Associate Vice President, Drug Products External Manufacturing

Role Summary

The Associate Vice President, Drug Products External Manufacturing leads Lilly’s global external manufacturing network for drug products, combination devices, and packaging. Serves as Lilly’s ambassador to CMOs and strategic manufacturing partners to ensure reliable, high-quality delivery of medicines worldwide. Responsible for transforming external manufacturing strategy, operating models, and capabilities to support pipeline growth and new product launches.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a forward-looking Business and Strategic Plan that accelerates cycle time, elevates quality, and enhances performance across external partnerships.
• Lead quality excellence with CMOs through proactive process monitoring, trending, and deviation management to enable seamless commercialization.
• Oversee timely tech transfer and launch readiness for externally manufactured products, scaling with Lilly‚Äôs expanding global footprint.
• Build a high-performing global organization grounded in lean principles, manufacturing excellence, and joint governance with CMOs.
• Establish and lead CMO governance frameworks, including executive reviews, contract negotiations in partnership with procurement, and strategic relationship management.
• Apply Lilly‚Äôs internal governance rigor to external operations, ensuring parity in process discipline, performance oversight, and accountability.
• Implement systems for production scheduling, quality oversight, regulatory compliance, technical agenda execution, and contract lifecycle management.
• Continuously evolve Contract Manufacturing Standards to reflect commercialization dynamics and launch complexity.
• Support business development by evaluating new CMOs and leading transition plans for integration into Lilly‚Äôs oversight model.
• Attract, develop, and retain exceptional talent across technical, operational, and leadership domains to build a resilient and future-ready organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of progressive pharmaceutical manufacturing experience.
• Deep expertise in drug product operations, including site leadership and external manufacturing.
• Proven success managing complex manufacturing networks and scaling global supply.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse, cross-functional teams with clarity and purpose.
• Strong negotiation and partnership-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Technical mastery in design, manufacturing, validation, and quality systems.
• Exceptional organizational and project leadership capabilities.
• Extensive knowledge of cGMPs, global regulatory standards, and industry best practices.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with executive presence.

Education

• MBA preferred, minimum Bachelor's Degree or higher in Engineering, Scientific, or Life Sciences field.

Additional Requirements

• Experience with biologics, complex modalities, or combination products.
• Strategic mindset with a bias for execution and continuous improvement.
• Proven ability to unify multiple functions toward a shared mission.
• High tolerance for ambiguity and a positive, resilient leadership style.

Other Information

• Opportunity is based in Indianapolis.
• Requires travel 30‚Äì50%.