Eli Lilly

Associate Director - Digital & Data Lead

Eli Lilly$124K — $182K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in IT, Project Management, or a related field
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in program or portfolio management
  • Proven track record in overseeing multiple projects
  • Strong understanding of project management and software development methodologies
  • Experience in the Pharmaceutical and GMP Manufacturing industry

Responsibilities

  • Champion and drive the digital plant strategy for new manufacturing sites
  • Lead definition of digital needs and associated business processes
  • Act as strategic advisor to site and IT leadership on digital technology
  • Provide input to Business Plan and site strategic planning at an executive level
  • Develop expert-level understanding of manufacturing and quality processes
  • Lead evaluation of complex stakeholder requests and translate into digital strategies
  • Provide technical vision for design and integration of enterprise IT solutions
  • Ensure compliance with GxP standards across digital programs
  • Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders across the organization
  • Identify and manage risks and prioritize resources across programs
  • Own continuous improvement IT roadmap, evaluating emerging technologies
  • Drive digital adoption and change management at the site level

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities
  • Participation in a comprehensive benefits program including 401(k) and pension
  • Access to vacation benefits and flexible spending accounts
  • Eligibility for medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits
  • Well-being benefits including fitness incentives and employee assistance programs
Full Job Description
This is an opportunity you don't want to miss!

Lilly is entering an exciting period of growth, and we are committed to delivering innovative medicines to patients around the world. Lilly is investing to create several new state-of-the-art manufacturing sites. These brand-new facilities will utilize the latest technology for API and Dry products Manufacturing and will include several platforms including Peptides, Small Molecules, Bio Conjugates, Oligonucleotides and Drug Substance Manufacturing, as well as Dry Products Manufacturing. This is an exciting once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help build and operate a new site. These new sites will be built using the latest high-tech equipment, advanced highly integrated and automated manufacturing systems, and have a focus on minimizing the impact to our environment.

What You'll Be Doing:

You will be part of Technology at Lilly MQ (Manufacturing and Quality), an organization that drives manufacturing operational excellence and productivity efforts through utilization of technology. Technology at Lilly MQ strives to enable the making of medicine "with safety first and quality always".

The Delivery for MQ Technology at Lilly will play a crucial role in overseeing and aligning multiple programs to ensure they meet their intended objectives, timelines, budgets and impacts. This role requires a deep understanding of each Digital solution, it's program's goals and how they connect with others across the portfolio. Additionally, identifies interdependencies and ensures seamless integration between various initiatives. By proactively managing potential risks, cross-connections, and resource exchanges, they drive cohesive execution across the organization, balancing strategic priorities with practical deliverables to maximize value. This position is vital for ensuring all programs are aligned with the overall Strategy for New facilities and deliver desired outcomes efficiently and within budget. The Delivery Lead will also have an active participation in driving business and strategic financial plan conversations related to programs/projects for new facilities.

How You'll Succeed:
  • Digital Plant Vision & Strategy: Champion and drive the digital plant strategy for new manufacturing sites, partnering with senior site leadership and global M&Q stakeholders to define and evolve long-term digital roadmaps that are aligned with site strategic initiatives and LP1 start-up objectives.
  • Lead and manage the definition of digital needs and ensure the corresponding business processes and roles are in place. Maintain strategic oversight of multiple concurrent workstreams, proactively resolving interdependencies and escalations.
  • Senior Leadership Influence: Act as a key strategic advisor to site and IT leadership on digital technology direction, championing technology as a critical enabler of manufacturing strategic initiatives and long-term site competitiveness.
  • Strategic Business Planning: Provide substantive input to Business Plan and site strategic planning exercises at an executive level, setting direction and priorities for the digital agenda and securing investment aligned with LP1 start-up and long-term operational goals.
  • Deep Business Process Mastery: Develop and maintain an expert-level understanding of manufacturing, lab, and quality processes. Apply this knowledge to shape and govern digital solutions that maximize business value, partnering with Process Engineers, Operations, Quality, and TS/MS on complex cross-functional issues.
  • Strategic Business Needs Assessment: Lead the critical evaluation of complex stakeholder requests, leveraging deep technical and process expertise to identify true underlying business needs. Translate ambiguous requirements into actionable digital strategies that balance usability, performance, and compliance priorities.
  • IT Solution Architecture & Integration Leadership: Provide executive-level technical vision and governance for the design, development, and integration of enterprise IT solutions (MES, Data & Analytics, LIMS, and related platforms) supporting manufacturing and quality business processes across LP1.
  • GxP Compliance & Quality Leadership: Ensure all digital programs and solutions adhere to GxP, 21 CFR Part 11, Annex 11, and GAMP 5 standards. Lead the validation and compliance strategy across IQ/OQ/PQ activities, maintaining the highest levels of regulatory integrity across the LP1 digital portfolio.
  • Stakeholder Management & Executive Communication: Build and sustain strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels - from site operators to senior leadership - providing clear, data-driven communication on program status, risks, and strategic decisions. Influence executive decision-making on digital investments and priorities.
  • Risk, Trade-off & Resource Management: Proactively identify and manage strategic risks across the digital portfolio; develop executive-level mitigation plans. Drive prioritization decisions and resource allocation across programs, balancing competing demands to optimize delivery outcomes and maximize business value.
  • Continuous Improvement & Technology Innovation: Own the long-term continuous improvement IT roadmap for the site, evaluating emerging technologies and methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, advanced analytics) to drive operational excellence and maintain competitive advantage for the site.
  • Global Network & Site Alignment: Establish and maintain a high-impact network across the global M&Q IT organization, site leadership, and external partners. Ensure site-level digital programs are aligned with and informed by global IT strategy, standards, and best practices.
  • Site Digital Adoption & Change Leadership: Drive site-wide adoption of digital solutions, developing and executing organizational change management strategies that ensure sustained benefit realization. Champion internal and external digital trends in partnership with Business SMEs to keep LP1 at the forefront of manufacturing technology.


