Senior / Principal Associate Qa API External Manufacturing

Eli Lilly Eli Lilly · Pharma · Indianapolis, IN

This role is for a Senior / Principal Associate QA API External Manufacturing at Eli Lilly, focusing on ensuring the quality and compliance of externally manufactured Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) according to cGMP regulations and company standards. Responsibilities include serving as a QA point of contact for external sites, reviewing manufacturing documentation, leading audits, overseeing quality events, and collaborating with internal teams.

What you'd actually do

  1. Serve as the primary Quality Assurance point of contact for assigned API external manufacturing sites, fostering strong collaborative relationships.
  2. Review and approve manufacturing documentation, including master batch records, executed batch records, deviations, investigations, CAPAs, change controls, and OOS reports, to ensure cGMP compliance and product quality.
  3. Participate in and lead quality audits of external manufacturing partners to assess compliance with cGMPs, regulatory requirements, and internal quality systems.
  4. Oversee and approve critical quality events, including significant deviations, investigations, and CAPAs, ensuring timely and effective resolution.
  5. Collaborate with internal cross-functional teams (e.g., Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, Technical Services) to support new product introductions, technology transfers, and continuous improvement initiatives at external manufacturing sites.

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
  • Minimum of 5 years (Senior Associate) or 8 years (Principal Associate) of experience in Quality Assurance within the pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry, with a strong focus on API manufacturing and/or external supply chain quality.
  • In-depth knowledge of cGMP regulations (e.g., 21 CFR Part 210/211, ICH Q7) and international quality standards applicable to API manufacturing.
  • Proven experience in auditing external manufacturing sites and managing quality events (deviations, investigations, CAPAs).
  • Strong understanding of analytical testing methods, stability programs, and release criteria for APIs.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities with a keen attention to detail.
  • Proficiency in English

Nice to have

  • additional language skills

What the JD emphasized

  • cGMP regulations
  • API manufacturing
  • external supply chain quality
  • auditing external manufacturing sites
  • managing quality events