Lead Operator, Operations - Lilly Medicine Foundry

Job Position Overview The Lilly Medicine Foundry Manufacturing Lead Operator actively supports start‑up activities to bring manufacturing equipment into service. The Lead Operator becomes an expert in their assigned area and educates the team on the proper operation of the facility. This role requires domestic and international travel to collaborate, train, and learn from sites that currently produce APIs. Upon completion of the project phase, the Lead Operator provides on‑the‑floor, tactical leadership for production of API molecules. The Lead Operator ensures a safety‑first, quality‑always approach while managing a production process that encompasses diverse unit operations and manufacturing skills. Responsibilities Enforce adherence to compliance requirements (safety, quality, and environmental) and appropriately escalating any adverse events. Operate processes and equipment according to batch records, user manuals, design parameters, standard operating procedures, and work instructions to meet the production schedule. Provide on‑the‑floor leadership to make tactical day‑to‑day decisions and ensure proper prioritization of operations resources throughout the shift. Ensure completion of daily monitoring, testing, and cleaning duties to maintain equipment and systems in good operating condition and in compliance with local and corporate regulatory requirements. Serve as a cultural safety leader, promoting compliant operations and positive safety behaviors, and lead by example to promote accountability at all levels. Provide technical leadership for troubleshooting and reaction to process upsets, integrating operator input and escalating as appropriate. Follow all applicable procedures for safety event reporting and documentation, including spill response, escalation of issues, and initiation of emergency response procedures as needed. Ensure adequate communication at shift passovers and participate in daily shift huddles/meetings to set expectations for daily operational goals. Ensure all area personnel follow cGMP practices, safe work habits, plant dress code, hygiene standards, and housekeeping requirements unique to the work area and job classification. Partner with area management and supervision to understand Foundry strategy and future production needs; represent and support this strategy in conversations with shift members. Actively participate in assigned building and area operations such as safety audits, procedure coordination, housekeeping, and continuous improvement projects. Use company‑supplied personal protective equipment (PPE) as required, including hair and beard coverings, lab coats or gowns, safety shoes, safety glasses, hard hats, etc. Basic Requirements HS Diploma/GED. 3+ years of directly applicable manufacturing experience; GMP and/or chemical processing strongly preferred. Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Lilly will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization or visas for this role. Additional Skills/Preferences Previous experience in facility or area start‑up environments. Previous experience in a pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing operation involving PSM‑regulated or hazardous chemicals. A solid understanding of FDA guidelines and cGMP requirements. Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle and prioritize multiple requests. Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles. Flexibility to troubleshoot and triage challenges effectively. The ability to understand technical nomenclature and language, as well as work with mathematical formulas. Effective communication skills (electronic, written, and verbal). Basic computer skills (desktop software) are required. Additional Information Position Location: US: Lebanon, IN (Lilly Medicine Foundry Operations, initial location in Indianapolis, IN during pre‑startup phase). Travel Percentage: 5 %. Must be able to work a 12‑hour rotating shift. May be required to provide support outside of normal working hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities actively engage in the workforce and ensures equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation, please use Lilly’s accommodation request form for further assistance. Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Compensation and Benefits Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $25.96 – $41.25 per hour. Full‑time employees are also eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). Lilly offers a comprehensive benefits program, including eligibility to participate in a company‑sponsored 401(k), pension, vacation benefits, medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits, flexible benefits (such as 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 (such as employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities). Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion, and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees. #J-18808-Ljbffr BioSpace