Sr. Principal Associate - HSE - Environmental (Water SME)

Lilly • Indianapolis, IN

2d • $115,500 - $184,800 • Onsite

About The Position

This role provides strategic and technical water management expertise within Global HSE, supporting global manufacturing, research, and other relevant business operations. The position advances company standards and long-term strategies for wastewater management, water use and recycling, groundwater quality, and drinking water compliance, while translating emerging regulatory and industry developments into practical, risk-based global solutions that support evolving business needs. The role provides senior-level expertise for complex and high-risk water issues, serves as a technical resource on regulatory matters, and contributes to enterprise policy, capital planning, and long-term environmental risk reduction through technical judgment, governance, and cross-functional leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• 10+ years of progressive experience in water pollution control practices, treatment technologies, and regulatory affairs in complex regulated 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

• Expertise in US Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and Oil Pollution Prevention Act statutes and regulations, EU IPPC licensing, and applicable international requirements.
• Experience in pharmaceutical API manufacturing or another highly regulated industry, including site-based operational experience.
• Expertise in wastewater treatment technologies, water reuse and recycling, and groundwater quality management.
• Strong working knowledge of risk assessment methodologies and their application to environmental decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders through technical credibility, sound judgment, technical writing, and disciplined project execution.
• Demonstrated ability to translate technical and regulatory complexity into clear recommendations for diverse audiences, including senior leadership, regulatory agencies, and elected officials.
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in engineering, environmental science, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience establishing standards, governance, or enterprise-wide environmental programs in a global, multi-site organization.
• Experience engaging with regulatory agencies, industry associations, and third-party environmental service providers.
• Experience using data, metrics, and digital tools to assess performance, communicate risk, and support environmental decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Define and advance global water management strategies, requirements, and performance standards for manufacturing, research, and other relevant operations through ownership of enterprise technical requirements.
• Assist new sites in obtaining environmental permits and in identifying and implementing operational and engineering controls.
• Establish and evolve global water program data, tools, and metrics — including water use analytics, site self-assessments, and corporate audit findings — to track performance, benchmark progress, and drive sustainable improvement.
• Anticipate, interpret, and influence external water policy, legislation, and regulatory developments, translating them into actionable internal requirements and guidance that advance environmental stewardship and operational flexibility.
• Provide technical support to influence legislation and regulations involving technology-based and water quality-based standards.
• Partner with site and functional HSE teams to strengthen capability, providing the tools, technical guidance, and consultation required to sustain compliance and drive local continuous improvement in water pollution control.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to water pollution control professionals across global sites, including leadership of technical forums and communities of practice.
• Represent Lilly, as appropriate, in external industry groups, trade associations, and regulatory forums.
• Coordinate technology initiatives such as best available technique/technology determinations.
• Provide senior-level expertise for complex, high-risk deviation events and permitting oversight upon request.

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: Senior