety policies throughout the shift.
Identify and correct unsafe behaviors or conditions; participate in safety audits or incident reports as needed.
Foster a respectful, inclusive, and team-focused environment.
Other Duties
Assist with onboarding and training of new employees.
Support training matrix compliance and cross-training efforts to build flexibility.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED required and 4 years of supervisory experience
Bachelor's degree in related field (Biology, Engineering, etc.) Preferred
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Leadership & Team Development - Proven ability to supervise, coach, and motivate frontline manufacturing teams to meet performance and behavioral expectations.
Production Process Knowledge - Solid understanding of manufacturing operations, production scheduling, and material flow in a regulated environment.
Safety & Compliance Awareness - Strong working knowledge of cGMP, FDA, ISO, and OSHA standards, with a focus on maintaining a safe and compliant workplace.
Technical Aptitude - Comfortable working with manufacturing equipment, automation tools, and systems such as SAP and MES platforms (Tulip preferred).
Lean Manufacturing Mindset - Experience with continuous improvement methodologies, including 5S, Kaizen, and visual management techniques.
Problem-Solving & Decision-Making - Ability to assess issues quickly, implement corrective actions, and support root cause investigations.
Documentation & Attention to Detail - Skilled in reviewing and maintaining accurate production records, logs, and batch documentation. Experience with change management.
Effective Communication - Strong verbal and written communication skills for daily team direction, shift handoffs, and cross-functional coordination.
Accountability & Performance Management - Ability to set clear expectations, monitor performance, and hold team members accountable to standards.
Adaptability in a Dynamic Environment - Capable of managing shifting priorities, urgent production needs, and evolving quality or regulatory requirements.
The estimated salary range for this role based in Illinois is between $ 84,800 - $103,500. This role is eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and individual performance per bioMerieux's bonus program. This range may differ from ranges offered for similar positions elsewhere in the country given differences in cost of living. Actual compensation within this range is determined based on the successful candidate's experience and will be presented in writing at the time of the offer.
In addition, bioMérieux offers a competitive Total Rewards package that may include:
· A choice of medical (including prescription), dental, and vision plans providing nationwide coverage and telemedicine options
· Company-Provided Life and Accidental Death Insurance
· Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
· Retirement Plan including a generous non-discretionary employer contribution and employer match.
· Adoption Assistance
· Wellness Programs
· Employee Assistance Program
· Commuter Benefits
· Various voluntary benefit offerings
· Discount programs
· Parental leaves
