Lab Operations Manager- Process and Synthesis labs

Position Overview

The Lab Manager, Synthesis PTE Synthesis Laboratories, is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations, safety, and compliance in the synthetic molecule laboratories at the Foundry. This role ensures that the laboratories are operationally ready to support process development, technology transfer, scale-up activities, characterization studies, troubleshooting investigations, and manufacturing campaign support activities. The Lab Manager partners closely with Process scientists, Quality Control, Manufacturing, Engineering, Facilities, Health Safety Environment (HSE), Lab Informatics, IT, Supply Chain, and Equipment Support teams to ensure laboratories remain operationally ready and aligned with business priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Readiness

• Lead daily administrative operations of process and synthesis laboratories, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant execution of laboratory activities.
• Drive laboratory readiness for new programs, equipment and supporting utility installations, and facility expansions.
• Coordinate vendors and contractors while managing and maintaining inventory.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for laboratory operational issues and escalations.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Champion safety culture and ensure compliance with requirements.
• Ensure laboratory activities comply with applicable quality standards as required.
• Maintain inspection readiness and support internal and external audits.
• Applies 5S and ALCOA principles to maintain an organized, compliant, and inspection-ready laboratory environment.

Equipment & Inventory Management

• Oversee laboratory equipment lifecycle management, including installation, qualification, calibration, maintenance, and retirement.
• Partner with Engineering and Equipment Support teams to ensure equipment reliability and availability.
• Manage laboratory inventory, consumables, solvents, reagents, reference standards, and critical materials.
• Drive implementation and sustainment of laboratory asset management and equipment registry systems.
• Build a high-performing laboratory organization focused on safety, quality, and operational excellence.
• Establish training and qualification programs to ensure personnel competency.

Strategic & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with cross-functional organizations.
• Develop labor, equipment, and budget forecasts aligned with business needs.
• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, reliability, digitalization, and data-driven decision making.
• Ability to balance scientific objectives with business priorities.
• Excellent decision-making, problem-solving, and risk management skills.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry or biology or related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnology, or process development laboratories.
• Demonstrated experience managing laboratory operations in a regulated environment.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment requires safe handling of chemicals, wearing appropriate PPE, and understanding other safety-related equipment or considerations.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting technology transfer and scale-up of synthetic molecule processes.
• Knowledge of GMP, GLP, process safety, and laboratory compliance requirements.
• Experience with digital laboratory systems (ELN, MES, LIMS, equipment management platforms).
• Project management and cross-functional leadership skills.

Other Information

Initial location at Lilly Technology Center, Indianapolis and/or Parkwood West. Permanent location at the new Lilly Medicine Foundry in Lebanon, Indiana. Flexibility to work from Indianapolis (or other Lilly sites) may be required throughout 2026 through 2029. Position requires on-site presence, 8-hour days, five days per week, with flexibility to support activities during shutdowns, weekends, etc. 0–10% travel required.