Director, Technical Services​/Manufacturing Science

Director – Technical Service / Manufacturing Science (TSMS)

Lead a high‑performing team at the Fort Dodge site, providing strategic technical leadership for manufacturing processes, ensuring GMP compliance, fostering innovation, and supporting current production and future growth.

• Provide strategic technical leadership for manufacturing processes including biological antigen production, aseptic processing, vaccine formulation, and filling.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and operational excellence through robust application of GMP, periodic product reviews, and process validation activities.
• Lead, coach, and develop a technical team of scientists, engineers, and statisticians to create a high‑performance culture of accountability.
• Champion site safety and environmental stewardship by ensuring safe laboratory and pilot plant operations and participating in hazard assessments.
• Drive continuous process improvement and technical problem‑solving by leveraging data analytics and collaborating across the Elanco network.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Bioprocess Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, or a related scientific or technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical, animal health, or biotechnology manufacturing with progressive leadership in technical services or process engineering.
• Deep understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and proven ability to lead and develop high‑performing technical teams through complex problem‑solving.

• Master’s degree in a related discipline.
• Direct experience with vaccine manufacturing, viral or bacterial antigen production, aseptic processing, or lyophilization.
• Experience managing process validation, technology transfers, and investigations in a regulated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to interface effectively with Quality, Engineering, and Regulatory teams to influence business outcomes.
• Experience working within a matrixed, global technical organization with a strong professional network.
• Track record of mentoring and developing early‑career technical talent for leadership pipelines.

Travel: 10%.

Location:

Fort Dodge, IA – Site‑Based.

• Multiple relocation packages
• Two weeklong shutdowns (mid‑summer and year‑end) in the US, in addition to PTO
• 8‑week parental leave
• 9 Employee Resource Groups
• Annual bonus offering
• Flexible work arrangements
• Up to 6% 401(k) matching

Elanco 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.

Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process. All decisions involve a human reviewer.