Associate Vice President, External Manufacturing API

Job Overview: Associate Vice President, External Manufacturing API

Lilly, a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, is seeking an executive-level Associate Vice President (AVP) to lead its global external manufacturing network for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API). This is a critical leadership role responsible for the strategic oversight of Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) and strategic partners worldwide.

As the primary ambassador to Lilly’s external partners, you will architect a forward-looking operating model to support an unprecedented pipeline of new product launches. You will ensure that externally manufactured medicines meet the same rigorous standards for quality, safety, and reliability as those produced within Lilly’s internal facilities.

Executive Deliverables & Strategic Scope

Partnership & Governance

• CMO Ambassador: Forge high-impact collaborations with global CMOs, leading executive reviews and managing complex contract negotiations in partnership with Global Procurement.

• Governance Integration: Apply Lilly’s internal operational rigor to external partners, ensuring parity in performance oversight, process discipline, and accountability.

• Business Development: Evaluate new CMO candidates and lead transition plans for their integration into Lilly’s global oversight model.

Operational Excellence

• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute a business plan that accelerates cycle times and elevates quality across the external portfolio.

• Tech Transfer & Launch: Oversee the seamless transfer of technology and ensure global launch readiness for externally manufactured products.

• Lean Leadership: Build a high-performing organization grounded in lean principles and manufacturing excellence to support Lilly’s expanding global footprint.

Quality & Compliance

• Proactive Monitoring: Enable seamless commercialization through rigorous process monitoring, trending analysis, and deviation management at CMO sites.

• Standard Evolution: Continuously update Contract Manufacturing Standards to reflect the complexity of modern drug launches and regulatory dynamics.

Requirements & Executive Qualifications

Minimum Professional Criteria

• Experience: Minimum of 15 years of progressive pharmaceutical manufacturing experience, with a proven track record in API operations and site leadership.

• Technical Mastery: Deep expertise in chemical synthesis, peptide synthesis/purification, small molecule production, and large-scale biotech production.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Extensive understanding of cGMPs, global regulatory standards, and industry best practices for validation and quality systems.

• Education: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Scientific, or Life Sciences; an MBA is preferred.

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

• Negotiation: Demonstrated success in partnership-building and high-stakes negotiations with external stakeholders.

• Communication: Exceptional executive presence and interpersonal skills, with the ability to unify cross-functional teams toward a shared mission.

• Resilience: A strategic mindset with a high tolerance for ambiguity and a bias for continuous improvement.

Compensation & Executive Benefits

Lilly offers a premier total rewards package designed to attract and retain world-class leadership:

• Anticipated Salary: $241,500 – $354,200 (commensurate with experience and qualifications).

• Performance Incentives: Eligibility for a company bonus based on individual and corporate performance.

• Retirement & Wealth: Participation in a company-sponsored 401(k) and a pension plan.

• Health & Well-being: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits, plus wellness programs and employee clubs.

• Location & Travel: Based in Indianapolis with required global travel of 30–50%.

Global Impact and Diversity at Lilly

Lilly’s commitment to diversity is a core driver of its innovation. The company supports a wide array of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to foster an inclusive environment, including:

• JILN (Japanese International Leadership Network)

• Lilly India Network

• WILL (Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly)

• enAble (for employees with disabilities)

• PRIDE (LGBTQ+ Allies)

  The Organization & Culture

  The culture at Lilly in 2026 is defined by a “Mission-Led High Performance” mindset. With the tagline “Uniting caring with discovery,” there is a palpable sense of pride among the 38,000+ global employees. However, this “Patient-First” mission is paired with a relentless drive for speed; the company has significantly reduced the time from discovery to market. Internally, the environment is described as “Collaborative but High-Pressure.” While the “Lilly Family” feel remains, the rapid scaling of products like Zepbound and Mounjaro has created a high-stakes, “always-on” atmosphere, particularly in manufacturing and clinical operations.

  The Indianapolis Hub: The Global Command Center

  • The 150th Anniversary Legacy: As part of its 150-year celebration in May 2026, Lilly partnered with the Caitlin Clark Foundation to build a public multisport court and park near its downtown campus, reinforcing its deep roots in the Indianapolis community.

  • The AI Supercomputer: Partnering with NVIDIA, Lilly is utilizing a massive supercomputing hub in Indianapolis to accelerate the discovery of the next generation of genetic medicines.

  • LillyDirect Expansion: This digital-first platform, managed from Indy, now serves millions of customers, bypassing traditional pharmacy hurdles for weight loss and migraine treatments.