Director, Technical Services/Manufacturing Science

Elanco; Fort Dodge (IA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

Annual bonus

6% 401K matching

Flexible work arrangements

Two weeklong shutdowns (US)

Parental leave

Job summary

Elanco seeks a Director of Technical Service/Manufacturing Science (TSMS) to lead a high‑performing team at the Fort Dodge site. You will drive technical strategy, ensure GMP compliance, and foster innovation to support current production and future growth.

You will guide manufacturing processes across biological antigen production, aseptic processing, vaccine formulation, and filling, while promoting safety and regulatory excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related scientific field as minimum.
• 10+ years in pharmaceutical/animal health/biotech manufacturing with progressive leadership.
• Strong GMP knowledge and ability to lead high‑performing technical teams through complex problems.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic technical leadership for manufacturing processes including biological antigen production, aseptic processing, vaccine formulation, and filling.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and operational excellence through GMP, product reviews, and process validation activities.
• Lead, coach, and develop a technical team of scientists, engineers, and statisticians to foster high performance and accountability.
• Champion site safety and environmental stewardship in labs and pilot plants; participate in hazard assessments.
• Drive continuous process improvement by leveraging data analytics and cross-site collaboration.

Skills

GMP expertise

Technical team leadership

Process engineering leadership

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's in Chemical/Mechanical/Bioprocess Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Director – Technical Service/Manufacturing Science (TSMS)

As the TSMS Director, you will lead a high-performing team of scientists and engineers responsible for the technical stewardship of all manufacturing processes at the Fort Dodge site. In this role, you will drive technical strategy, ensure GMP compliance, and foster a culture of innovation to support current production and future growth.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic technical leadership for manufacturing processes including biological antigen production, aseptic processing, vaccine formulation, and filling.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and operational excellence through robust application of GMP, periodic product reviews, and process validation activities.
• Lead, coach, and develop a technical team of scientists, engineers, and statisticians to create a high-performance culture of accountability.
• Champion site safety and environmental stewardship by ensuring safe laboratory and pilot plant operations and participating in hazard assessments.
• Drive continuous process improvement and technical problem-solving by leveraging data analytics and collaborating across the Elanco network.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s in engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Bioprocess), Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related scientific or technical discipline.
• Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical, animal health, or biotechnology manufacturing with progressive leadership in technical services or process engineering.
• Top 2 skills: Deep understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and proven ability to lead and develop high-performing technical teams through complex problem-solving.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in related discipline.
• Direct experience with vaccine manufacturing, viral or bacterial antigen production, aseptic processing, or lyophilization.
• Experience managing process validation, technology transfers, and investigations in a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to interface effectively with Quality, Engineering, and Regulatory teams to influence business outcomes.
• Experience working within a matrixed, global technical organization with a strong professional network.
• Track record of mentoring and developing early-career technical talent for leadership pipelines.

Location and Travel

• Travel: 10%
• Location: Fort Dodge, IA – Site-Based

Benefits

• Multiple relocation packages
• Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
• 8-week parental leave
• 9 Employee Resource Groups
• Annual bonus offering
• Flexible work arrangements
• Up to 6% 401K matching

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.