Associate Director - Engineering - Process; Molecule

Overview

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, with 40,000 employees worldwide who work to discover and bring life‑changing medicines, improve disease understanding and management, and give back through philanthropy and volunteerism.

Lilly is constructing an advanced manufacturing facility for production of API molecules in Houston, TX. This greenfield site will support current and future products, including new modalities. The Associate Director, Process Engineering – Small Molecule Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) will help build the organization, facility, and culture necessary for successful GMP manufacturing and startup.

• Lead and develop the Small Molecule Process Engineering team throughout pre‑startup, startup, and post‑startup phases.
• Recruit, hire, and onboard top talent, fostering a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence.
• Build organizational capacity, define roles, and establish lean practices and continuous improvement mindsets.
• Develop and implement business systems and processes, leveraging Lilly’s knowledge and incorporating external best practices.
• Collaborate with project teams to support facility delivery, providing feedback on design, commissioning, qualification strategies, and other key decisions.
• Ensure the creation of standard engineering operating procedures (SOPs) for startup and post‑startup phases.
• Plan and manage business operational expenses, capital, and headcount targets.
• Supervise and coach process engineering staff, conduct performance reviews, and lead succession planning.
• Coordinate process engineering work and provide input to key functional groups and partners.
• Set and reinforce engineering standards, and partner across disciplines to implement the technical agenda aligned with site business and GMP quality plans.
• Track and report key performance indicators and manage improvement initiatives.
• Approve engineering deviations, change controls, and standard operating procedures.
• Participate in site planning processes and technical reviews, including investigations, validations, and regulatory submissions.
• Network globally to share best practices and ensure harmonization across sites.

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering discipline with extensive API or chemical manufacturing experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in small molecule GMP manufacturing, including 3+ years in a manufacturing leadership role.
• Experience in operations and Process Safety Management (PSM) programs.
• Strong knowledge of cGMPs and their application to operations.
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead diverse, high‑performing teams and to influence cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and decision‑making skills.

Actual compensation will depend on education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $123,000 – $180,400. Full‑time employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefit program, including 401(k), pension, medical, dental, vision, prescription drug benefits, flexible benefits, life insurance, and well‑being benefits.

Lilly is a proud EEO Employer and encourages individuals with disabilities to apply. To request an accommodation for the application process, please complete the accommodation request form. Lilly offers consistent support for all applicants and employees under its Equal Employment Opportunity regulations.