Sr Director - Operations
Eli Lilly and Company
August 24, 2026
On-site
Huntsville, AL
Operations
Position Overview
Senior Director, Operations responsible for leading manufacturing operations (small molecule or siRNA/oligonucleotide) to deliver the site’s manufacturing plan; integrates cross-functional support teams and fosters a strong safety culture. Member of the Lilly Site Lead Team.
Responsibilities
Project delivery and startup phase (2029–2030):
- Support facility delivery and operational readiness.
- Build the manufacturing organization and leadership structure.
- Develop and implement GMP systems and processes.
- Shape site culture and align with long-term business goals.
- Lead operational readiness and startup activities.
- Build an organization to achieve high standards in safety, quality, and operational excellence.
- Develop and implement site systems and processes using internal expertise and external best practices.
- Embed lean principles and continuous improvement across operations and support functions.
- Serve as end-user representative for design, commissioning, and startup decisions.
Post startup:
- Develop and execute strategic and operational plans for Production Operations.
- Contribute to medium- and long-term site strategy.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements (safety, quality/cGMP, environmental, financial, legal, HR).
- Ensure Production Flow and Process Teams meet operational excellence standards.
- Maintain control systems to manage operations, identify compliance risks, and escalate appropriately.
- Monitor performance and take corrective action.
- Lead cross-functional teams for new product introductions and continuous improvement.
- Develop future management and technical leaders.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline.
- 10+ years of experience leading operations within the pharmaceutical industry.
Additional Preferences
- API manufacturing and Process Safety Management experience.
- Strong knowledge of cGMPs.
- Proven relationship-building across organizational levels, in collaboration with Site Leadership Team.
- Track record leading projects from initiation to completion (on time, within budget, high performance).
- Skilled in developing and managing high-performing, engaged teams with strong safety culture.
Senior Director, Operations responsible for leading manufacturing operations (small molecule or siRNA/oligonucleotide) to deliver the site’s manufacturing plan; integrates cross-functional support teams and fosters a strong safety culture. Member of the Lilly Site Lead Team.
Responsibilities
Project delivery and startup phase (2029–2030):
- Support facility delivery and operational readiness.
- Build the manufacturing organization and leadership structure.
- Develop and implement GMP systems and processes.
- Shape site culture and align with long-term business goals.
- Lead operational readiness and startup activities.
- Build an organization to achieve high standards in safety, quality, and operational excellence.
- Develop and implement site systems and processes using internal expertise and external best practices.
- Embed lean principles and continuous improvement across operations and support functions.
- Serve as end-user representative for design, commissioning, and startup decisions.
Post startup:
- Develop and execute strategic and operational plans for Production Operations.
- Contribute to medium- and long-term site strategy.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements (safety, quality/cGMP, environmental, financial, legal, HR).
- Ensure Production Flow and Process Teams meet operational excellence standards.
- Maintain control systems to manage operations, identify compliance risks, and escalate appropriately.
- Monitor performance and take corrective action.
- Lead cross-functional teams for new product introductions and continuous improvement.
- Develop future management and technical leaders.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline.
- 10+ years of experience leading operations within the pharmaceutical industry.
Additional Preferences
- API manufacturing and Process Safety Management experience.
- Strong knowledge of cGMPs.
- Proven relationship-building across organizational levels, in collaboration with Site Leadership Team.
- Track record leading projects from initiation to completion (on time, within budget, high performance).
- Skilled in developing and managing high-performing, engaged teams with strong safety culture.