Associate Director-Business Process Architecture (MES)

Company: Eli Lilly and Company
Location: Houston
Posted on: January 19, 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. Associate Director – MES Architect & Technical Lead This is an opportunity you don’t want to miss! Lilly is entering an exciting period of growth, and we are committed to delivering innovative medicines to patients around the world. Lilly is investing to create several new state-of-the-art manufacturing sites. These brand-new facilities will utilize the latest technology for API Manufacturing and will include several platforms including Peptides, Small Molecules, Bio Conjugates and Oligonucleotides Drug Substance Manufacturing. This is an exciting once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help build and operate a new site. These new API sites will be built using the latest high-tech equipment, advanced highly integrated and automated manufacturing systems, and have a focus on minimizing the impact to our environment. What You’ll Be Doing : You will be part of Tech@Lilly MQ (Manufacturing and Quality), an organization that drives manufacturing operational excellence and productivity efforts through utilization of technology. Tech@Lilly MQ strives to enable the making of medicine “with safety first and quality always”. The MES Architect & Technical Lead will play a crucial role in delivering the Manufacturing Execution Systems through common Syncade (Software by Emerson) modules that enable manufacturing sites to deliver world class performance. The role encompasses responsibility for both the architectural and technical components of the Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) solution. This involves providing expert guidance and oversight in the design, implementation, and optimisation of MES architecture to ensure it aligns with the organisation’s strategic objectives and operational requirements. A key part of the role is to establish and maintain the direction for Syncade Solution Architecture in collaboration with the global Syncade Group. This includes implementing defining standards, best practices, and technical frameworks that steer the development and evolution of the Syncade modules, ensuring consistency, scalability, and reliability across all manufacturing sites. How You’ll Succeed: Utilizes solid understanding of Manufacturing and Quality business processes to anticipate MES short term and future needs from an IT Architecture standpoint. Works with global Architects, Enterprise Architects, local IT teams and other global teams to identify solutions to complex problems related to MES. Sets direction through the formation of a strategic roadmap and evolution of the site design for API MES solution and systems interfaced to MES. Collaborates, influences and/or leads the definition of global IT support and/or delivery processes. Provides deep technical knowledge, monitors solution delivery projects for compliance with the defined reference architecture and proposes and facilitates proof-of-concepts to enable clarity around future state direction. Collaborates with Enterprise Architects to research, identify, test, certify, select and introduce innovative technology products required for solution development and delivery. Collaborates with the Data Management teams to ensure understanding of, and alignment with Data Architecture Standards Actively collaborates with Cybersecurity and Protect Lilly teams to introduce operating principles for MQ IDS MES systems, interfaces and architecture (e.g. proper patching process, LCM, software version control). Ensure IT vendors understand the Cyber Security and Protect Lilly requirements and are able to translate these into implementation specifications. Acts as interface between IT and Business Partners on (or across) large projects and programs from a technical perspective (e.g. reporting, archival, performance, MES scope expansions). Keeps outward focus to identify new trends and opportunities. Keeps relationships with other large Pharma companies to ensure Lilly roadmap and decisions are in line and competitive with industry trends. Acts as coach/mentor of global and local MES team members and others regarding technologies, architecture and technical design as appropriate. Leads and/or supports development of business cases related to MES. Proactively influence the business to drive value and implement the appropriate technical solutions Find innovative ways to leverage Syncade to drive business value Basic Requirements: Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in MES Knowledge: Experience with distributed S95 Level 3 solutions, commercial configurable software (COTS) suppliers, and business intelligence. Technical experience including infrastructure, interfaces and configuration capabilities Experience in Pharma and GMP Manufacturing Additional Preferences Experience: Experience managing programs/projects in the pharmaceutical business. Previous experience in the startup of a new facility or clinical development manufacturing site. Leadership Skills: Proven leadership experience in managing cross-functional teams. Industry Engagement : Active participation in industry forums and standards organizations. Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risks, manage trade-offs, and make sound decisions. Excellent communication and leadership skills to interact with stakeholders at all levels of the organization Other Information: Role is Monday through Friday and based on-site. Must be flexible in providing support to accommodate other inputs (production schedules, shutdowns, etc.). Occasional extended hour and / or off-hour work may be required. Multiple Positions. Roles will be based in Indianapolis IN, Houston TX or Goochland, VA. 5-10% of Business Travel time. 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 $124,500 - $182,600 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, Houston , Associate Director-Business Process Architecture (MES), IT / Software / Systems , Houston, Texas