Overview

Senior Director – Supply Chain & MMC Operations, Katwijk, Netherlands | Manufacturing/Quality | Full-Time

Lilly is establishing a new oral solid dosage (OSD) manufacturing facility at the Leiden Bio Science Park in Katwijk, Netherlands. This greenfield site supports Lilly’s strategy to expand European manufacturing capacity across cardiometabolic, neuroscience, oncology, and immunology portfolios. The Senior Director leads strategic direction and operational results for warehouse, logistics, dispensing, incoming sampling, inventory management, and production planning at the Katwijk site. Reporting to the Associate VP – Site Head, the role manages demand, replenishment, and material management operations, interacting with global user groups, Global Logistics & Supply Chain Leadership, clinical trial supply teams, contract manufacturers, and logistics service providers. The position participates in the site Lead Team and drives cross-functional alignment and Lilly’s Manufacturing Standards for Operational Excellence.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction and deliver results for warehouse (shipping/receiving, inventory control), production & materials planning, incoming sampling, and dispensing operations.
• Ensure the site production plan is balanced, risks are identified, and new product launches are supported with all supply chain processes in place.
• Strengthen partnerships with affiliates and external logistics providers; manage Supplier Relationship Management for distributors and LSPs, including KPI definition, service reviews, and improvement plans.
• Identify and prioritise productivity opportunities; present business cases to site management and Global Supply Chain leadership.
• Benchmark with peer companies to recognise best practices; engage in logistics forums (planning, supply, transportation, security, operational excellence).
• Support maintenance of supply agreements and partner with Procurement, Quality & Legal in contract negotiations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and Lilly Manufacturing Standards for Operational Excellence.

Operational Discipline & Standards

• Ensure processes are executed according to Manufacturing Standards (MSOE 602) and MSOE 203 – Reliable Supply of Medicine.
• Maintain compliance with GMP, EU GDP, and Lilly Corporate Quality Policies.
• Monitor OSSCE metrics, create action plans, and communicate results and corrective actions.
• Maintain knowledge of local, national, and EU transportation, shipping, and waste disposal regulations (including Dutch authorities such as ILT, ADR/RID for dangerous goods, RIVM guidelines) and EU cross-border logistics regulations.

People Leadership

• Build, develop, and lead the supply chain and MMC team; administer performance plans, set goals, and drive succession planning.
• Ensure team members have individualized training plans and development opportunities; manage resources across areas with contractors and permanent staff as needed.
• Foster teamwork, ensure EHS policy compliance, and integrate Health & Safety into objectives and development plans.

Cross-Functional & Corporate Engagement

• Represent the Katwijk site to global supply chain functions, Lilly partner sites, affiliates, and contract manufacturing organisations.
• Participate in the site annual business and strategic planning process; communicate strategy to Lilly global manufacturing leadership.
• Support Lilly security assessments for warehousing operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Science, Supply Chain Management, or Business Administration.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry or equivalent, with substantial warehousing, planning, and logistics operations.
• 5+ years of supply chain experience and 3+ years of logistics operational experience.
• Knowledge of international shipping regulations, including safety, security, and EU import/export compliance.
• In-depth understanding of logistics and planning tools and the ability to integrate manufacturing, logistics, and planning systems.
• Fluent in English (written and spoken). Dutch language proficiency is a strong advantage.
• Understanding of supply and demand principles and drivers, including product-cycle dynamics; experience in business planning and financial accountability; strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Experience implementing GMP, EU GDP, and EHS regulations in a pharmaceutical manufacturing setting; experience building supply chain operations for a greenfield site.

EEO and Accommodation

Lilly is dedicated to equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation to submit a resume or participate in the application process, please use the accommodation request form available on our careers site for assistance.