Eli Lilly

Manager - Operational Readiness

Eli Lilly • $65K — $160K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, engineering, or related scientific discipline.
  • 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, preferably in pharmaceuticals or biotechnology.
  • Project management experience is essential.
  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
  • CAPM or PMP Certification is preferred.
  • Experience with capital project execution in a GMP environment is a plus.
  • Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with site leaders to define operational readiness scope across technical areas.
  • Lead cross-functional teams to create a milestone-driven schedule for operational readiness.
  • Track operational readiness deliverables and report metrics to stakeholders.
  • Integrate operational readiness with the overall project master schedule for visibility.
  • Ensure seamless transitions between operational readiness and construction schedules.
  • Serve as the site Subject Matter Expert for Project Management best practices.
  • Escalate concerns and provide operational status updates to leadership.
  • Lead problem-solving sessions to address technical and operational issues.

Benefits

  • Eligibility for a company-sponsored 401(k) and pension plan.
  • Vacation benefits and various leave of absence options.
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
  • Life insurance and death benefits.
  • Well-being benefits including employee assistance programs and fitness benefits.
Full Job Description
About the Role

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, including new modalities. 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.

This role provides critical capacity and capability within the Operations function, with end-to-end accountability across the full project lifecycle for Operational Readiness at Lilly's advanced API manufacturing facility in Houston, TX. The position drives day-to-day issue resolution and continuous improvement, ensuring all operational readiness deliverables are rigorously planned, scheduled, and executed - enabling a successful, on-time startup into GMP manufacturing operations at this first-of-its-kind greenfield site.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Partner with site leaders and subject matter experts to define and mature operational readiness scope across multiple technical areas, ensuring alignment from concept through execution.
  • Lead cross-functional project teams to translate operational readiness scope into a fully integrated, milestone-driven schedule.
  • Own end-to-end tracking of operational readiness deliverables, providing clear metrics and progress reporting to drive stakeholder accountability and informed decision-making.
  • Integrate operational readiness schedules with the overall project master schedule, enabling real-time critical path visibility and proactive risk identification.
  • Bridge operational readiness activities with construction and qualification schedules, ensuring seamless handoffs and no gaps in the path to GMP startup.
  • Serve as the site Subject Matter Expert for Project Management, embedding best practices, tools, and governance standards across all functional areas.
  • Proactively escalate concerns, providing timely and accurate operational status updates to leadership.
  • Champion and uphold Lilly's standards for safety, environmental stewardship, quality, and operational excellence in all aspects of the role.
  • Lead structured problem-solving sessions with cross-functional teams to resolve technical and operational issues, drive root-cause analysis, and implement durable corrective actions.


Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, engineering, or related scientific discipline.
  • At least 3 years of experience in manufacturing (preferred in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry).
  • Project management experience
  • 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.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Demonstrated ability to adjust quickly to changing priorities and to influence decision-making on complex technical issues.
  • CAPM or PMP Certification.
  • Experience with capital project execution and operational readiness in a GMP environment.
  • Ability to make critical decisions 7 days/week and effectively communicate decisions to staff and upper management.
  • Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Experience utilizing project scheduling software.
  • Ability to work as a team leader to execute multi-disciplined, cross-functional projects.
  • Must exhibit a team-first attitude.


Actual compensation will depend on a candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is
$65,250 - $160,600

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

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