Associate Director - IT API Site

Role Summary

Associate Director for MQ Tech@Lilly will be part of the IT Leadership team for the new API Sites in either Texas or Virginia. This role reports to the MQ IT Sr Director for LP1 and will work closely with project and operational readiness activities for the facility. The role supports manufacturing operational excellence and productivity efforts through technology, with a focus on safe and quality-focused medicine production.

Responsibilities

• Ensure site operational readiness from IT perspective, including startup and integration of IT systems: Infrastructure, ERP, warehouse management & logistics, MES, data historian, real-time floor tracking, data integration, analytics, data integrity, LIMS, CAPA, access security, building monitoring, risk management, and MES.
• Provide IT site functional leadership as a member of the Site Leadership Team.
• Develop and implement the site IT strategic and business plan; benchmark innovative solutions; adapt road map to site evolution and trends; partner cross-functionally to establish and implement the IT roadmap.
• Maintain a safe work environment; ensure staffing to meet site and functional needs; lead, coach, and develop team members; foster a culture aligned with Lilly values and operational excellence standards; support diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruiting and development.
• Lead recognition, pay and promotion decisions; oversee talent assessment and succession planning; support site recruiting to build IT capability.
• Provide leadership in the development and execution of cGMP and improvement plans within IT; define and execute IT inspection readiness activities.
• Maintain an functionally strong IT organization with a results-focused approach; prioritize work and remove barriers; oversee technical activities and promote knowledge sharing and education.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in IT, Engineering or related field; minimum 7 years of experience in IT leadership with experience overseeing multiple projects; knowledge of large-scale cross-functional projects and programs including MES, data integration and analytics; experience in Pharma and GMP manufacturing.
• Preferred: Experience leading IT groups in pharmaceutical programs/projects; prior startup experience for a new facility or clinical development manufacturing site; proven cross-functional leadership; active participation in industry forums and standards organizations; strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to assess risks and make sound decisions; excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Skills

• Analytical and problem-solving skills; risk assessment and decision-making abilities
• Strong communication and leadership capabilities to engage stakeholders at all levels
• Cross-functional collaboration and program management

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Engineering or related field

Additional Requirements

• Role is Monday through Friday and based on-site; must be flexible to support production schedules, shutdowns, and other inputs; occasional extended or off-hour work may be required.
• Position will be based at a new API Lilly Manufacturing site in either Texas or Virginia.
• 5-10% business travel expected