Sr Director - Operations

Lilly • Huntsville, AL

2d • $168,000 - $246,400

About The Position

The Senior Director, Operations leads manufacturing operations—either small molecule or siRNA/oligonucleotide—and ensures the organization has the capacity, capability, and leadership to deliver the site’s manufacturing plan. The role integrates cross-functional support teams and fosters a strong safety culture. As a member of the Lilly Site Lead Team, the Senior Director contributes to strategic direction, organizational development, and cross-functional issue resolution.

Lilly is constructing an advanced manufacturing facility for API production, intended to supply current and future products, including new modalities. This role is part of the leadership team establishing a greenfield manufacturing site and will help build the organization, facility, and culture for startup into GMP manufacturing operations.

During project delivery and startup (2029–2030), the role focuses on facility delivery and operational readiness, building the manufacturing organization and its leadership structure, developing and implementing GMP systems and processes, and shaping site culture in alignment with long-term business goals. After startup, the role leads production operations, strategic planning, regulatory compliance, operational performance, product introductions, continuous improvement, and leadership development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• 10+ years of experience leading operations within the pharmaceutical industry.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in API manufacturing and Process Safety Management.
• Strong knowledge of cGMPs and their application in manufacturing operations.
• Ability to build effective relationships across organizational levels, including close collaboration with the Site Leadership Team.
• Demonstrated success leading projects from initiation to completion on time, within budget, and to high performance standards.
• Skill in developing and managing high-performing, engaged teams with a strong safety and team-oriented culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead collaboratively across operational readiness and startup.
• Build an organization with the capability, capacity, and culture 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.
• Represent end users during project delivery, providing input on design, commissioning, and startup decisions to align with project goals and long-term strategy.
• Develop and execute strategic and operational plans for Production Operations.
• Contribute to the site’s medium- and long-term strategic direction.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including safety, quality/cGMP, environmental, financial, legal, and HR requirements.
• Ensure Production Flow and Process Teams meet Lilly’s Manufacturing Standards for Operational Excellence.
• Maintain control systems to manage operations, identify compliance risks, and escalate issues appropriately.
• Monitor site and business-area performance and take corrective action as needed.
• Lead cross-functional teams implementing new product introductions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop future management and technical leaders for site and global roles.

Benefits

• Company bonus, depending in part on company and individual performance.
• Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k).
• Pension.
• Vacation benefits.
• Eligibility for medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits.
• Flexible benefits, including 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, including an employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities.

What This Job Offers

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