Associate Director - Manufacturing Operations (Small Molecule)

At Lilly, the work is demanding because patients are waiting. We unite caring with discovery to help make life better for people around the world, knowing that every decision, every detail, and every day matters. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, our over 50,000 employees around the globe take on complex challenges to discover and deliver life-changing medicines, strengthen how health is understood and managed, and support the communities we serve.

About the role

This is a unique opportunity to be part of the leadership team for the startup of a greenfield manufacturing site in Houston, Texas. The successful candidate will help build the organization, facility, and culture to enable a successful startup into GMP manufacturing operations for the production of API molecules, intended to provide APIs for current and future products.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day manufacturing operations for small molecule production, providing oversight for operational resources assigned to the Process Team, including Operations Leaders.
• Lead frontline leaders in the direct execution of manufacturing instructions (e.g., batch production records, SOPs) to safely and compliantly manufacture high-quality medicine.
• Serve as the key integrator of the cross-functional team to drive safety, quality, and continuous improvement in pursuit of Operational Excellence.
• Ensure appropriate staffing, equipment compliance, and process validation for the assigned area.
• During the project delivery and startup phase, collaborate dynamically to support project delivery, build the organization, and implement systems and business processes required for GMP operations.
• Build and promote a strong Safety and Quality culture, maintaining a safe working environment and conducting production activities that protect safety, environment, and quality.
• Participate in the creation, approval, and execution of the production plan for the assigned area.
• Ensure consistency of operations across shifts through active engagement on the production floor and leadership during site inspections.
• Own the implementation of the change and improvement agenda, ensuring cross-functional support and integration.
• Set objectives for the cross-functional technical Process Team and review their scorecard and delivery with management.
• Set objectives and development plans for Operations staff, including Operations Leaders and Operators.
• Manage events, ensuring appropriate communication within and outside the team, and provide input/approval for investigations.
• Build and develop a team, creating clear common purpose and promoting good team spirit.
• Ensure team members are appropriately trained, and that operating procedures and training materials are available and current.
• Communicate site objectives and team business effectively with team members.
• Ensure the team is adequately resourced to meet business objectives.
• Develop and implement systems and processes needed to run the site, leveraging existing Lilly knowledge and incorporating external experiences and learning.
• Support the project team in delivering the facility by providing feedback and support.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science (Chemical Engineering preferred).
• Multi-disciplinary experience across functions such as process engineering, quality assurance, process development, technical services/manufacturing science, or Continuous Improvement, preferably in API manufacturing.
• 5+ years of leadership experience.

Skills

• Facility or site start-up experience, with examples of leadership through organizational change management.
• Continuous Improvement (Lean) leadership experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively, make independent decisions, and influence diverse groups.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to instill teamwork within the department.
• Ability to provide innovative solutions to plant, divisional, and corporate issues, leveraging ideas from other functional areas.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, particularly for one-on-one coaching and feedback with direct reports and technical process team members.
• Ability to function in a cross-functional team environment as both a leader and a member of management teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a regulated environment.

Pay

The anticipated wage for this position is $123,000 - $180,400. Full-time equivalent employees are also eligible for a company bonus (depending on company and individual performance).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit program, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits.
• Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k) and pension plan.
• Vacation benefits and eligibility for certain time off and leave of absence benefits.
• Flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts).
• Life insurance and death benefits.
• Well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).