Lead Operator Small Molecule - Lilly Medicine Foundry

Eli Lilly and Company • Indianapolis, IN

11d • $26 - $38 • Onsite

About The Position

Lilly recently announced a $4.5 billion investment to create the Lilly Medicine Foundry, a new center for advanced manufacturing and drug development. The first-ever facility of its kind, combining research and manufacturing in a single location, the Medicine Foundry will allow Lilly to further develop innovative solutions to optimize manufacturing processes and increase capacity for clinical trial medicines, while also reducing costs and environmental impact. In the project delivery phase and startup phase of the project (startup expected 2025 to 2027), operational roles will be fluid and dynamic as we endeavor to support the project delivery, build a new organization, develop and implement the necessary systems and business processes required to support GMP operations, and build the site culture. This will require significant collaboration, creativity and resilience as the site grows to a full scale GMP manufacturing through start up. Job Position Overview: The Lilly Medicine Foundry Manufacturing Lead Operator actively supports start-up activities to bring manufacturing equipment into service. The Lead Operator becomes an expert in their assigned area and educates the team on the proper operation of the facility. This role requires domestic and international travel to collaborate, train, and learn from sites that currently produce APIs. Upon completion of the project phase, the Lead Operator provides on-the-floor, tactical leadership for production of API molecules. The Lead Operator ensures a safety-first, quality-always approach while managing a production process that encompasses diverse unit operations and manufacturing skills.

Requirements

• HS Diploma/GED
• 3+ years of directly applicable manufacturing experience, GMP and/or chemical processing strongly preferred.
• 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 or 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.
• Basic computer skills (desktop software) are required.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in facility or area start-up environments.
• Previous experience in a pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing operation involving PSM-regulated or hazardous chemicals.
• A solid understanding of FDA guidelines and cGMP requirements.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle and prioritize multiple requests.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.
• Flexibility to troubleshoot and triage challenges effectively.
• The ability to understand technical nomenclature and language, as well as work with mathematical formulas.
• Ability to effectively communicate (electronically, written and verbal).

Responsibilities

• Responsible to help enforce adherence to compliance requirements (safety, quality, and environmental) and appropriately escalating any adverse events.
• Operating processes and equipment according to batch records, user manuals, design parameters, standard operating procedures, and work instructions to meet production schedule.
• Provide on-the-floor leadership to make tactical day-to-day decisions and ensure proper prioritization of operations resources throughout the shift.
• Ensure completion of daily monitoring, testing, and cleaning duties to ensure equipment and systems are in good operating condition and maintained per local and corporate regulatory requirements.
• Serve as a cultural leader for site safety culture, promoting compliant operations and positive safety behaviors. Lead by example and promote accountability at all levels.
• Provide technical leadership for troubleshooting and reaction to process upsets, integrating operator input and escalating as appropriate.
• Follow all applicable procedures for safety event reporting and documentation. This includes following appropriate spill response procedures, escalation of issues, and initiating Emergency Response procedures as needed.
• Ensure adequate communication at shift passovers and participate in daily shift huddles/meetings to understand and set expectations for daily operational goals.
• Ensure all area personnel follow cGMP practices, safe work habits, plant dress code, hygiene standards, and housekeeping requirements unique to the work area and job classification.
• Partner with area management and supervision to understand Foundry strategy and future production needs. Represent and support this strategy in conversations with shift members.
• Actively participating in assigned building and area operations such as safety audits, procedure coordination, housekeeping, and continuous improvement projects.
• Using specified company-supplied personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., hair and beard coverings, lab coats or gowns, safety shoes, safety glasses, hard hats, etc.) as required.

Benefits

• company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance)
• company-sponsored 401(k)
• pension
• vacation benefits
• 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: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED