Sr. Director - Manufacturing Operations
About The Position
Lilly is constructing an advanced manufacturing facility for monoclonal antibodies, bioconjugates, and aseptic drug product manufacturing in Goochland County, Virginia. This facility is intended to provide capacity for current and future products. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of the leadership team for the startup of a manufacturing site, and the successful candidate will help to build the organization, the facility and the culture to enable a successful startup into GMP manufacturing operations. The Senior Director, Operations is responsible for leading manufacturing operations —either monoclonal antibody DS production or ADC / aseptic drug product production —ensuring the organization has the capacity, capability, and leadership to deliver the site’s manufacturing plan. This role also 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. During the project delivery and startup phase, the role will focus on: Supporting facility delivery and operational readiness. Building the manufacturing organization and leadership structure. Developing and implementing GMP systems and processes. Shaping site culture and ensuring alignment with long-term business goals.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline
- 10+ years of experience leading operations within the pharmaceutical industry
Nice To Haves
- Experience in monoclonal antibodies, bioconjugates, and/or aseptic drug product manufacturing preferred.
- Process Safety Management experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of cGMPs and their application in manufacturing operations.
- Proven ability to build effective relationships across all organizational levels, including close collaboration with the Site Leadership Team.
- Demonstrated success in leading projects from initiation to completion—on time, within budget, and to high performance standards.
- Skilled in developing and managing high-performing, engaged teams with a strong safety and team-oriented culture.
Responsibilities
- Lead collaboratively and energetically across all aspects of 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, drawing on internal expertise and external best practices.
- Embed lean principles and a continuous improvement mindset across operations and support functions.
- Act as the end-user representative during project delivery—providing input on design, commissioning, and startup decisions to ensure alignment 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 all applicable regulatory requirements (e.g., safety, quality/cGMP, environmental, financial, legal, HR).
- Ensure Production Flow and Process Teams meet Lilly’s Manufacturing Standards for Operational Excellence.
- Maintain robust 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 to implement 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)
- 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)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
