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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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.