Lilly is currently constructing an advanced manufacturing facility for production of API molecules located in Houston, TX. This facility is intended to provide APIs for current and future products. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of the site technical team for the startup of a greenfield 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 Summary

The Associate Director of Operations – Environmental Control Unit (ECU) is directly responsible for managing the day-to-day operations for the ECU. This individual will provide leadership and oversight for multiple unit operations including tank farm, air emissions control system, and others. The role provides oversight for the operational resources assigned to the area, including Operations Leaders, and is responsible for the leadership of frontline leaders in direct execution of ECU operations (per SOPs and operational execution instructions) to safely and compliantly support the manufacturing of high-quality medicine.

This role serves as a key integrator with accountability for the cross-functional team supporting the ECU area, ensures appropriate staffing is in place, and maintains equipment in a state of compliance and processes in a validated state.

Startup Context

In the project delivery and startup phases of the Houston API site, leadership roles will be fluid and dynamic as we endeavor to support project delivery, build a new organization, develop and implement the necessary systems and business processes required for GMP operations, and shape site culture. This will require significant collaboration, creativity, and resilience as the site grows to full-scale GMP manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Daily Operations & Business Management

• Build and promote a strong Safety and Quality culture. Maintain a safe working environment and conduct operations activities in a manner that protects safety, environment, and quality.
• Ensure ECU operations maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements at all times.
• Ensure ECU areas appropriately support the execution of the production plan for the site.
• Ensure consistency of operations across shifts through active engagement on the floor.
• Support and provide leadership to the area through site inspections.
• Own the implementation of the change and improvement agenda for the assigned area, ensuring cross-functional support and integration.
• Set objectives for the team; own and review the area scorecard with management.
• Set objectives and development plans for Operations staff, including Operations Leaders and Operators.
• Manage events as required, ensuring appropriate communication within the team and with external teams. Provide input and approve investigations.
• Build and develop a team, creating clear common purpose and promoting good team spirit.
• Ensure that team members are appropriately trained and that operating procedures and training materials are available and current.
• Communicate appropriately with team members regarding site objectives and team business.
• Ensure the team is adequately resourced to meet business objectives.

Startup Phase Expectations

During the startup phase of the Houston API site, leadership will be expected to be collaborative, inclusive, and support the broader team to:

• Build the organization with the necessary capability, capacity, and culture to operate this facility to the highest standards of operational excellence.
• Develop and implement the systems and processes needed to run the site, leveraging existing Lilly knowledge and practices where necessary, while also incorporating external experiences and learning.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and operational excellence by supporting lean principles in their respective areas.
• Support the project team as they deliver the facility to the site team by providing feedback and support.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science (Chemical or Mechanical Engineering preferred)
• 3+ years’ experience in process or plant engineering, technical services, or manufacturing science, preferably in API manufacturing
• Formal leadership experience in a manufacturing environment

Additional Skills & Preferences

• Experience with multiple unit operations including tank farm, air emissions control systems, and others
• Ability to work with a team, make independent decisions, and influence diverse groups
• Ability to instill teamwork within the department and demonstrate key interpersonal skills
• Ability to provide innovative solutions to plant, divisional, and corporate issues and leverage ideas from other functional areas
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing to various audiences, particularly one-on-one coaching and feedback with direct reports
• Ability to function in a team environment as a leader and as a member of management teams