Sr. Director - AI Strategy and Execution

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. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life‑changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first.

We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.

Eli Lilly and Company is seeking a strategic and innovative Sr. Director to support the Senior Vice President (SVP) of Clinical to Commercial Innovation. This pivotal role will be responsible for driving the development and execution of strategic initiatives, fostering AI and innovation within the organization, and addressing complex problems that impact business performance. The Sr. Director will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to enhance operational efficiency, establish strategic partnerships, and facilitate the successful launch of innovative products and services.

• Develop and implement robust strategic plans aligned with the company’s vision and objectives with a strong, trusted partnership with business stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the SVP to define long‑term goals and priorities, and ensure alignment across key stakeholders.
• Lead and champion initiatives to foster a culture of innovation throughout the organization.
• Identify and evaluate new market opportunities, emerging technologies, and trends that can drive innovation in commercial and clinical practices.
• Analyze complex business challenges and leverage cross‑functional expertise to develop actionable solutions.
• Encourage and facilitate creative thinking and problem‑solving sessions among teams.
• Oversee the execution of strategic organizational projects, ensuring they are on time, within budget, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Monitor project deliverables and performance metrics, making adjustments as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.
• Serve as a key liaison between the SVP and various internal and external stakeholders, fostering strong relationships to drive collaboration.
• Communicate effectively with senior leadership, presenting strategic insights and recommendations.
• Establish metrics to assess the effectiveness of strategic initiatives and innovation efforts, reporting regularly to the SVP and board as required.
• Utilize data‑driven approaches to continuously improve organizational performance and innovation outcomes.

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Life Sciences, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategy development, innovation management, or business leadership, preferably within the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.
• Expertise in fostering AI innovation across an enterprise.
• Proven track record in driving successful commercial initiatives and innovative solutions.

• Resilience and persistence in navigating ambiguity, overcoming obstacles, and driving progress in complex, fast‑paced environments.
• Exceptional leadership and strategic thinking skills with strong business acumen.
• Excellent communication and influence skills, including engagement with C‑level executives.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence and drive change.
• Highly adaptable and results‑oriented, with a strong passion for innovation and problem‑solving.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment, managing multiple priorities effectively.

Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please submit the accommodation request form at  for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an…