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, 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 35,000 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.

Organization Overview:

Lilly is currently constructing an advanced manufacturing facility for production of API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) molecules located in Lebanon, IN. This facility is Lilly’s largest investment in manufacturing capacity and is intended to provide APIs for current and future products, including new modalities. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of the startup team for a greenfield manufacturing site, and the successful candidate will help to build the processes and facility to enable a successful startup into GMP manufacturing operations.

Position Brand Description:

The Lead Operator for API manufacturing operations is directly responsible for the production of API molecules used in Lilly medicines. The Lead Operator will be responsible for upholding a safety-first, quality-always mindset in the production of API while running a production process that incorporates a wide range of unit operations.

In the project delivery phase and startup phase of the project (startup expected 2025 to 2027), roles will be fluid and dynamic as we endeavor to support the project delivery, build a new organization, develop and implement the necessary systems and business processes required to support GMP operations, and build the site culture. This will require significant collaboration, creativity and resilience as the site grows to a full scale GMP manufacturing through start up.

Responsibilities:

Maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements at all times.
Support the execution of the production plan for the site.
Carry out daily monitoring testing and cleaning duties as assigned on the above listed systems to ensure equipment and systems are in good operating conditions and they are maintained in accordance with local and corporate regulatory requirements.
Enter Trackwise events, participate in and lead CAPA investigations
Troubleshoot and diagnose process problems and take appropriate actions to minimize deviations or site impact
Understand Health, Safety & Environmental-regulated environment and application of Health & Safety/Process Safety standards in order to execute key/critical GMP duties.
Understand other area processes & their operational hazards and being able to react appropriately.
Monitor and collect data on equipment use and performance i.e. trying to anticipate potential equipment reliability problems.
Work with Maintenance and Technical Support to respond appropriately to potential utility supply upsets or equipment failure.
Contact the appropriate help if there is a problem or an event (spill/deviation/incident) during processing.
Communicate to other shifts regarding the status of the area operations and details of any issues/problems that have occurred at handover.
Actively participate in assigned building & area operations such as safety audits, procedure co-ordination, housekeeping and improvement projects.
Be trained and qualified on all specified unit operations within the building.
Identify concerns for informal or formal discussion (shift meetings, safety representative).
Know and follow cGMP practices, safe work habits, plant dress code, hygiene standards, and housekeeping requirements unique to the work area and job classification.

Basic Requirements:

High School Diploma or equivalent
Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Lilly does not anticipate providing sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B or TN status) for this employment position.
Completion of Post Offer Exam or Completion of Work Simulation if applicable.
Ability to effectively communicate (electronically, written and verbal).
Basic computer skills (desktop software) are required.
Minimum 3 years previous experience in operations

Additional Preferences:

Previous experience in facility/area start-up environments
Previous experience in a pharmaceutical manufacturing operation with PSM-regulated/hazardous chemicals
Ability to assume leadership and prioritize daily priorities without direct supervision
Solid understanding of FDA guidelines and cGMP requirements
Strong organizational skills and ability to handle and prioritize multiple requests
Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles
Flexibility – ability to troubleshoot and triage challenges
Ability to understand technical nomenclature and language as well as work with mathematical formulas
Manual material handling as appropriate
Bend, reach, stretch, climb ladders, and work in tight spaces
Stand for long periods

Additional Information:

Ability to work rotating 12-hour day or night shifts
Ability to work flexible schedules during startup period
Ability to work overtime as required

Eli Lilly and Company, Lilly USA, LLC and our wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively “Lilly”) are committed to help individuals with disabilities to participate in the workforce and ensure equal opportunity to compete for jobs. If you require an accommodation to submit a resume for positions at Lilly, please email Lilly Human Resources ( Lilly_Recruiting_Compliance@lists.lilly.com ) for further assistance. Please note This email address is intended for use only to request an accommodation as part of the application process. Any other correspondence will not receive a response.

Lilly 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.

Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and help our company develop talented individuals for future leadership roles. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, African American Network, Chinese Culture Network, Early Career Professionals, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinos at Lilly, PRIDE (LGBTQ + Allies), Veterans Leadership Network, Women’s Network, Working and Living with Disabilities. Learn more about all of our groups.

#WeAreLilly

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form (https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.

Lilly 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.

#WeAreLilly

Lead Operator - API Operations - Military Veterans

at Eli Lilly and Company

Lebanon, IN