Lead Designer

Eli Lilly and Company; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 58,500 - 137,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Remote work options

Growth and learning opportunities

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in Indianapolis seeks a Lead Designer to execute visual concepts for marketing campaigns. The ideal candidate has over 8 years of design experience, proficiency in Adobe Suite, and a strong portfolio. This role offers opportunities for mentorship and collaboration within a dynamic creative team. A competitive salary range is offered.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience as a Senior Designer or equivalent.
• Demonstrated impactful, hands-on creative work.
• Qualified to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Execute visual concepts for integrated campaigns.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for cohesive storytelling.
• Support the development of design systems and visual assets.

Skills

Design principles

Adobe Creative Suite

Collaborative skills

Attention to detail

Inclusive design practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in design

Tools

Adobe Suite

Job description

Organization Overview

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life‑changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

The Lilly Creative Capabilities team fuses data, creativity, and technology to turn bold ideas into work that moves people worldwide. As a true creative engine, we partner across the enterprise, uniting deep brand expertise with integrated insights and modern production to deliver breakthrough ideas with confidence and speed. We design human‑centric experiences that build trust, deepen understanding, and drive measurable outcomes. Together, we push past “good enough,” raising the bar for creative excellence and operational agility.

Who We Are

We are transforming our in‑house agency (IHA) to set a new standard for excellence, creating an environment where creativity thrives on the foundation of smart operations, innovative technology, and empowered people. As a Lead Designer, you will play a critical role in executing complex design projects and shaping the visual consistency of our brands. You’ll collaborate closely with Art Directors, Associate Creative Directors, and cross‑functional partners, working within a small, high‑performing creative team that values bold ideas, inclusive design, and continuous improvement. You’ll take ownership of multiple projects across different brands, support the development of design systems, and help drive operational efficiency through innovative use of technology and best practices. This is an opportunity to develop your expertise, mentor others, and make a real impact on how people connect with our brands.

What We Are Looking For

• Highly skilled lead designer with a strong portfolio demonstrating hands‑on, high‑impact creative work across digital, social, print, experiential platforms, and multiple brands.
• Expert in design principles, layout, typography, and brand standards, with advanced proficiency in the last Adobe Creative Suite.
• Hands‑on creative who thrives on developing and executing visual concepts, not just overseeing the work.
• Collaborative partner who works closely with ACDs, copywriters, designers, and cross‑functional teams to ensure cohesive storytelling.
• Eager learner who is open to feedback and committed to continuous improvement.
• Detail‑oriented professional who delivers work on time and to spec.
• Advocate for inclusive and accessible design practices across all formats.

What You’ll Work On

• Execute visual concepts for integrated campaigns across digital, social, print, and experiential platforms.
• Interpret creative briefs and translate them into compelling visual solutions that reflect brand identity and connect with diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with Art Directors, ACDs, copywriters, other designers, and cross‑functional partners to ensure cohesive storytelling and creative alignment.
• Support the development and maintenance of design systems, templates, and visual assets to drive consistency and efficiency.
• Champion inclusive and accessible design practices, ensuring all visual content is welcoming and usable for all audiences.
• Stay current on design trends, platform updates, and audience behaviours, proactively bringing new ideas and approaches to the work.
• Leverage technology and creative platforms to streamline workstreams and automate repetitive tasks.
• Share relevant knowledge and creative best practices across teams to help develop talent, foster a culture of growth and collaboration, and elevate collective performance.
• Ensure all design work adheres to brand guidelines, accessibility requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Participate in creative reviews, providing and receiving feedback to continuously elevate the quality of work.
• Contribute to a culture of creative excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Experience / Personal Skill Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in design (e.g., Graphic Design, Digital Design, Interaction Design, Visual Communication Design) or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years as Senior Designer, Graphic Designer, or equivalent, with a portfolio demonstrating impactful, hands‑on creative work.
• Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization and/or visas for this role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep understanding of healthcare marketing, including both HCP and DTC audiences, and experience navigating vigorous regulations or similar compliance review processes.
• Proven ability to design and execute powerful and effective creative concepts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Deep technical expertise in design software and tools (Adobe Suite).
• Demonstrated success supporting multiple brands and stakeholders across diverse marketing channels.
• Highly motivated to pursue ongoing learning and professional development, including obtaining certifications such as Adobe Certified Professional, Meta Digital Marketing Associate, and other industry certifications.
• Strong communication, organization, and time‑management skills.
• Proven success managing enterprise‑level clients and complex, multi‑channel creative campaigns.
• Deep understanding of creative development, digital marketing, brand strategy, and omnichannel strategy.
• Experience with project management methodologies (Waterfall, Agile) and tools (e.g., Workfront).
• Demonstrated prioritization skills and ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to follow business rules and policies in a constructive but disciplined manner.
• Candidates may be invited to complete a skills assessment as part of the selection process.

Other

Position based in Indianapolis; remote work options may be considered. Relocation package provided. Travel up to 15% is expected.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology

Industry

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Location & Salary

Indianapolis, IN – $58,500 – $137,500

Equal Employment Opportunity

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. Lilly may continue to provide U.S. visa sponsorship for current U.S. employees who meet the basic qualifications of the role and have confirmed U.S. visa feasibility with Lilly’s U.S. Immigration Team.

Employee Resource Groups

Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for members and are open to all employees. Current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network; Black Employees at Lilly; Chinese Culture Network; Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN); Lilly India Network; Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA); PRIDE (LGBTQ+ Allies); Veterans Leadership Network (VLN); Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL); enAble (for people with disabilities).