Senior Director - Manufacturing & Quality Learning & Development

Role Summary

Senior Director, Manufacturing & Quality (MQ) Learning & Development — define and lead the global learning strategy for MQ at Elanco. Set vision, governance, and a digital innovation roadmap to ensure MQ employees deliver reliable supply, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. Lead a global team, partner cross-functionally, and embed a culture of continuous learning, performance enablement, and leadership readiness across all MQ sites and functions.

Responsibilities

• Shape and execute a global MQ learning strategy that drives workforce readiness, compliance, and business performance. Lead the transformation of site-level training programs into a harmonized, global framework that balances regulatory rigor with practical, learner-focused design. Ensure alignment between technical training, onboarding, leadership readiness, and continuous capability development.
• Drive modernization of the MQ learning ecosystem by leveraging digital platforms, data analytics, and emerging technologies such as AI, VR/AR, and adaptive learning. Implement digital delivery solutions that enhance accessibility, efficiency, and engagement, creating an integrated experience that supports scalable, compliant learning across all sites.
• Oversee design and delivery of impactful, compliant learning programs across multiple modalities (live, virtual, blended, and on-demand). Apply adult learning, behavioral science, and universal design principles to develop training that strengthens technical competencies, reinforces leadership behaviors, and meets evolving regulatory standards.
• Establish and lead a robust performance measurement framework for learning outcomes, defining metrics, dashboards, and KPIs to assess program effectiveness and ROI. Use data-driven insights to influence decision-making, continuously refine strategy, and ensure alignment with Elanco’s operational excellence and site performance goals.
• Build strong partnerships and foster collaboration with Global L&D, manufacturing site leaders, and senior business stakeholders. Serve as a trusted advisor in governance forums to ensure learning priorities align with enterprise transformation objectives. Champion an inclusive, innovative, and high-performing learning culture that enables both people and process excellence.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Instructional Design, Life Sciences, Business, or related field
• Required Experience: A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in a highly regulated manufacturing organization, leading learning and development or operational excellence, including at least 4 years of direct management experience
• Top 2 skills: Strategic enterprise learning and development leadership in highly regulated manufacturing and digital innovation (AI, analytics, LMS, and modern learning design)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Instructional Systems Design, Adult Learning, or Organizational Development
• Six Sigma Green/Black Belt or continuous improvement certification
• Experience leading global learning programs in matrixed life sciences organizations
• Proficiency in AI-enabled learning platforms, VR/AR technologies, and advanced analytics
• Proven success developing leadership programs that drive culture transformation and behavioral change

Location/Travel

• Location: Global Elanco Headquarters – Downtown Indianapolis, IN – Hybrid Work Environment
• Travel: Up to 15-20%