Sr Director - Operations

Position Overview

The Senior Director, Operations is responsible for leading manufacturing operations-either small molecule or siRNA/oligonucleotide-ensuring the organization has the capacity, capability, and leadership to deliver the site's manufacturing plan. This role also integrates cross-functional support teams and fosters a strong safety culture.

As a member of the Lilly Site Lead Team, the Senior Director contributes to strategic direction, organizational development, and cross-functional issue resolution.

During the project delivery and startup phase (2029-2030), the role will focus on:

• Supporting facility delivery and operational readiness.
• Building the manufacturing organization and leadership structure.
• Developing and implementing GMP systems and processes.
• Shaping site culture and ensuring alignment with long-term business goals.

Responsibilities

Pre-Startup and Startup Phase

• Lead collaboratively and energetically across all aspects of operational readiness and startup.
• Build an organization with the capability, capacity, and culture to achieve high standards in safety, quality, and operational excellence.
• Develop and implement site systems and processes, drawing on internal expertise and external best practices.
• Embed lean principles and a continuous improvement mindset across operations and support functions.
• Act as the end-user representative during project delivery-providing input on design, commissioning, and startup decisions to ensure alignment with project goals and long-term strategy.

Post Startup

• Develop and execute strategic and operational plans for Production Operations.
• Contribute to the site's medium- and long-term strategic direction.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements (e.g., safety, quality/cGMP, environmental, financial, legal, HR).
• Ensure Production Flow and Process Teams meet Lilly's Manufacturing Standards for Operational Excellence.
• Maintain robust control systems to manage operations, identify compliance risks, and escalate issues appropriately.
• Monitor site and business area performance and take corrective action as needed.
• Lead cross-functional teams to implement new product introductions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop future management and technical leaders for site and global roles.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline
• 10+ years of experience leading operations within the pharmaceutical industry

Additional Preferences

• Experience in API manufacturing and Process Safety Management preferred.
• Strong knowledge of cGMPs and their application in manufacturing operations.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships across all organizational levels, including close collaboration with the Site Leadership Team.
• Demonstrated success in leading projects from initiation to completion-on time, within budget, and to high performance standards.
• Skilled in developing and managing high-performing, engaged teams with a strong safety and team-oriented culture.

Additional information

Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia (AMECA), Black Employees at Lilly (BE@Lilly), Chinese Culture Network (CCN), EnAble, Evolve, Lilly Indian Network (LIN), Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), Pride (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Women's Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL).

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $168,000 - $246,400

Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance).

In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly's compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

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