Senior Director​/Executive Director - SMDD Late Stage Molecule Chemistry

Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Director – Late Stage Small Molecule Chemistry to provide leadership and delivery of the SMDD late stage small molecule chemistry portfolio. This role will report to the Associate Vice President of Small Molecule Commercialization and be responsible for leading the late stage small molecule chemistry group, including drug substance process development, scale‑up, and commercialization across the portfolio.

• Create a high‑performance team culture that operates with clarity of roles, responsibilities, and expectations for both individuals and the team.
• Actively manage internal and external resources, including CMOs and external partners, to drive late stage small molecule chemistry development across the portfolio.
• Ensure safety of employees and facilities through implementation of robust safety programs / procedures.
• Recruit, develop, and grow the next generation of scientific leaders.
• Provide strategic guidance to small molecule chemistry teams, including integration and application of new synthetic technologies, continuous and flow chemistry, green chemistry, and emerging process analytical technologies.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams including Quality, Regulatory, and manufacturing to ensure seamless integration of development activities.
• Identify opportunities for continual improvement projects that optimize business processes related to late stage small molecule chemistry development and drug substance manufacture.
• Possess deep understanding of the portfolio, project objectives, and how the technical programs and teams are poised to deliver on those objectives.
• Communicate and support execution of SMDD’s technical strategy.
• Evaluate the organization’s strengths and needs and drive appropriate changes.

• Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field, or BS with equivalent work experience.
• 10+ years of CMC experience.
• Direct experience in late phase development, scale‑up, and commercialization of small molecule drug substances, including route selection, process development, and regulatory filings (IND/NDA/CTD Module 3, Section 3.2.S).

• Previous supervisory experience.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal).
• Exceptional teamwork, interpersonal, leadership, and vision.
• External network and networking skills.
• Expertise in project planning/organization/management.
• Talent assessment and recruiting.

0 to 10%

Salary range: $156,000 – $253,000. Full‑time equivalent employees also eligible for a company bonus. Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program including 401(k), pension, vacation, medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, flexible benefits, life insurance, death benefits, leave, and well‑being benefits.

Lilly is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.