Associate Director - Operational Readiness

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader with a commitment to bringing life-changing medicines to patients, improving disease understanding, and giving back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We seek people who are determined to make life better for others. Lilly is currently constructing an advanced manufacturing facility for production of API molecules. This facility will provide APIs for current and future products, including new modalities. This is a unique opportunity to be part of the leadership team for the startup of a greenfield manufacturing site, helping to build the organization, the facility, and the culture needed for a successful startup into GMP manufacturing operations. Position Overview

The Associate Director – Operational Readiness is a site leader responsible for developing and managing an integrated project plan to prepare the manufacturing facility for operational readiness. Reporting through site operations, this role works closely with project managers and the Site Lead Team to align all workstream deliverables. The Associate Director ensures clear communication between the GFD project team and stakeholders (e.g., Ops, TSMS, Engineering, QA, QCL, Maintenance, Logistics, IT), navigates complex project linkages, and resolves barriers to ensure a safe, timely, and successful startup. This role also leads the site’s Operational Excellence group, establishing Lean principles and a continuous improvement framework. Key Responsibilities

Identify essential pre-manufacturing elements for facility readiness with input from cross-functional stakeholders. Collaborate with the GFD project team and site functions to develop an integrated startup plan, addressing dependencies, timelines, and resource needs. Serve as the main liaison between the GFD project and site teams to ensure clear communication and aligned priorities. Lead a cross-functional team to implement the plan, foster collaboration, and build team morale. Align scope, goals, and timelines with stakeholders to meet project objectives. Drive timely decision-making under tight deadlines. Manage communications and relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Proactively resolve issues and implement corrective actions. Forecast and manage resource needs to avoid project delays. Report key metrics to site and network governance forums. Apply lean management practices to streamline meetings, communication, and escalation. Build a culture of operational excellence and embed Lean principles into site governance. Basic Qualifications

Bachelor2s degree in a relevant discipline (STEM degree preferred) and experience in a functional or operational leadership role within the pharmaceutical industry. 5+ years of experience supporting GMP operations Additional Preferences

Proven experience leading large, cross-functional projects from initiation to successful delivery Ability to thrive in dynamic environments and adapt quickly to shifting priorities Skilled in influencing decisions on complex technical challenges Strong organizational and self-management skills; able to prioritize and adjust workload effectively Effective collaboration across diverse functions (e.g., Technical Services, Engineering, Quality, QC, IT, Operations) with ability to integrate workstreams Demonstrated ability to influence peers and business partners Strong interpersonal and team-building skills; fosters effective collaboration among diverse styles Track record of delivering high-performance projects on time and within budget Proficient in continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.) Familiarity with documentation, deviation, and change management systems (e.g., TrackWise, Veeva, QualityDocs, Kneat) Diversity, Accommodation and Benefits

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. This is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process; other correspondence will not receive a response. Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer support networks for members and are open to all employees. Groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network, Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly, PRIDE, Veterans Leadership Network, Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly, and enAble. Learn more about all of our groups. Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is commensurate with experience. Full-time equivalent employees are eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). Lilly offers a comprehensive benefits program including eligibility for a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare or dependent care flexible spending accounts); life insurance; time off and leave benefits; and well-being benefits. Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply for promotions or transfers. #WeAreLilly

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