Senior Director - Regional Lead
Eli Lilly and Company
Summary
The Regional Lead oversees operations across multiple sites within a region. The Regional Lead oversees the Site Leads who are responsible for day-to-day operations at each site. The role is accountable for implementing the operations model and strategy across the region, ensuring site operations are safe, compliant, and enable science and Lilly culture. The Regional Lead represents their region on the Regional Research Operations Lead Team and aligns with Regional Lead counterpart(s) to standardize and harmonize processes. This role partners with Site Heads, scientific leaders, and functional groups (Facilities Management, IT, HR, HSE, and Research Capital and Facilities) to ensure effective site operations. Support Lilly Gateway Labs on a regional level. This role will also support in integrating acquired company facilities in the region into Lilly oversight and processes.
Job description
Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Lead operations across multiple sites in the region and oversee Site Leads, holding them accountable for safe, compliant, and effective day-to-day site operations.
- Chair the Regional Site Lead Team and align Site Heads, Site Leads, scientific leaders, and functional partners on regional and site priorities.
- Champion a strong safety culture and a collaborative work environment that reflects Lilly values.
- Share best practices across sites and standardize processes with Regional Lead counterparts in other regions.
- Support integration of acquired companies in the region, working with the Operations Integration Lead and Acquisitions Transition Team.
- Provide Lilly Gateway Labs support on a regional level.
Strategic Implementation
- Implement the operations model and strategy set forth by the AVP/VP Regional Research Operations across the region, establishing the support systems and processes sites need.
- Develop site capacity and utilization plans with site leadership so sites can support current science and future growth.
- Contribute and provide inputs into regional footprint planning with Research Capital and Facilities, informed by external benchmarking.
- Remove barriers to execution and lead cross-functional special initiatives.
People Leadership
- Build and lead a high-performing team of Site Leads, ensuring appropriate staffing at each regional site.
- Set clear goals, manage performance, and identify, develop, and retain talent.
- Promote collaboration and efficient resource sharing across sites.
- Manage relationships with key external partners and vendors.
Performance and Risk Management
- Establish KPIs and monitor site and vendor performance (e.g., CBRE), using benchmarking and stakeholder input to drive operational efficiency.
- Ensure sites meet Lilly corporate policies and regulatory requirements, including audit readiness, HSE compliance, and timely resolution of findings.
- Sustain a strong management control system through quality procedures, processes, and metrics.
- Escalate issues that cannot be resolved at the site and regional level to Leadership.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field, such as engineering, science, business administration, or management.
- 10+ years team leadership, in operations.
- Management experience (position will have direct reports).
- Experience leading facility / site operations.
- Experience partnering with internal and external stakeholders and influencing across corporate, geographic, and cultural boundaries.
Additional Preferences
- Advanced degree (e.g. Science, MBA, or equivalent degree).
- Six Sigma leadership experience.
- Strong critical thinking and sound judgment, anticipates problems, diagnoses root causes, takes corrective action, and is willing to take and defend tough positions.
- Ability to prioritize multiple complex responsibilities and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and team-building skills; able to build trust, coach, and manage conflict.
- Strong business acumen and familiarity with financial concepts; able to balance scientific and business priorities.
Travel 30%
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field, such as engineering, science, business administration, or management
- 10+ years team leadership, in operations
- Management experience (position will have direct reports)
- Experience leading facility / site operations
- Experience partnering with internal and external stakeholders and influencing across corporate, geographic, and cultural boundaries
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Pension
- Vacation benefits
- Medical, Dental & Vision
- Prescription drug benefits
- Flexible spending accounts
- Life insurance
- Death benefits
- Employee assistance program
- Fitness benefits
- Employee clubs and activities
- Company bonus
Company overview
Eli Lilly and Company, commonly known as Lilly, is a leading American multinational pharmaceutical corporation headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1876 by Colonel Eli Lilly, the company has grown into one of the world's most valuable pharmaceutical enterprises, with operations in approximately 125 countries. Lilly specializes in developing and manufacturing innovative medicines across multiple therapeutic areas, including diabetes, oncology, neuroscience, immunology, and cardiometabolic diseases. The company is renowned for its groundbreaking work in insulin production, having been the first to mass-produce insulin and later developing the first commercially available insulin product in the U.S. Lilly's current portfolio includes blockbuster medications such as Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide) for diabetes and obesity, Trulicity (dulaglutide) for type 2 diabetes, Verzenio (abemaciclib) for breast cancer, and Taltz (ixekizumab) for autoimmune conditions. With approximately 47,000 employees worldwide, Lilly maintains a strong commitment to research and development, investing heavily in scientific innovation to address some of the world's most significant health challenges. The company operates with a mission to make life better for people around the world through the discovery and delivery of innovative medicines.