Sr. Director - TS/MS

Eli Lilly and Company; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 350,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Eli Lilly and Company is constructing a new API manufacturing site and seeks a Senior Director of Technical Services/Manufacturing Science to lead TS/MS functions across small molecule and oligonucleotide manufacturing. You will join the Site Lead Team, shaping strategy and ensuring compliant, scalable operations to support the manufacturing plan.

The ideal candidate has a PhD in a related field, 10+ years of pharma leadership experience, and a proven ability to build high-performing teams,

Qualifications

• PhD in applicable related science or engineering discipline (Chemistry/Biochemistry preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in a leadership role managing operations within the pharmaceutical industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead the TS/MS function across small molecule, oligonucleotide manufacturing, and TS/MS lab operations.
• Shape medium- and long-term site strategy as a member of the Site Lead Team.
• Oversee all aspects of TS/MS, including new product introduction, process development, and optimization.
• Ensure validated processes and compliance with cGMP and regulatory standards.

Skills

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

cGMP knowledge

Strategic thinking

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Biochemistry or related field

10+ years pharma leadership experience

Job description

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.

At Lilly is currently constructing an advanced manufacturing facility for the production of API molecules. This facility is intended to provide APIs for current and future products, including new modalities. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of the leadership team for the startup of a manufacturing site, and the successful candidate will help to build the organization, the facility and the culture to enable a successful startup into GMP manufacturing operations.

Position Overview

The Senior Director of Technical Services/Manufacturing Science (TS/MS) oversees the site’s TS/MS function, ensuring it has the capacity, capabilities, and leadership needed to support the manufacturing plan. This includes administrative and technical leadership across small molecule, oligonucleotide manufacturing, and TS/MS lab areas.

The role is part of the Lilly New Site Lead Team, which collectively sets and implements the site’s strategic direction, builds organizational capability, and manages cross-functional issues. The team focuses on long-term business goals, adapts to evolving corporate and external environments, and addresses challenges that span the organization.

Site & Technical Leadership

• Lead the technical agenda for new Lilly site, including small molecule, oligonucleotide manufacturing, and TS/MS lab operations.
• Shape medium- and long-term site strategy as a member of the Site Lead Team.
• Oversee all aspects of TS/MS, including new product introduction, process development, and optimization.
• Ensure validated processes and compliance with cGMP and regulatory standards.
• Maintain up-to-date technical documentation and timely completion of reports.

Strategic & Cross-Functional Engagement

• Collaborate with Development teams to assess new product opportunities.
• Govern technical aspects of CMOs and build relationships with Synthetic Molecule Design and Development.
• Contribute to strategic decisions for small molecule and oligonucleotide business planning and execution.

People Development & Resource Management

• Ensure TS/MS has the necessary resources and facilities to operate effectively.
• Mentor and coach team members in leadership, business, and technical areas.
• Support performance management, training, and career development for TS/MS staff.

Basic Qualifications

• PhD in applicable related science or engineering discipline (Chemistry/Biochemistry preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in a leadership role managing operations within the pharmaceutical industry

Additional Preferences

• Deep knowledge of cGMPs and their application to manufacturing operations
• Strong ability to build effective relationships across all levels is highly valued. The candidate should be able to collaborate with the Site Leadership Team to align with corporate objectives and communicate effectively throughout the organization
• Experience leading high-performing, engaged teams and fostering a strong team culture that supports a safe and successful work environment

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions.

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 strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our 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). 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

$ - $

Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance).

In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees.

• eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k)
• pension
• vacation benefits
• eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits
• flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts)
• life insurance and death benefits
• certain time off and leave of absence benefits
• well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities)

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 regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.

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