Utilities Lead Operator - Lilly Medicine Foundry

Eli Lilly and Company•Us, IN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Utilities Lead Operator is a subject matter expert on utility systems equipment and processes, providing frontline leadership for the utilities operations team at the Medicine Foundry site. With deep knowledge across all utility systems — including high purity water, compressed air, steam, chilled water, heated water, chilled glycol, heated glycol, domestic water, cooling towers, tepid water, waste streams, VOC management, nitrogen systems, aqueous waste neutralization, and tank farm management (solvent tank filling and hazardous waste tank emptying) — this position acts as a supervisor in the absence of the site supervisor, ensures the team is operating safely and in compliance with GMP and site EH&S standards, and serves as the primary escalation point for equipment issues, process deviations, and operational decisions. The Lead Operator drives accountability, team development, and operational excellence across the shift.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Proven experience leading a team in an industrial or pharmaceutical utilities environment, including acting in a supervisory capacity.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in utilities, industrial, or mechanical operations required; prior supervisory or lead experience in a cGMP pharmaceutical manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
Valid driver’s license required.
English required.
Must have mechanical aptitude.
Must be willing to respond to call-in and scheduled overtime work.
Must be capable of lifting up to 40 pounds.
Must be able to withstand exposure to temperature variations while performing work outside in winter and summer weather conditions.
Must be able to wear respiratory equipment.

Nice To Haves

Technical or vocational degree in mechanical, industrial, or utilities systems preferred.
Leadership or supervisory training a plus.
Proficient in DCS platforms such as DeltaV, UMS alarm management, CMMS, and GMARS documentation systems.
Demonstrated ability to manage shift priorities, coordinate cross-functional resources, and communicate effectively with site leadership.
Strong knowledge of GMP, OSHA, EPA, RCRA, and site EH&S regulatory requirements with a track record of holding teams accountable to compliance standards.
Previous experience supporting capital projects, equipment commissioning, alarm rationalization, and process improvement initiatives in partnership with engineering teams.

Responsibilities

Act as supervisor in the absence of the site supervisor, making operational decisions, managing shift priorities, and serving as the primary point of contact for the utilities team.
Communicate equipment issues to the appropriate teams and follow through to ensure problems are resolved in a timely manner, escalating to site management when necessary.
Proactively review SOPs to ensure they are accurate, current, and reflective of actual system operation, partnering with engineering and site leadership to drive updates.
Conduct housekeeping walkthroughs to verify that all utility operations areas are maintained to GMP and site EH&S standards, and hold the team accountable for compliance.
Ensure operators understand their assigned processes, equipment, and responsibilities, supporting ongoing training and reinforcing safe and compliant work practices.
Ensure equipment is properly locked out and made ready for maintenance needs, and verify that the team is adhering to all GMP, safety, and EH&S protocols at all times.

Benefits

company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance)
company-sponsored 401(k)
pension
vacation benefits
medical benefits
dental benefits
vision benefits
prescription drug benefits
flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts)
life insurance
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)