Manufacturing Lead

Job Title: Manufacturing LeadJob Description

The Manufacturing Lead plans and executes the production schedule while supervising a team of operators across multiple shifts. This role ensures that all production areas meet safety, on-time performance, quality, and budget goals, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to keep operations agile and competitive. The position plays a critical role in strategic efforts to enhance the design and configuration of microencapsulation processes, supporting improved Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and reducing microbial risk to the business.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute the production schedule to meet on-time delivery and performance targets.
• Supervise and coordinate a team of operators across multiple shifts to ensure consistent production output.
• Monitor production activities to ensure adherence to safety standards and company policies.
• Manage production areas within established budgets while maintaining high efficiency and productivity.
• Ensure that all products meet defined quality standards and support quality management program requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production processes, efficiency, and competitiveness.
• Support strategic initiatives to improve the design and configuration of microencapsulation processes.
• Promote and reinforce Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to reduce microbial risk and support regulatory compliance.
• Provide front-line leadership by teaching, coaching, and mentoring direct reports to develop their skills and performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams involved in new product development to support successful scale-up and production.
• Identify and address process issues or bottlenecks and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain clear communication with production team members across shifts to ensure alignment on priorities and expectations.

Essential Skills

• 3 to 5 years of front-line leadership experience, including teaching, coaching, and mentoring direct reports.
• 3 to 5 years of operations management experience in a process-based environment.
• Experience with production planning and execution in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience in new product development within a manufacturing or process-based environment.
• Experience with quality management programs and systems.
• Ability to lead and supervise operators across multiple shifts.
• Strong focus on safety, quality, and on-time performance.
• Proven ability to drive continuous improvement in production processes.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in microencapsulation processes or similar specialized production technologies is beneficial.
• Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and microbial risk reduction strategies is an advantage.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively lead and develop a production team.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, process-based manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to support strategic initiatives and process redesign efforts.

Work Environment

This role operates in a manufacturing environment focused on process-based production, including microencapsulation-related activities. The position is assigned to a third-shift (midnight) schedule, requiring comfort with overnight hours and coordination with other shifts to ensure smooth handovers. The environment emphasizes safety, adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and strict quality standards, particularly related to microbial risk management.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of East Brunswick, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $90000.00/yr.

Global Benefits Flexible work arrangements depending on role. [iff.com] 100% paid Global Parental Leave for all genders (birth, adoption, surrogacy). [iff.com] Health & Insurance Health insurance provided across locations. [ambitionbox.com] Uses major U.S. insurers including UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna. [theretirem...tgroup.com] Retirement Benefits 401(k) plan available to U.S. employees. [glassdoor.ca] Access to financial planning resources regarding 401(k) contributions and retirement strategy. [theretirem...tgroup.com] Time Off Vacation and paid time off provided globally. [glassdoor.co.in] Example region benefit: 28 days leave, carryover allowed; 6‑month maternity leave and 10‑day paternity leave (location‑specific). [glassdoor.co.in] Office Perks Free meals, cafeteria access. [ambitionbox.com] Shuttle/cab transportation. [ambitionbox.com] Childcare facilities available at select locations. [ambitionbox.com] Professional Development Job and soft‑skill training programs. [ambitionbox.com] Professional degree assistance. [ambitionbox.com] Opportunities for international and on‑site exposure. [ambitionbox.com] Culture & Inclusion Strong diversity and inclusion framework supported by EDGE audit and global partnerships. [iff.com] Programs supporting diverse suppliers and inclusive workplace initiatives.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in East Brunswick,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.