Associate Director - IDM Operational Excellence Continuous Improvement (CI OpEx) Champion/Coach

Company: Eli Lilly and Company
Location: Indianapolis
Posted on: February 13, 2026

Job Description:

At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world. Job Position Description The IDM CI OpEx Champion/Coach serves a dual role as both strategic developer/influencer and operational executor/transformer for the site. This position is responsible for integrating, driving, building, and coaching Site CI OpEx culture and systems, aligning with central CI OpEx business processes, and supporting the site in achieving its strategic and operational objectives. The Champion/Coach partners with all organizational levels to deploy Operational Excellence standards, facilitate continuous improvement, and ensure the discipline to sustain Lean and CI OpEx practices. Key Responsibilities Strategic Development & Influence Lead the development and deployment of the site’s Operational Excellence strategy, roadmap, and transformational initiatives, ensuring alignment with global and site-level objectives. Serve as the key interface between the Global OpEx team, Site OpEx Resources, and Site Leadership Team, facilitating shared learning and best practice replication. Champion Organizational Change Management (OCM), communications, and branding for Lean and Operational Excellence initiatives. Influence site uptake and execution of OpEx practices, tools, behaviors, and culture. Assist in the preparation of the Site Business and Strategic Plan; lead strategy deployment and participate in relevant leadership topics. Operational Execution, Delivery & Transformation Directly support and execute OPEX projects in alignment with the site agenda, partnering with business area leaders and flow teams. Facilitate and lead the Site CI OpEx Lead Team, providing Operational Excellence support for site central functions and business areas. Lead and coach cross-functional teams in the development and implementation of strategies for Continuous Improvement, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Failure Modes Effect Analysis (FMEA), and Human Performance Reliability (HPR). Facilitate Operational Excellence training and education for all levels of employees, supporting deployment and sustainability of Lean ways of working. Empower individuals and teams to use Lean behaviors and mindsets to strive for execution excellence. Lead improvement events and support deployment of Operational Excellence tools (e.g., daily management, standard work, A3 thinking, value stream management, RCA, HPR). Assemble and manage Operational Excellence project plans, teamwork assignments, and monitor work efforts daily. Ensure lean principles and tools are integrated into both project execution and solution design. Continuous Improvement & Shared Learning Track and respond to trends in Operational Excellence performance, coordinating and overseeing integration of local priorities, gating, and reporting. Facilitate shared learning opportunities, host education and communication sessions, and apply PDCA learning cycles to improve business processes. Participate in Operational Excellence Assessments within the site (site and globally driven), sustaining and evolving Lean maturity and MSOE alignment. Establish and leverage external connections to grow and sustain the Operational Excellence culture. Minimum Requirements Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in STEM discipline. Minimum 3 years of documented experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or CI/OpEx Role. Additional Preferences Demonstrated strong written and oral communication and interpersonal interaction skills to work effectively in a team-based environment. Strong self-management and organizational skills. Ability to coach individuals from the shop floor to site leadership, and lead project teams. Ability to influence without authority. Relevant experience in a GMP facility. Strong balance of leadership, analytical, project management, and strategic thinking skills. Strong problem-solving and coaching capabilities. Effective educator and presenter; enthusiastic, flexible, and positive attitude. Results-oriented with excellent interpersonal and interaction skills. Demonstrated influence and leadership. Previous Lean Six Sigma or Operational Excellence experience. Day shift with possible after-hour support; occasional travel may be required for training, conferences, or project facilitation (average less than 10%). Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form ( https://careers.lilly.com/us/en/workplace-accommodation ) for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response. 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. Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups. Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $127,500 - $204,600 Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including 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).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. WeAreLilly

Keywords: Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis , Associate Director - IDM Operational Excellence Continuous Improvement (CI OpEx) Champion/Coach, Manufacturing , Indianapolis, Indiana