Eli Lilly

Associate Director - Functions Learning Lead

Eli Lilly • $127K — $187K *
Indianapolis, IN 46227In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree
  • 4+ years of people leadership experience
  • 8+ years in Learning & Development or Manufacturing Training in regulated pharma or biotech environments
  • Deep knowledge of GxP and GMP compliance training
  • Authorized to work in the US without visa sponsorship

Responsibilities

  • Build and lead a high-performing global functions team
  • Utilize emotional intelligence to enhance team dynamics and performance
  • Translate strategic priorities into actionable team direction
  • Coach team members to enhance problem-solving and independent thinking
  • Navigate complex relationships to achieve business outcomes
  • Implement L&D strategies aligned with global policies and local needs
  • Drive a modern learning culture using digital and experiential solutions

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefit program including 401(k) and pension
  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits
  • Flexible benefits like healthcare spending accounts
  • Life insurance and death benefits
  • Well-being benefits including employee assistance and fitness programs
Full Job Description
Job Position Overview:

The Global Manufacturing and Quality Learning and Development (GMQLD) organization is dedicated to delivering learning solutions and strategies that empower Lilly's Manufacturing and Quality organizations to achieve our mission: making medicine with safety first and quality always.

The Functions Learning Leader is the recognized internal expert in learning and capability development for site and central functions - driving excellence through a team of L&D professionals and serving as the critical connector between platform execution and the global Center of Excellence (CoE). This role operates at the intersection of global strategy and platform and site-specific needs - ensuring that learning priorities, governance frameworks, and compliance standards are consistently and effectively delivered across every site the platform serves.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & High-Performance Team Development
  • Build and lead a high-performing global functions team by setting a clear standard of excellence, holding accountability to outcomes with directness and care, and addressing performance gaps and talent gaps.
  • Bring high emotional intelligence to team leadership - reading individual motivators, team dynamics, and organizational pressure accurately to coach effectively, sustain cohesion through change, and create an environment where strong performers thrive.
  • Translate strategic priorities into clear team direction and execution rhythm - removing blockers, maintaining momentum, and closing the gap between what leadership asks for and what the team delivers.
  • Develop team members across craft, partner influence, and leadership capacity - coaching individuals to frame problems well, bring solutions, and operate with increasing independence and confidence.
  • Operate as a skilled problem-solver and credible cross-functional partner - navigating sophisticated, matrixed relationships across platforms, sites, and senior leadership with substance, influence, and a clear line of sight to business outcomes.

Strategic Leadership & Governance
  • Serve as the primary L&D Leader across site and central functions, ensuring alignment with global L&D strategies, policies, and procedures while meeting local operational needs.
  • Partner with the global CoE, LA and LEPs to implement future-facing learning solutions that drive performance, compliance, and operational excellence.
  • Ensure global governance frameworks are driven for site and central functions, in partnership with Platform Lead, maintaining inspection and audit readiness in real time.
  • Act as a champion for a modern learning culture, shifting away from site-based traditional document-based training toward interactive, digital, and experiential global, network and platform-based learning solutions.

Learning Strategy & Execution
  • Support the team by providing function-specific L&D initiatives that enable compliance, manufacturing excellence, and employee development.
  • Drive learning effectiveness measurement using real-time data and analytics to ensure programs deliver measurable business impact.
  • Partner cross-functionally with customers to embed a learning culture across functions and sites.
  • Ensure audit and inspection readiness, proactively addressing training gaps and regulatory expectations.
  • Advocate for technology-enabled learning, including AI, immersive simulations, digital academies and just-in-time learning solutions.
Learning Effectiveness & Performance Measurement
  • Ensure implementation of the GMQLD strategy for measuring learning program effectiveness across functions - including evaluation frameworks, assessment design, and business impact methodologies.
Stakeholder Engagement & Cross-Functional Influence
  • Operate as a strategic partner to Senior Director, CoE, CoE, LAs, Site LEPs, Quality, Operations, HR, and Tech[redacted] - influencing decisions and driving alignment across a sophisticated, matrixed global organization.
  • Lead without authority across a global network, driving results through collaboration, influence, and a clear line of sight to business outcomes.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • 4+ years plus direct people leadership experience.
  • 8+ years of experience in Learning & Development, Talent Development or Manufacturing Training, with a focus on regulated pharmaceutical or biotech manufacturing environments.
  • Deep understanding of GxP, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), regulatory requirements, and compliance training across global manufacturing networks.
  • 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 or visas for this role, including but not limited to F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, or L-1.

Additional Skills/ Preferences:
  • Master's degree in Learning Sciences, Instructional Systems Technology, Performance Technology, Organizational Development, Data Analytics, or related fields.
  • Expertise in modern learning methodologies including competency-based training, AI-driven learning platforms, simulation-based learning, digital academies, and performance consulting.
  • Strong business insight with the ability to anticipate, identify, and solve sophisticated capability problems that affect the functional or business area - linking learning and workforce readiness outcomes to operational and quality performance.
  • Proficiency in data visualization and business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) with the ability to translate data into executive-level insights and strategic action.
  • Experience setting strategy and governing network or enterprise scale - building frameworks, standards, and governance models that multiple teams complete.
  • Experience leading large-scale programs or initiatives with significant complexity, resource requirements, and strategic risk - leading across functions, geographies, and organizational layers.
  • Track record of staying abreast of regulatory and policy developments in GMP manufacturing and playing a direct role in influencing qualification and training regulations or organizational strategies.
  • Experience leading learning transformation initiatives in a manufacturing environment, including adoption of next-generation technologies and evidence-based learning design.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Power Platform (Power BI, PowerApps) and/or enterprise learning analytics infrastructure.
  • Familiarity with OJT program design and on-the-job performance verification approaches common in pharma manufacturing.
  • Certifications in performance improvement (CPT), learning evaluation, or related disciplines (CPTD, ATD, HPI) are a plus.
  • Organizational change experience in a global, matrixed organization.

Additional Information:
  • Position Location: Indianapolis
  • Travel Percentage: 25% - 30%
  • Shift Information: Supports manufacturing sites globally.


Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$127,500 - $187,000

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
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
$6.1 billion
Founded
1876
5 Year Trend
+5.9%
Revenue
$24.5 billion
NASDAQ
LLY
* Ladders Estimates

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