Sr. Director - Strategic Alliances (SMDD)
Eli Lilly and Company
August 24, 2026
On-site
Indianapolis, IN
$151,500 - $222,200 USD yearly
Corporate Functions
Responsibilities:
- Implement/maintain strategic external partnerships to design and develop drug substance/drug product for pre-clinical/clinical phase assets.
- Ensure alignment across Lilly CMC, Quality, Procurement, and Safety to translate PRD/SMDD strategy into actionable results.
- Drive implementation of novel SMDD technology transfer for GMP production via CDMOs.
- Champion operational excellence: monitor capacity/quality/performance, perform trend analysis, and manage governance/processes for supply chain/R&D/compliance/contractual obligations.
- Manage relationships: mitigate risks, communicate for 360° feedback, coach teams, and reduce operational inefficiencies.
- Partner on laboratory informatics (Tech@Lilly) for data/knowledge capture aligned to SMDD and compliance.
- Oversee business operations (issue management, audit support, contract adherence, milestone tracking) and resolve alliance gaps/conflicts.
- Bridge cultural gaps between Lilly and partners.
Basic requirements:
- Minimum B.S. (Chemistry/Engineering/Biosciences).
- 15+ years CMC pharma experience; 5+ years enabling novel CMC technologies/supply chain via contract manufacturing organizations.
Additional skills/preferences:
- Strategic problem-solving; strong communication and project management; learning agility; ability to operate in ambiguity.
- Demonstrated operational excellence; cross-functional/cross-cultural collaboration; strong business acumen.
Additional information:
- Travel: up to 25%. Location: Indianapolis, onsite.
Compensation/benefits (as stated):
- Anticipated base pay: $151,500–$222,200; company bonus eligibility; comprehensive benefits including 401(k), medical/dental/vision, life insurance, time off/leave, and well-being benefits.
- Implement/maintain strategic external partnerships to design and develop drug substance/drug product for pre-clinical/clinical phase assets.
- Ensure alignment across Lilly CMC, Quality, Procurement, and Safety to translate PRD/SMDD strategy into actionable results.
- Drive implementation of novel SMDD technology transfer for GMP production via CDMOs.
- Champion operational excellence: monitor capacity/quality/performance, perform trend analysis, and manage governance/processes for supply chain/R&D/compliance/contractual obligations.
- Manage relationships: mitigate risks, communicate for 360° feedback, coach teams, and reduce operational inefficiencies.
- Partner on laboratory informatics (Tech@Lilly) for data/knowledge capture aligned to SMDD and compliance.
- Oversee business operations (issue management, audit support, contract adherence, milestone tracking) and resolve alliance gaps/conflicts.
- Bridge cultural gaps between Lilly and partners.
Basic requirements:
- Minimum B.S. (Chemistry/Engineering/Biosciences).
- 15+ years CMC pharma experience; 5+ years enabling novel CMC technologies/supply chain via contract manufacturing organizations.
Additional skills/preferences:
- Strategic problem-solving; strong communication and project management; learning agility; ability to operate in ambiguity.
- Demonstrated operational excellence; cross-functional/cross-cultural collaboration; strong business acumen.
Additional information:
- Travel: up to 25%. Location: Indianapolis, onsite.
Compensation/benefits (as stated):
- Anticipated base pay: $151,500–$222,200; company bonus eligibility; comprehensive benefits including 401(k), medical/dental/vision, life insurance, time off/leave, and well-being benefits.