Director - MQ L&D Small Molecule and Central Functions

Elanco; Village of Liverpool (NY); On-site; USD 119,000 - 172,000; Full time

Job summary

Elanco is seeking a Director, MQ Learning & Development to shape and implement a unified learning strategy across our Small Molecule MQ network. You will drive a scalable, compliant learning ecosystem with digital tools, AI, and analytics to elevate performance and leadership across manufacturing sites.

You will lead MQ L&D resources, partner with Global L&D and site leaders, and deliver transformative learning programs in a complex, global environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing.
• 4+ years direct people-management experience.
• Proven success leading learning initiatives across manufacturing sites.
• Strong knowledge of global regulations (FDA, USDA, EU GMP).
• Experience leading teams in virtual environments.
• Ability to influence and collaborate across functions and leadership levels.
• Facilitation and coaching for leadership development.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the learning strategy and transformation roadmap across the Small Molecule MQ network.
• Lead and develop MQ L&D resources across the network with clear accountability.
• Translate business and site needs into scalable learning solutions that improve performance and compliance.
• Drive harmonization and optimization of learning processes across sites with Global L&D and MQ leadership.
• Shape effective learning experiences across live, virtual, on-demand and blended formats.
• Drive digital innovation including LMS optimization, AI-enabled learning and analytics.
• Design and facilitate frontline leadership development initiatives within MQ transformation.
• Establish KPIs, analytics and dashboards to measure learning impact.
• Lead cross-functional learning initiatives with site leaders, Global L&D, Quality, SMEs and external partners.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

People management

Leadership development

Regulatory knowledge

Virtual leadership

Facilitation & coaching

Education

Bachelor in Life Sciences

Tools

LMS

Content-authoring tools

VR/AR learning tech

AI-powered learning

Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you’ll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals’ lives better makes life better – join our team today!

Your role:

As Director, MQ Learning & Development (L&D), you will shape and implement the strategic vision and roadmap for learning across our Small Molecule Manufacturing & Quality (MQ) network.

You will lead the transformation toward a unified, scalable learning approach that balances regulatory compliance, operational excellence, employee onboarding, leadership readiness and continuous capability development. Working across manufacturing sites and in close partnership with Global L&D and business leaders, you will ensure our people have the capabilities they need to deliver reliable supply with integrity and excellence.

This role provides direct leadership to MQ L&D resources across the network and will play a key role in transforming our learning ecosystem through process harmonization, digital learning, analytics and emerging technologies including AI.

Your Responsibilities:

• Define and lead the learning strategy and transformation roadmap across the Small Molecule MQ network.
• Lead and develop MQ L&D resources, ensuring clear accountability and effective collaboration across the network.
• Translate business and site needs into scalable learning solutions that improve performance, compliance and employee engagement.
• Drive harmonization and optimization of learning processes across manufacturing sites in partnership with Global L&D and MQ leadership.
• Shape effective learning experiences across live, virtual, on-demand and blended formats, applying adult learning and behavioral science principles.
• Drive digital innovation, including LMS optimization, AI-enabled learning, analytics and emerging technologies such as VR/AR.
• Design and facilitate frontline leadership development initiatives supporting MQ transformation and continuous learning.
• Establish KPIs, analytics and dashboards to measure learning effectiveness and impact on manufacturing outcomes.
• Lead cross-functional learning initiatives and build strong partnerships with site leaders, Global L&D, Quality, SMEs and external partners, while managing relevant vendors, budgets and timelines.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

• Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing site roles.
• 4+ years of direct people-management experience.
• Proven success developing and leading learning initiatives that support manufacturing sites and deliver measurable results.
• Demonstrated operational excellence mindset, including experience with process harmonization and optimization.
• Strong knowledge of global industry regulations and compliance requirements, such as FDA, USDA and EU GMP.
• Experience leading and developing effective teams within a virtual environment.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, collaborate and build effective partnerships across functions and leadership levels.
• Strong facilitation and coaching capability, with experience developing and/or delivering leadership training.
• Fluent written and spoken English.

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience leading learning or training programs within global, matrixed life sciences organizations.
• Expertise in digital learning design, AI-powered learning solutions and performance analytics.
• Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS), content-authoring tools and multimedia learning solutions.
• Knowledge of emerging learning technologies, including VR/AR and adaptive learning platforms.
• Certification or formal training in adult learning theory.

Additional Information:

• Travel: 30% mainly in EU
• Location: Speke, UK on-site preferrable. Hybrid Work Environment possible

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job‑related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.