Specialist - Manufacturing Operations

Specialist - Manufacturing Operations

At Elanco, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. We are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose – all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People. At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights. Making animals' lives better makes life better – join our team today!

Your Role: Specialist - Manufacturing Operations

As Specialist, Operations, you will serve as a key technical leader within the manufacturing team, ensuring the reliability, compliance, and efficiency of operational processes. In this role, you will act as a subject matter expert, providing advanced technical support, troubleshooting complex issues, and mentoring team members to consistently deliver high-quality products while advancing operational excellence.

Your Responsibilities:

• Serve as the technical subject matter expert, mentoring and training operators on advanced procedures, equipment, and cGMP best practices
• Lead troubleshooting of complex process and equipment issues while driving process improvements to enhance efficiency, compliance, and safety
• Support cGMP compliance by reviewing batch records, participating in deviation investigations, and implementing CAPAs
• Monitor and analyze real-time process data to ensure operations remain within validated parameters and inform decision-making
• Partner with leadership to coordinate and deliver training while supporting operational scheduling needs

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):

• Education: High School Diploma or GED Required
• Experience: 3–5 years of experience in a cGMP manufacturing environment

Top 2 skills:

• Strong technical expertise in manufacturing processes and troubleshooting
• Ability to influence and lead without formal authority

What will give you a competitive edge (preferred qualifications):

• Experience authoring and reviewing technical documents such as SOPs or deviation reports
• Experience leading small process improvement initiatives
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional partners (Engineering, Quality, etc.)
• Experience developing and delivering technical training programs
• Proficiency with systems such as SAP and Microsoft Office

Additional Information:

• Travel: Minimal
• Location: Fort Dodge, IA – On-Site Work Environment
• Work Schedule: This role supports a multi-shift manufacturing operation. We are hiring for multiple openings across 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift schedules, and candidates will be placed into a shift based on business needs and individual preference. Some overtime may be required.

Elanco Benefits and Perks:

• Multiple relocation packages
• Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
• 8-week parental leave
• 9 Employee Resource Groups
• Annual bonus offering
• Flexible work arrangements
• Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.