HSE External Partner Associate

Company: Eli Lilly and Company
Location: Indianapolis
Posted on: January 3, 2026

Job Description:

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. This role supports the HSE External Partner Program in managing health, safety, and environmental risks across Lilly Research Labs' (LRL) global external partner network. This role provides operational support for partner assessments, data management, and program administration. External Partner Engagement and Qualification Supports the qualification and screening of external partners through the Lilly Research Labs (LRL) risk management oversight program (PQA), focusing on evaluating HSE capabilities to ensure alignment with HSE regulatory requirements and Lilly HSE expectations. Leads the HSE screening process by initiating outreach to prospective partners, distributing tailored HSE questionnaires, and conducting virtual assessments to validate the partner’s ability to meet safety and compliance requirements. Collaborates cross-functionally with internal LRL partners including discovery, small molecule, biologics, devices, clinical development, and packaging teams to ensure that HSE risks are appropriately identified and mitigated prior to project initiation. Onsite External Partner Assessment and Support Coordinates assessment scheduling across multiple time zones, managing calendar coordination between internal partners and external partners. Assists with conducting comprehensive HSE capability and risk assessments across all multiple evaluation rubrics (environmental management, industrial hygiene, HSE management systems, general safety, emergency preparedness, and process safety management). Prepares detailed HSE risk assessment reports, including formal findings, opportunities for improvement, and action items with specific recommendations aligned to the HSE evaluation rubrics. Supports CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) tracking by monitoring partner response, timelines, verifying completion of corrective actions, and maintaining closure documentation. Supports partner performance reviews by preparing performance summaries. Assists in the ongoing HSE monitoring and assessments to track external partner HSE performance through routine re-assessments (virtual and onsite). Technical HSE Consultation and Resource Assists in providing strategic HSE guidance to Lilly partners by serving as a HSE subject matter expert and technical consultant in the HSE risk management for external partners managing Lilly projects. Serves as technical resource for complex HSE challenges including exposure and containment strategy development and planning especially for critical and strategic partnerships. Facilitates HSE related information exchanges between LRL and external partners ensuring timely communication of requirements and expectations. Provide support as a HSE liaison during partner-related incidents including immediate response coordination, investigation and corrective action oversight. Program Development and Continuous Improvement Contributes to the maintenance and evolution of assessment tools and processes, and communication strategies required for the effective management of the HSE external partner program. Leads development of digital tools and automation to streamline partner assessment processes, improve data quality, and enhance reporting capabilities. Assists with process standardization by documenting workflows, creating templates, and supporting change management activities. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of emerging issues in both HSE and Discovery/R&D that will allow the business to identify and manage risk as well as help shape policy and prioritize activities Strategic Collaboration and Internal Alignment Engages in cross-functional project teams supporting broader LRL initiatives that involve external partner engagement. Supports benchmarking and industry collaboration activities with PSCI. Basic Requirements Master’s degree in industrial Hygiene, Environmental Health and Safety, Engineering or Sciences or relevant degree related to Health, Safety, and Environmental. 5 years' experience in HSE preferably in R&D pharmaceutical or biotech environments. 3 years of experience in third-party or contractor HSE management with assessment or auditing oversight. Additional Skills/Preferences HSE experience including deep technical knowledge in at least industrial hygiene and exposure control AND at least one other HSE evaluation rubric (environmental management, industrial hygiene, HSE management systems, general safety and emergency preparedness, and process safety management). Working knowledge of HSE evaluation rubrics with ability to develop expertise in remaining areas. Strong cross-cultural communication and partner engagement skills. Ability to manage complex logistics across time zones and regulatory frameworks. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Professional certifications preferred (CIH, CSP, CHMM, or equivalent international certifications). Ability to assess HSE risks across multiple functional areas, including discovery research, small molecule and biologic development, device development, clinical operations, and packaging. Requires working knowledge of processes and hazards in each of these functional areas in order to evaluate partner capabilities and risks. Proficiency in interpreting technical documentation and synthesizing findings into actionable reports. Advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities with ability to synthesize complex technical information and develop practical solutions. Project management skills including ability to manage multiple partner assessments simultaneously while maintaining quality and deadlines. Technology proficiency including experience with database systems, and digital assessment tools. Flexibility and learning agility, including ability to appropriately prioritize workload and quickly shift priorities Additional Information Domestic and international travel is required. Travel timing can be scheduled and managed but should anticipate as much as 50% travel. Tasks will require entering manufacturing and laboratory areas, which require wearing appropriate PPE. 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 $63,000 - $162,800 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

Keywords: Eli Lilly and Company, Anderson , HSE External Partner Associate, Science, Research & Development , Indianapolis, Indiana