Director-Manufacturing

Role Summary

Director – Operations who will lead biologics manufacturing at Elanco’s Fort Dodge, IA site, a key production facility supporting the global animal health portfolio. You will provide strategic and operational leadership for biologics production, overseeing large manufacturing teams while driving safety, quality, and operational excellence in a highly regulated environment. You will collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Process Development to ensure reliable product supply and continuous improvement, and support the commercialization of new products.

Responsibilities

• Lead biologics manufacturing operations to ensure the safe, compliant, and efficient production of high-quality biological products.
• Develop and lead a large production organization, coaching frontline leaders and building high-performing teams.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives, including LEAN and continuous improvement programs to improve efficiency, reliability, and cost performance.
• Partner with Process Development and technical teams to support new product introduction, technology transfer, and validation activities.
• Manage operational planning including departmental budgets, capital investments, and strategic initiatives to support site and business objectives.

Qualifications

• Required: Minimum of 5 years of experience in biologics manufacturing, production operations, or regulated pharmaceutical/biotechnology manufacturing
• Preferred: Experience in animal health, biologics, vaccine, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology manufacturing
• Preferred: Demonstrated experience leading large teams in regulated environments (cGMP, USDA, FDA, or similar)
• Preferred: Experience implementing LEAN manufacturing, operational excellence, or continuous improvement initiatives
• Preferred: Strong experience with biologics production processes, fermentation, purification, or vaccine manufacturing
• Preferred: Experience managing significant operational budgets and capital investment projects

Skills

• Operational leadership of manufacturing teams and expertise in regulated biologics or pharmaceutical production environments

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in a scientific, engineering, or related discipline

Additional Requirements

• Travel: Up to 10% annually
• Location: Fort Dodge, IA – Onsite
• Physical Demands: The role requires physical activity including occasional to frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting up to 20 pounds occasionally and up to 10 pounds frequently.