Sr. Director - Operational Excellence and Transformation

Eli Lilly • Indianapolis, IN

100d • $151,500 - $244,200

About The Position

At Lilly, we serve an extraordinary purpose. We make a difference for people around the globe by discovering, developing and delivering medicines that help them live longer, healthier, more active lives. Not only do we deliver breakthrough medications, but you also can count on us to develop creative solutions to support communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. The Bioproduct Research and Development (BR D) organization strives to deliver innovative medicines to patients through the development and commercialization of monoclonal antibodies, novel therapeutic proteins, peptides, bioconjugates, cell therapies, gene therapies, and other genetic medicines etc. This organization is a multidisciplinary group that works collaboratively with our discovery, manufacturing and quality, business units. The Senior Director, Operational Excellence and Transformation, is responsible for evaluating the existing operational framework and workflows, and then developing data-driven strategies to improve efficiency across the biologics drug substance organization spanning both development and clinical manufacturing functions. This role collaborates closely with function heads to establish a strong foundation and foster a sustainable culture of innovation and continuous improvement that drives measurable productivity gains.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, life sciences, manufacturing, or related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in industrial operations, business process improvement, or continuous improvement, with a proven track record of driving operational excellence.

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of pharmaceutical R&D operations, with emphasis on CMC and GMP manufacturing, is a plus.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Lean Sigma practices, with systematic training across various improvement and transformation methodologies (e.g. Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, Gemba). Experience with the Danaher Business System or other similar system is a plus.
• Strong analytical mindset with proficiency in data analytics, KPI development, and decision-support tools.
• Proven track record leading cross-functional transformation program with complex stakeholder landscapes. Familiarity with pharmaceutical quality systems is a plus.
• Demonstrated strength in business and strategic thinking, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive effective decisions.
• Demonstrated success in effectively guiding culture change initiatives that support business transformation and sustained continuous improvement.
• Excellent program governance, project-management, and change-management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with functional SMEs to document detailed workflows and create structured business process maps that provide a clear understanding of current operations.
• Develop a robust and effective system to capture relevant data that supports informed, data-driven decision-making (e.g. resource allocation and business planning).
• Establish high-level strategy aligned to departmental objectives, with a clear roadmap of transformation initiatives tailored for each function.
• Collaborate with function heads to identify, prioritize, and execute projects for productivity improvement. Develop and monitor KPIs as well as applicable tracking models to quantify benefits.
• Design and implement standardized methods, tools, and templates for problem solving, daily management, and etc.
• Deliver systematic training in useful Lean/Sigma methodologies to the team.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, encourage smart and efficient ways of working, and drive creative solutions within existing constraints.

Benefits

• Eligibility to participate in a 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: Senior
• Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree