Manager - Discovery Operations, Early-Stage Oncology

Role Description

We are looking for a Manager in Discovery Operations (Operational Project Manager) experienced in external contract enablement, licensed biological material procurement/transfer, vendor relationship management, and domestic and international supply chain coordination, with some knowledge of third-party qualification processes. The Manager, Discovery Operations is expected to demonstrate a can-do attitude in executing and driving diverse and complex contractual and procurement enablement in support of complex modalities within the broader Oncology discovery portfolio — while applying sound judgment to prioritize competing requests aligned with Oncology portfolio objectives and proactively identifying operational risks to ensure timely, compliant delivery of resources that advance Discovery Operations (Oncology) goals.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate ideation to planning and lead execution of external contractual enablement requests for Oncology, partnering with Oncology Business Operations and scientific stakeholders identifying streamlined contracting approaches to timely completion.
• Establish and operate as a critical liaison (manage communications) between scientific teams, (key contacts and respective leadership) and key cross-functional partners (Business Operations, and broader Lilly as needed).
• Review contracts and agreements to ensure alignment with scientific request requirements, proactively monitor renewal timelines, and identify and resolve discrepancies in collaboration with cross-functional partners including Business Operations and scientific stakeholders.
• Manage and execute diverse contractual requests tied to complex modalities within the broader Oncology discovery portfolio, navigating unique requirements and cross-functional dependencies to ensure timely and compliant completion.
• Develop comprehensive knowledge and expertise of the ARAVO third-party (TP) qualification and other Lilly TP systems to manage and drive vendor qualification processes, anticipating and resolving platform issues to ensure timely and compliant vendor onboarding.
• Proactively identify operational risks and propose practical, long-term solutions that account for team dynamics and cross-functional dependencies.
• Contribute to building connections and forging partnerships and alliances within Oncology, Lilly’s external partners for smooth operations for Discovery.
• Manage licensed biological material requests (MLRs) end-to-end, including evaluating vendor license terms and MTAs; maintaining procurement records across multi-vendor sources; and coordinating with business operations, and scientific stakeholders to ensure compliant acquisition and use of restricted materials.
• Review and prioritize incoming licensed biological material requests (MLRs) by combining critical thinking and knowledge of Discovery Operations portfolio projects, and align the requests with scientific, business objectives, and timelines.
• Execute procurement transactions in Ariba, including managing purchase requisitions for licensed biological materials (e.g., cell lines), supporting vendor reactivation and supplier setup coordination with the appropriate teams, and ensuring compliant and timely purchase order generation.
• Provide indirect and on-demand consultancy support to international shipments of biological materials, including managing country-specific import/export permit requirements, preparing shipping documentation, and serving as a liaison between internal teams and receiving sites to ensure compliance and timely delivery.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in a scientific discipline and a minimum of 5-7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, with demonstrated experience in project and/or operational management, cross-functional collaboration, ideally with exposure across areas of early-stage R&D functions in Oncology.

Requirements

• Experience managing domestic and international shipments of biological or pharmaceutical materials, including coordination with logistics providers and receiving sites.
• Demonstrated ability to manage vendor relationships and execute contracts, work orders, or agreements (MSAs, CDAs, SOWs) in collaboration with legal and business operations teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable interacting with senior leaders.
• Able to work within a fast-paced environment, adept at juggling multiple tasks and priorities and prioritizing independently.
• Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and keen to improve processes and overcome inefficiencies.
• Conscientious, detail-oriented, well-organized and takes initiative to anticipate and address needs.
• Able to bring a “can do” proactive and creative approach to problem solving.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, Smartsheet and procurement platforms such as Ariba as well as other operational applications.

Benefits

• 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).