Basic Requirements:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in IT, Project Management or related field
  • Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in program or portfolio management, with a proven track record of successfully overseeing multiple projects
  • Knowledge: Experience managing large-scale, cross-functional projects and programs, Strong understanding of project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, Scrum, etc) as well as software development methodologies.
  • Experience in Pharma and GMP Manufacturing industry.


Additional Preferences
  • Experience: 10+ years of experience in IT program or portfolio management within the pharmaceutical or regulated manufacturing industry, with demonstrated success in MES, Data & Analytics, LIMS, or related IDS solution delivery. Previous experience leading digital enablement for a new manufacturing facility or clinical development site strongly preferred.
  • Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risks, manage trade-offs, and make sound decisions. Excellent communication and leadership skills to interact with stakeholders at all levels of the organization
  • Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire large cross-functional teams including IT SMEs, contractors, and business representatives. Track record of guiding teams through complex problem resolution, digital solution design, and implementation in a regulated environment. Strong continuous improvement mindset (Lean, Six Sigma) applied to IT delivery.
  • Industry Engagement: Active participation in industry forums, standards organizations, and global M&Q IT networks. Proven ability to network at both site and global levels to shape digital strategy and bring external best practices into LP1.


Other Information:
  • Role is Monday through Friday and based on-site. Must be flexible in providing support to accommodate other inputs (production schedules, shutdowns, etc.). Occasional extended hour and / or off-hour work may be required.
  • Position will be based out of Richmond Virginia but will require intially extended travel to Lilly's corporate center in Indianapolis, Indiana.
  • 25% of Business Travel time.

Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$124,500 - $182,600

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, including 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; and 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.

#WeAreLilly

About Eli Lilly

ICOS Corporation is a biotechnology company that engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapeutic products. It is engaged in the commercialization of treatments for unmet medical conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. It is the developer of a treatment known as Cialis (tadalafil), a product for the treatment of erectile dysfunction through its joint venture with Eli Lilly and Company in North America and Europe. It is also engaged in contract manufacturing services for third parties. It is in a strategic alliance with Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ICOS Corporation was established in 1989, based in Bothell, Washington. It is currently operated by Eli Lilly and Company.

Eli Lilly Careers

Joining Eli Lilly offers an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a leading global team dedicated to creating a healthier future. As a company revered for its commitment to innovation and leadership in the pharmaceutical industry, Eli Lilly is where your professional journey can flourish. Work You’ll Do At Eli Lilly, we are passionate about transforming patient care and advancing medical innovation. Our team at Eli Lilly is at the forefront of developing groundbreaking solutions in healthcare. By joining us, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry, using cutting-edge technology to make real-world impacts. Lead with Innovation and Leadership Eli Lilly stands out in the marketplace by integrating deep industry expertise with robust research and development efforts. We are looking for professionals who are eager to drive change and lead the way in developing therapeutic breakthroughs. Explore Job Opportunities and Growth Eli Lilly offers a variety of career paths, including full-time positions and internships, across multiple functions such as research, marketing, IT, and sales. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Eli Lilly provides an environment that promotes career growth and learning opportunities. Our commitment to diversity and leadership training ensures that every employee can achieve their potential. Be Part of Our Team Our team at Eli Lilly is committed to excellence and driven by a mission to improve lives. Employees enjoy a supportive culture that values collaboration, creativity, and diversity. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation and helps us better connect with the communities we serve. Benefits and Culture Eli Lilly is dedicated to supporting our employees, offering competitive benefits, wellness programs, and comprehensive health care. Our culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and quality, making Eli Lilly not just a great place to work, but a community to grow with. Networking and Professional Development Eli Lilly encourages continuous professional development and networking. With access to various training programs and mentorship opportunities, employees can enhance their skills and advance their careers. Our leadership is committed to nurturing talent through effective training and development strategies. Join Our Team Discover the exciting job opportunities at Eli Lilly by exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who are passionate, innovative, and ready to contribute to our mission of making life better for people around the globe. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest at Eli Lilly by following our careers blog. Gain insights from industry leaders and get tips on everything from crafting the perfect resume to preparing for your interview. Eli Lilly is not just a company—it's a place where you can make a difference. Explore the positions available and find out how your talents can help change the world. SEARCH ELI LILLY JOBS Stay ahead in your career with Eli Lilly, where innovation, leadership, and a commitment to diversity and growth lead the way to future advancements.
Learn more about Eli Lilly
Size
35,000 employees
Market Cap
$344.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$6.1 billion
Founded
1876
5 Year Trend
+5.9%
Revenue
$24.5 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Eli Lilly

More Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Jobs

Find similar Associate Director - Digital & Data Lead jobs: