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.
Description: The Warehouse Process Specialist serves as a critical driver of operational excellence within the warehouse and logistics organization. This role is centered on three core pillars: delivering structured training programs, leading continuous improvement initiatives, and developing and deploying standard work documentation. The Warehouse Process Specialist partners with cross-functional teams to ensure warehouse operations are safe, compliant, efficient, and scalable. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in warehouse and logistics operations, proficiency in SAP Extended Warehouse Management (EWM), and a demonstrated track record of applying continuous improvement methodologies to drive measurable results.
Responsibilities:
1. Training & Development
- Design, develop, and deliver comprehensive training programs for warehouse personnel covering operational processes, safety protocols, GMP requirements, and system usage (SAP EWM).
- Create and maintain training materials including job aids, visual work instructions, e-learning modules, and assessment tools along with Learning and Development (L&D) department.
- Conduct hands-on training sessions (Instructor Led Training – ILT), onboarding programs, and competency evaluations for new and existing warehouse associates.
- Actively support training efforts in the area; ensure associates are qualified before independently performing assigned tasks.
- Maintain a training matrix to ensure all personnel meet role-specific qualification requirements.
- Track training completion metrics and report on workforce readiness; identify and close training gaps proactively.
- Act as a subject matter expert (SME) for SAP EWM transactions and workflows, coaching end-users on system navigation and best practices.
2. Continuous Improvement
- Lead and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives using structured methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, DMAIC, 5S) to eliminate waste and enhance warehouse performance.
- Lead and support structured problem-solving and issue resolution efforts to address operational inefficiencies, process deviations, and recurring issues across shifts and functional areas.
- Identify and implement performance improvements through data analysis, process observation, and stakeholder feedback; develop and implement evidence-based solutions.
- Drive accountability for results by establishing clear ownership, tracking progress against targets, and escalating barriers to resolution.
- Identify, document, and standardize best practices across all warehouse shifts to ensure consistent process execution, reduce variability, and drive operational stability.
- Facilitate cross-shift collaboration and communication to ensure lessons learned, process improvements, and best practices are effectively shared and embedded into daily operations.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement by engaging warehouse associates at all levels in problem-solving and idea generation.
- Conduct root cause analyses (RCA) and lead corrective action / preventive action (CAPA) processes for process deviations and quality events.
- Benchmark internal and external best practices to inform process design and improvement roadmaps.
- Partner with Engineering, Quality, and IT teams to implement process and system enhancements.
3. Standard Work Preparation & Deployment
- Author, maintain, and deploy standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, and process maps for all warehouse and logistics functions including receiving, storage, picking, packing, shipping, and returns.
- Create, follow, and execute policies and procedures impacting warehouse activities, ensuring alignment with site and corporate standards.
- Facilitate cross-functional review and approval of standard work documentation in compliance with GMP, FDA, OSHA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
- Ensure standard work documentation is accessible, version-controlled, and integrated with training programs.
- Lead change management activities associated with process changes, ensuring updates are communicated, trained, and embedded in daily operations.
- Conduct periodic audits of adherence to standard work and drive corrective actions where gaps are identified.
4. SAP EWM Systems & Operations
- Serve as a functional expert in SAP EWM, supporting configuration reviews, end-user support, and integration with SAP ECC and other supply chain systems.
- Support system testing activities including functional testing, UAT, and post go-live hypercare for EWM-related implementations and upgrades.
- Identify, document, and escalate system issues through appropriate ticket and change management processes.
- Develop a working understanding of and proficiency with the Transportation Management System (TMS) to support inbound and outbound logistics coordination.
- Support material handling activities including interfacing with automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and other warehouse automation platforms.
5. Operational & Compliance Support
- Serve as an active leader in inspection and audit readiness, ensuring training records, processes, and regulatory requirements are consistently followed through across all shifts and functional areas.
- Proactively assess adherence to GMP, safety, and standard work requirements; partner with Operations and Quality to identify gaps, implement corrective actions, and sustain compliance.
- Follow all safety requirements and procedures; routinely inspect work areas for health and safety hazards and drive timely resolution of identified issues.
- Assist with implementation of countermeasures arising from safety incident investigations; partner with site leaders and safety representatives to plan and execute safety improvement projects.
- Follow all GMP and regulatory requirements; participate in quality initiatives and audits; provide leadership for compliance to FDA, OSHA, and EPA regulations.
- Support day-to-day warehouse operations as needed, including receiving, inventory management, cycle counting, material movement, and shipment preparation.
- Maintain a safe work environment and model safe behaviors; hold self and others accountable for meeting all HSE corporate and site goals.
- Collaborate with regional business partners to develop and sustain strong cross-functional working relationships.
Basic Requirements:
- High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Engineering, or a related field strongly preferred.
- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in warehouse, logistics, or supply chain operations within a GMP-regulated environment (pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, or similar).
- Demonstrated experience in continuous improvement — including applied use of Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, or equivalent methodologies — with measurable outcomes.
- Hands-on experience with SAP EWM, including transaction execution, troubleshooting, and end-user training; working knowledge of SAP ECC integration.
- Proven experience in the development and deployment of standard operating procedures, work instructions, or similar documentation in a regulated environment.
- Demonstrated experience designing and facilitating training programs for operational teams.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and investigative skills with the ability to use data to drive decisions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to translate complex processes into clear, accessible documentation and training content.
- Ability to work across diverse organizational levels, functions, and cultures.
Additional Skills/Preferences:
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification preferred.
- Formal training certification or instructional design credentials a plus.
- Experience with automated material handling systems (ASRS, AGV) and transportation management systems (TMS).
- DOT and/or IATA hazardous materials shipping certification a plus.
- Prior experience supporting SAP EWM system implementations or upgrades (configuration, testing, go-live support).
- Experience in a pharmaceutical or biologics manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with process mapping tools (Visio, Lucidchart) and performance dashboards (Power BI, Excel) preferred.
- Certified to operate powered industrial trucks (forklift, reach truck, etc.).
- Ability to lift and move up to 40-pound containers.
- Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and flexible; willingness to support off-shift or overtime requirements as operational needs arise.
**Additional Information: **
This job description provides a general overview of the role requirements at the time of preparation. Responsibilities may evolve to include additional duties not specifically described herein. Employees should consult with their supervisor regarding actual job responsibilities and any related duties that may be required for the position.
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
$25.96 - $38.08
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