Senior Director, Manufacturing Operations

Your Role

As Senior Director, Manufacturing Operations, you will lead end-to-end manufacturing operations for monoclonal antibody (mAb) vaccine production, including upstream, downstream, fill/finish, and site support functions. In this role, you will be accountable for delivering a safe, compliant, and reliable supply while building organizational capability, driving operational excellence, and shaping long-term manufacturing strategy. You will serve as a key member of the site leadership team and a critical link to enterprise manufacturing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all manufacturing functions, ensuring alignment with business goals and portfolio needs
• Own site manufacturing performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity, with full accountability for results
• Ensure consistent, compliant, and reliable supply through strong production planning, capacity management, and disciplined execution
• Embed a culture of quality, compliance, and inspection readiness in alignment with global regulatory requirements and internal standards
• Lead and develop a high-performing organization by building leadership capability, strengthening technical depth, and driving engagement and succession planning
• Drive continuous improvement through Lean, Six Sigma, and digital manufacturing to improve right-first-time performance, cycle time, yield, and cost efficiency
• Partner cross-functionally with Quality, Technical Operations, Supply Chain, R&D, and Commercial teams to enable successful product launches, tech transfers, and lifecycle management
• Oversee capital strategy and execution, including facility expansions, automation, and equipment upgrades to support long-term growth
• Proactively manage operational risk and resilience, including deviations, capacity constraints, and business continuity planning
• Represent manufacturing at the enterprise level, contributing to global strategy, network decisions, and senior leadership forums

What You Need to Succeed (Minimum Qualifications)

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred
• Required Experience: Significant leadership experience in biopharmaceutical, biologics, or vaccine manufacturing with accountability for site-level performance
• Top Skills: Proven ability to lead large, complex organizations; deep knowledge of GMP manufacturing and regulatory environments; strong business and operational acumen

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications)

• Experience in monoclonal antibody (mAb) or biologics manufacturing
• Demonstrated success leading multi-functional manufacturing organizations
• Strong experience with regulatory inspections and compliance (FDA, USDA, global agencies)
• Track record of driving Lean, Six Sigma, and digital transformation initiatives
• Experience leading capital projects, facility expansions, and automation programs

Additional Information:

• Travel: Occasional travel required
• Schedule: Monday–Friday with flexibility based on business needs
• Location: Elwood, Kansas

Additional Benefits:

• Multiple relocation packages for eligible roles
• 8-week parental leave
• 9 Employee Resource Groups
• Annual bonus offering
• Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.