Site Operational Excellence (OPEX) Lead

Company: Eli Lilly and Company
Location: Indianapolis
Posted on: January 2, 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. Position Brand Description: The Site Operational Excellence (OPEX) Lead is accountable for executing and supporting the Operational Excellence Management System for Manufacturing and Quality (M&Q). Reporting to an Operations Leader at the site, this role focuses on site-level implementation, coaching, and continuous improvement of Operational Excellence to ensure alignment with the overall strategy and governance. The Site OPEX Lead serves as the key interface between the Global OpEx team and the site, as well as the interface between the Site OPEX Team and the Site Leadership Team (SLT). The OPEX Lead is an SME in Lean, Problem Solving, Root Cause Analysis, Manufacturing Standards of Operational Excellence, and Human Performance Reliability. This role involves a balance of execution, coaching, and administrative leadership. Key Objectives / Deliverables: Business Transformation: Lead the Site Operational Excellence Lead Team and provide Operational Excellence support for site central functions. Own the site prioritization process, Operational Excellence education strategy, Operational Excellence roadmap, and site-wide transformational initiatives. Participate in Site Lead Team metrics reviews, identify trends, and lead site improvement initiatives. Assist in preparation of the Site Business and Strategic Plan; lead strategy deployment and participate in relevant SLT topics. Influence local organizational uptake and execution of OpEx practices, tools, behaviors, and culture. Develop, coach, and lead the local OpEx team members. Identify, recruit, and onboard Operational Excellence talent. Ensure strategies and projects meet safety, product quality, compliance, financial and applicable regulatory Education and Development : Facilitate Operational Excellence training to all levels of employees within assigned areas to support deployment and ongoing sustainability of Operational Excellence / Lean ways of working. Coach and train teams in Lean tools and systems (for example, daily management, A3 thinking, standard work) Coach local leaders and Operational Excellence Business Partners on program execution. Host local Operational Excellence education and communication sessions to monitor program and resource execution, share best practices, foster collaboration, communicate and facilitate Operational Excellence learning opportunities, and apply PDCA learning cycles to improve Operational Excellence business processes. Serve as technical leader for other Operational Excellence Business partners and build their Manufacturing operations, Lean, RCA, Problem Solving, HPR, and program management skill set. Continuous Improvement and Project Management Lead cross functional teams in the development and implementation of strategies associated with the area for the following initiatives: Continuous Improvement, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Failure Modes Effect Analysis (FMEA), Human Performance Reliability (HPR), etc. Establish and implement project management processes and methodologies to ensure Continuous Improvement projects are delivered on time, adhere to high quality standards, and meet team expectations. Lead the establishment of Operational Excellence systems (e.g., the Lean Production, Lean Management systems, and our digitally integrated visual management system) within assigned areas, including the components and their interactions. Network and Knowledge Management Facilitate shared learning and lead Operational Excellence Assessments within the site (site and globally driven). Integrate and drive Operational Excellence culture and systems within the site. Align with Global Operational Excellence business processes and support the delivery of OpEx objectives. Actively engage in the broader Operational Excellence community through periodic updates, 1:1 meetings, and ad hoc discussions. Minimum Requirements (Education, Experience, Training): Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant scientific or technical field. 5 years in Manufacturing. Prior experience in Lean, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence. Additional Preferences: Demonstrated successful leadership experience and influence of cross-functional teams. Results-oriented with excellent interpersonal and interaction skills. Strong balance of leadership, analytical, project management, and strategic thinking skills. Effective educator and presenter. Enthusiastic, flexible, and positive attitude Experience in Lean Manufacturing or other Productivity industry methods. Strong communication and computer skills required. GMP operational experience. Other Information: Travel (domestic and international) may be required. 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 $122,250 - $196,900 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, Covington , Site Operational Excellence (OPEX) Lead, Manufacturing , Indianapolis, Kentucky