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 production of API molecules. This role is directly responsible for managing day-to-day manufacturing operations for small molecule production and provides oversight for operational resources assigned to the Process Team, including Operations Leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead frontline leaders in 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 equipment is maintained in a state of compliance and processes in a validated state for the respective area.
• Build and promote a strong Safety and Quality culture; maintain a safe working environment and conduct production activities in a manner that protects 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.
• Support and provide leadership to the area through site inspections.
• Own the implementation of the change and improvement agenda for the assigned area, 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 as required, ensuring appropriate communication within the team and with external teams; provide input and approve 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 appropriately with team members.
• Ensure the team is adequately resourced to meet business objectives.
• During the startup phase, leadership will be expected to be collaborative, inclusive, and supportive to build the organization with the necessary capability, capacity, and culture to operate the facility to the highest standards of excellence.
• Develop and implement systems and processes needed to run the site, leveraging existing Lilly knowledge and practices while incorporating external experiences and learning.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and operational excellence by supporting lean principles in the respective area.
• Support the project team as they deliver the facility to the site team by providing feedback and support.

Requirements

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

Preferred Qualifications

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

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit program including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits.
• Company-sponsored 401(k) and pension plans.
• Vacation benefits and eligibility for 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.
• Well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities).

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).

Employee Resource Groups

Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. 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).