Director, Technical Services/Manufacturing Science

Elanco Tiergesundheit AG; Fort Dodge (IA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation packages

Two weeklong shutdowns (US)

8-week parental leave

9 Employee Resource Groups

Annual bonus offering

Flexible work arrangements

Up to 6% 401K matching

Job summary

Elanco is seeking a Director – Technical Service/Manufacturing Science (TSMS) at the Fort Dodge, IA site to lead a high-performing team responsible for the technical stewardship of manufacturing processes. The role drives technical strategy, ensures GMP compliance, and fosters innovation to support current production and future growth.

The role requires 10+ years in pharma/animal health/biotech manufacturing with strong GMP expertise and leadership capabilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years in pharmaceutical, animal health, or biotechnology manufacturing with progressive leadership in technical services or process engineering.
• GMP expertise and ability to lead and develop high-performing technical teams through complex problem-solving.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and regulatory experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic technical leadership for manufacturing processes including biological antigen production, aseptic processing, vaccine formulation, and filling.
• Ensure GMP compliance and operational excellence through robust application of GMP, product reviews, and process validation.
• Lead, coach and develop a technical team of scientists, engineers and statisticians.
• Champion site safety and environmental stewardship in lab and pilot plant operations.
• Drive continuous process improvement and data-driven problem solving across the Elanco network.

Skills

GMP knowledge

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Bioprocess), Chemistry, Microbiology

Master’s degree in related discipline

Job description

Your Role: 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.

Your 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.

Travel: 10%

Location: Fort Dodge, IA - Site-Based

What You Need to Succeed (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.

What will give you a competitive edge (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.

Additional Information:

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

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized 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 Benefits and Perks:

• 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

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.

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (NYSE: ELAN) is a global leader in animal health dedicated to innovating and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets, creating value for farmers, pet owners, veterinarians, stakeholders, and society as a whole. With nearly 70 years of animal health heritage, we are committed to helping our customers improve the health of animals in their care, while also making a meaningful impact on our local and global communities. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching life and our Elanco Healthy Purpose™ CSR framework – all to advance the health of animals, people and the planet. Learn more at www.elanco.com.