Team Leader - Manufacturing Operations, Packaging

Work Schedule

First Shift (Days)

Environmental Conditions

Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance, Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Laboratory Setting, Loud Noises (Equipment/Machinery), Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)

Job Description

As a Team Leader, Manufacturing Operations at our Fremont, CA site within the Niche Diagnostics Division, you will supervise a team of approximately 10 Packaging Operators, including a Lead Operator, and report to the Manager, Manufacturing Operations.

This is a direct people supervisory role where you will be responsible for day-to-day team leadership, including work assignments, coaching, attendance, timecards, PTO, performance reviews, and corrective actions when necessary. You will be accountable for your team's performance in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Productivity.

This is a hands-on, working leadership role. In addition to supervising the team, you will regularly perform packaging operations alongside employees and provide production coverage as needed. You will also support other Manufacturing Services teams, including Filling, Packaging, and Label Printing, based on business needs or as assigned by the manager.

The position is primarily day shift (approximately 6:00 AM to 2:45 PM), with flexibility for schedule changes and overtime based on production needs. This role requires working as an authorized user handling DEA-controlled substances (Schedules I–V) in a cGMP-regulated diagnostic kit manufacturing environment.

What You Will Do

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise direct reports, conduct regular one-on-one meetings, provide timely feedback, complete performance reviews, and address performance, attendance, or conduct issues with HR support.
• Lead daily Tier 1 meetings to review safety, quality, delivery, and productivity metrics and establish daily priorities.
• Approve timecards and PTO requests, monitor attendance, and coordinate staffing coverage to maintain production schedules.
• Train and cross-train operators while maintaining accurate training records and an updated skills matrix.

Manufacturing Operations

• Assign daily work across packaging lines, label application, and kitting operations to meet production schedules.
• Work alongside the team performing packaging, kitting, and labeling operations and provide production coverage as needed.
• Verify that materials, components, and required documentation are available before each scheduled work order.
• Collaborate with Planning, Engineering, EHS, QA, and QC to resolve equipment, process, and documentation issues.
• Support other Manufacturing Services teams as needed or as assigned by the manager.

Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure manufacturing activities comply with cGMP, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Good Documentation Practices (GDP), and applicable safety requirements.
• Review batch records and logbooks for completeness and GDP compliance before submission to QA/QC and follow up on necessary corrections.
• Initiate nonconformances, support deviations and root cause investigations, and complete assigned Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs) on time.
• Lead or participate in Practical Process Improvement (PPI), Lean, and 5S activities to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and minimize errors.
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 2+ years of experience supervising direct reports, including assigning work, approving timecards, completing performance reviews, and addressing performance or attendance issues. Lead experience without direct reports does not meet this requirement.
• 5+ years of manufacturing experience in a regulated environment (FDA, cGMP, ISO 13485, or similar).
• Hands-on experience with nonconformances, deviations, or CAPAs, such as initiating nonconformances, supporting root cause investigations, or completing corrective actions.
• Flexibility to work overtime and accommodate schedule changes based on production needs.
• Willingness to support other teams within Manufacturing Services as needed or as assigned by the manager.
• Working knowledge of cGMP, GDP, FDA quality system requirements (21 CFR Part 820), and ISO 13485.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and develop employees, provide direct feedback, and handle difficult conversations fairly and consistently.
• Strong communication skills with operators, peers, and cross-functional support teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, lift up to 40 lbs without assistance, work in cold environments, and wear required PPE (lab coat, gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection).
• Ability to successfully complete applicable background screening, including screening related to controlled substances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in packaging, kitting, or labeling operations within diagnostics, pharmaceutical, medical device, or another cGMP-regulated industry.
• Experience with QAD, Agile, Workday, or similar ERP, document control, and HR systems.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Yellow Belt or higher) or experience with Lean, 5S, and structured problem-solving tools.
• Experience handling DEA-controlled substances.

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly pay range estimated for this position based in California is $32.45–$43.27.

This position may also be eligible to receive a variable annual bonus based on company, team, and/or individual performance results in accordance with company policy. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

• A choice of national medical and dental plans, and a national vision plan, including health incentive programs

• Employee assistance and family support programs, including commuter benefits and tuition reimbursement

• At least 120 hours paid time off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, paid parental leave (3 weeks for bonding and 8 weeks for caregiver leave), accident and life insurance, and short- and long-term disability in accordance with company policy

• Retirement and savings programs, such as our competitive 401(k) U.S. retirement savings plan

• Employees’ Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) offers eligible colleagues the opportunity to purchase company stock at a discount

For more information on our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.thermofisher.com/global/en/total-rewards