Define and drive the DDCS delivery system innovation strategy, establishing the vision, priorities, and sourcing mix (internal and external) for the early-phase pipeline in alignment with Lilly’s therapeutic and commercial objectives.
Build and lead Lilly’s external delivery system innovation ecosystem—forging strategic relationships with academic institutions, venture-backed startups, technology accelerators, CDMOs, and device partners to access and in-license best-in-class delivery technologies ahead of the industry.
Establish and own the governance framework, stage-gate criteria, and investment decision process for the DDCS early innovation portfolio, ensuring disciplined, data-driven advancement from ideation through proof-of-concept and into formalized development.
Provide strategic counsel to DDCS senior leadership and the broader Device organization on external innovation trends, competitive landscape, emerging technologies, and portfolio gaps; translate insights into actionable investment theses.
Champion a culture of innovation and external curiosity across DDCS, building organizational capability in technology scouting, opportunity assessment, and cross-sector collaboration.
Accountable for the overall health, prioritization, and performance of the DDCS early-phase development portfolio—setting direction for program leads and ensuring alignment between portfolio investments and strategic priorities.
Integrate portfolio intelligence across internal programs and external partnerships into a unified, leadership-ready view of pipeline status, resource requirements, risks, and investment opportunities for annual business planning and capital allocation.
Drive DDCS-wide adoption of standardized early development processes, governance frameworks, and innovation metrics, institutionalizing best practices across internal and externally sourced programs.
Serve as an interface with Lilly enterprise functions—Global Business Development, Corporate Strategy, Research, and Therapeutic Business Units—to ensure alignment between delivery system innovation and drug development priorities.
Represent DDCS at external conferences, industry consortia, and partner forums; build Lilly’s reputation as a preferred innovation partner in the delivery system and drug-device combination space.
Influence resource allocation, organizational design, and capability investment decisions within DDCS in support of early-phase innovation strategy.

Requirements

Advanced degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related technical field
10+ years of progressive leadership in delivery system development, medical device innovation, or drug-device combination product development in a regulated environment, with demonstrated accountability at a senior director or equivalent level.
Strategic thinking with the ability to synthesize complex technical, commercial, and competitive inputs into clear priorities and decisive recommendations.
Exceptional communication and influence skills; able to engage effectively with C-suite and Board-level stakeholders, external partners, and cross-functional leadership.
Proven track record of building and leading external innovation programs at enterprise scale, including deal sourcing, technology evaluation, partnership structuring, and integration of externally originated programs into internal development pipelines.
Demonstrated ability to define and execute innovation strategies across a large organization, with experience translating strategic priorities into portfolio investment decisions, stage-gate governance, and resource allocation.
Deep expertise in the external innovation ecosystem relevant to drug delivery: knowledge of startup and venture landscapes, academic technology transfer, CDMO innovation capabilities, and industry consortia in the delivery system space.
Established external network in the delivery system, medical device, or drug-device combination space; recognized as an industry thought leader or active participant in relevant professional communities.
Expert-level ability to evaluate and communicate the technical, regulatory, and commercial viability of novel delivery technologies to both technical and non-technical senior leadership audiences.
Strong business acumen with experience constructing investment cases, structuring partnership agreements, and managing external spending at a portfolio level.
Demonstrated record of intellectual property portfolio development, including patent strategy and prosecution, or technology in-licensing in delivery system innovation; published thought leadership or speaking engagements at major industry forums (e.g., Drug Delivery Partnerships, PDA, AAPS)
Experience with international innovation sourcing, partnership models across regulatory jurisdictions, and global development programs
Six Sigma Black Belt, PMP, or equivalent advanced project and quality management credentials.

Benefits

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
well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities)

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

delivery system developmentmedical device innovationdrug-device combination product developmentinnovation strategy executionportfolio investment decisionsstage-gate governanceresource allocationintellectual property portfolio developmenttechnology evaluationpartnership structuring

Soft Skills

strategic thinkingexceptional communicationinfluence skillscross-functional leadershipability to synthesize complex inputsengagement with C-suite stakeholdersbuilding external innovation programsbusiness acumenorganizational capability buildingculture of innovation

Certifications

Six Sigma Black BeltPMP