Lead Operator - Tank Farm, Truck & Rail Operations

Role Summary

Lead Operator for Tank Farm, Truck and Rail Operations is directly responsible for ensuring a continuous supply of solvents and management of waste to support the needs of the facility. The Lead Operator will manage tank farm operations, air emissions systems, and truck/rail car loading/unloading, executing operations per SOPs and operating instructions to safely and compliantly support GMP manufacturing of high-quality medicines. During the project startup phase (expected 2026–2028), roles will be fluid as the organization builds systems, processes, and culture to enable startup into GMP operations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure operations maintains compliance with all regulatory requirements at all times.
• Ensure areas appropriately support the execution of the production plan for the site.
• Tank Farm operations, tanker loading/unloading, railcar loading/unloading
• Carry out daily monitoring testing and cleaning duties as assigned on the above listed systems to ensure equipment and systems are in good operating conditions and they are maintained in accordance with local and corporate regulatory requirements.
• Enter Trackwise/Veeva events, participate in and lead CAPA investigations
• Troubleshoot and diagnose process problems and take appropriate actions to minimize deviations or site impact
• Understand Health, Safety & Environmental-regulated environment and application of Health & Safety/Process Safety standards in order to execute key/critical GMP duties.
• Understand other area processes & their operational hazards and being able to react appropriately.
• Monitoring and collecting data on equipment use and performance i.e. trying to anticipate potential equipment reliability problems.
• Working with Maintenance and Technical Support to respond appropriately to potential utility supply upsets or equipment failure.
• Contacting the appropriate help if there is a problem or an event (spill/deviation/incident) during processing.
• Communication to other shifts regarding the status of the area operations and details of any issues/problems that have occurred at handover.
• Participate in daily shift huddles / meetings to both understand and set expectations for daily operational goals.
• Actively participating in assigned building & area operations such as safety audits, procedure co-ordination, housekeeping and improvement projects.
• Be trained and qualified on all specified unit operations within the area. Support training and qualification for operators in the area.
• Identify concerns for informal or formal discussion (crew meetings, safety representative).
• Know and follow cGMP practices, safe work habits, plant dress code, hygiene standards, and housekeeping requirements unique to the work area and job classification.

Qualifications

• Required: High School Diploma or equivalent
• Required: Authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; Lilly will not provide support or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role
• Required: Completion of Post Offer Exam or Completion of Work Simulation if applicable
• Required: Minimum 3 years of previous experience in utility/tank farm/truck and rail loading and unloading operations or chemical manufacturing
• Required: Ability to effectively communicate (electronically, written and verbal)
• Required: Basic computer skills (desktop software)
• Required: Bend, reach, stretch, climb ladders, and work in tight spaces
• Required: Stand for long periods

Skills

• Knowledge of cGMP practices and safety/workplace standards
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Analytical problem-solving and troubleshooting
• Data monitoring and interpretation of equipment performance
• Ability to collaborate with Maintenance and Technical Support

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts (days and nights)
• Ability to work flexible schedules during startup period
• Ability to work overtime as required
• Potential short-term assignments (6–12 months in Indianapolis, IN and/or 1–3 months domestically/internationally) to train and certify on processes, with possible travel to support equipment testing