Associate Director, GQMLD Functions Learning Lead

Lilly • Indianapolis, IN

10d • $127,500 - $187,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Global Manufacturing and Quality Learning and Development (GMQLD) organization is dedicated to delivering learning solutions and strategies that empower Lilly's Manufacturing and Quality organizations to achieve our mission: making medicine with safety first and quality always. The Functions Learning Leader is the recognized internal expert in learning and capability development for site and central functions — driving excellence through a team of L&D professionals and serving as the critical connector between platform execution and the global Center of Excellence. This role operates at the intersection of global strategy and platform and site-specific needs — ensuring that learning priorities, governance frameworks, and compliance standards are consistently and effectively delivered across every site the platform serves. The Functions Leader balances global direction with the on-the-ground realities of site and central functions, ensuring audit and inspection readiness, workforce development, and capability-building are executed with precision at the local level.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 8+ years of demonstrated experience in Learning & Development, Talent Development, Instructional Design, or Manufacturing Training, with a focus on regulated pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing environments.
• Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization and visas for this role, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Learning Sciences, Instructional Systems Technology, Performance Technology, Organizational Development, Data Analytics, or related fields.
• Recognized internal expert in manufacturing quality learning strategy, workforce readiness, and/or qualification program design — with demonstrated ability to influence senior management, regulators, or external partners on key decisions.
• Deep understanding of GxP, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), regulatory requirements, and compliance training across global manufacturing networks.
• Expertise in modern learning methodologies including competency-based training, AI-driven learning platforms, simulation-based learning, digital academies, and performance consulting.
• Demonstrated ability to make complex technical and business decisions within general functional, company, and industry guidelines — operating with strategic autonomy.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to anticipate, identify, and solve complex capability problems that affect the functional or business area — linking learning and workforce readiness outcomes to operational and quality performance.
• Proficiency in data visualization and business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) with the ability to translate data into executive-level insights and strategic action.
• Experience setting strategy and governing network or enterprise scale — building frameworks, standards, and governance models that multiple teams execute against.
• Demonstrated ability to influence internal and external customers and partners to identify opportunities for improving technologies, processes, and learning services across a global network.
• Experience leading large-scale programs or initiatives with significant complexity, resource requirements, and strategic risk — managing across functions, geographies, and organizational layers.
• Track record of staying abreast of regulatory and policy developments in GMP manufacturing and playing a direct role in influencing qualification and training regulations or organizational strategies.
• Experience leading learning transformation initiatives in a manufacturing environment, including adoption of next-generation technologies and evidence-based learning design.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Power Platform (Power BI, PowerApps) and/or enterprise learning analytics infrastructure.
• Familiarity with OJT program design and on-the-job performance verification approaches common in pharma manufacturing.
• Exceptional executive communication skills — verbal, written, and data storytelling — with the ability to simplify complexity for senior audiences and drive decisions.
• Certifications in performance improvement (CPT), learning evaluation, or related disciplines (CPTD, ATD, HPI) are a plus.
• Change management experience in a global, matrixed organization.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a high-performing global functions team by setting a clear standard of excellence, holding accountability to outcomes with directness and care, and addressing performance gaps — and talent gaps — without hesitation.
• Bring high emotional intelligence to team leadership — reading individual motivators, team dynamics, and organizational pressure accurately to coach effectively, sustain cohesion through change, and create an environment where strong performers thrive.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear team direction and execution rhythm — removing blockers, maintaining momentum, and closing the gap between what leadership asks for and what the team delivers.
• Develop team members across craft, stakeholder influence, and leadership capacity — coaching individuals to frame problems well, bring solutions, and operate with increasing independence and confidence.
• Operate as a skilled problem-solver and credible cross-functional partner — navigating complex, matrixed relationships across platforms, sites, and senior leadership with substance, influence, and a clear line of sight to business outcomes.
• Serve as the primary L&D Leader across site and central functions, ensuring alignment with global L&D strategies, policies, and procedures while meeting local operational needs.
• Partner with the global CoE, LA and LEPs to implement future-facing learning solutions that drive performance, compliance, and operational excellence.
• Ensure global governance frameworks are executed for site and central functions, in partnership with M2 Platform Lead, maintaining inspection and audit readiness in real time.
• Act as a champion for a modern learning culture, shifting away from site-based traditional document-based training toward interactive, digital, and experiential global, network and platform-based learning solutions.
• Support the team providing function-specific L&D initiatives that enable compliance, manufacturing excellence, and employee development.
• Drive learning effectiveness measurement using real-time data and analytics to ensure programs deliver measurable business impact.
• Partner cross-functionally with stakeholders to embed a learning mindset across the site.
• Ensure audit and inspection readiness, proactively addressing training gaps and regulatory expectations.
• Advocate for technology-enabled learning, including AI, immersive simulations, digital academies and just-in-time learning solutions.
• Ensure implementation of the GMQLD strategy for measuring learning program effectiveness across functions — including evaluation frameworks, assessment design, and business impact methodologies.
• Operate as a strategic partner to Senior Director, COE, COE, LAs, Site LEPs, Quality, Operations, HR, and Tech@Lilly — influencing decisions and driving alignment across a complex, matrixed global organization.
• Lead without authority across a global network, driving results through collaboration, influence, and a clear line of sight to business outcomes.

Benefits

• company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance)
• company-sponsored 401(k)
• pension
• vacation benefits
• eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits
• flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts)
• life insurance and death benefits
• certain time off and leave of absence benefits
• well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director