Senior Operator (Inventory Management) at Elanco in Elwood, Kansas

Job Description:

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) – it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. We’re driven by our vision of ‘Food and Companionship Enriching Life’ and our approach to sustainability – the Elanco Healthy Purpose™ – to advance the health of animals, people, the planet and our enterprise.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. 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!

The Senior Operator (Inventory Management), Manufacturing is responsible for performing and documenting all tasks and activities associated with production inventory management and biologics manufacturing at the Elwood, Kansas monoclonal antibody (mAb) manufacturing facility.  The position will manage the flow of SAP data and inventory through Operations and Distribution, including, but not limited to: counting, material movement, production postings, inventory adjustments and discrepancy resolution.  The role requires a solid understanding of operations and supply chain management to proactively identify the upstream and downstream impacts related to inventory and material management in SAP.  The Senior Operator will be expected to demonstrate a high level of initiative and ownership, and to complete tasks within established procedures under a moderate to limited degree of supervision.  Departmental goals include meeting quality and quantity production targets while maintaining compliance with Safety and Good Manufacturing Practice standards.

Inventory / Material Management (Primary Responsibilities)

• Perform tasks within SAP including, but not limited to: PI sheet confirmations, material and bin movements, issue material to process orders, etc.


• Perform periodic inventory counts to maintain accurate inventory levels, key participant in the year-end inventory process.


• Ensure material locations have adequate inventory to meet production requirements.


• Assist in investigating and resolving inventory discrepancies.


• Support the Slow-Moving Inventory (SMOI) process.


• Assist in improvement of: process BOM and recipe design, SAP business practices, warehouse and inventory management.


• Participate in local projects.

Manufacturing Operations (Secondary Responsibilities)

• Execute and monitor critical processes for mAb manufacture such as media and buffer preparation, upstream expression, downstream purification, formulation, fill / finish, and secondary packaging.


• Operate in a USDA / FDA / EMA cGMP regulated environment, maintaining strict adherence to all applicable regulations.


• Accurately follow SOP’s and batch production records in operation of production equipment, performance of processing steps, and execution of daily tasks.


• Ensure the completeness and accuracy of manufacturing documentation per approved procedures.


• Perform aseptic manipulations and demonstrate knowledge and experience of aseptic techniques.


• Interface with the Quality Control department to submit in-process samples and coordinate environmental monitoring during key process steps.


• Assemble, prepare, and maintain process equipment including, but not limited to: biological safety cabinets, incubators, bioreactors, chromatography skids, columns, tangential flow filtration systems, pumps, fill/finish units, labelling/packaging units and ancillary equipment.


• Assist Maintenance and Engineering personnel as necessary with equipment maintenance and calibration.


• Identify and support the implementation of process improvement opportunities where applicable.


• Draft and review standard operating procedures (SOP’s), protocols, batch records, data summaries and reports.


• Perform work safely, to Elanco quality standards, and maintain a safe, clean work environment.


• Completes prescribed work under supervision or within clearly defined procedures.

Report Issues and Solve Problems

• Recognize and solve typical problems that can occur within the manufacturing department.


• Report issues and events such as quality deviations, injuries/illnesses, etc.


• Assist in improving safe working conditions by identifying / resolving hazards.


• Troubleshoot inventory management and process issues.


• Assist in performing investigations for issues and events.


• Initiate trouble tickets for SAP and work with Center of Excellence (COE) to resolve issues.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.


• 2+ years’ experience in a regulated, commercial GMP biomanufacturing or warehousing environment.


• Basic computer skills including experience with Windows Operating System and Microsoft Office products.


• Experience with SAP inventory management, material management, and production execution.


• Strong attention to detail and documentation skills.


• Proficient reading, comprehension, and application skills toward a diverse set of complicated tasks.


• Ability to accurately perform calculation, analyze, and processes scientific data.


• Demonstrated success working in a team environment.


• Demonstrated ability and understanding of safe working habits.


• Ability to work flexible hours as necessary to meet production demands and timelines.


• Must be able to wear appropriate gowning and personal protective equipment (PPE) in production and manufacturing support areas.

Additional Preferences:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a biomanufacturing related discipline (eg. biology, chemistry, engineering, etc.).


• Experience with inventory / warehouse material management.


• Understanding of USDA, FDA, and EU GMP regulatory standards for veterinary biologics.


• Strong verbal and written communication skills.


• Must be highly motivated, follow oral and written instructions, communicate effectively, think logically, and thrive independently and/or in a fast-paced team environment.


• Innovative spirit, strong initiative and work ethic, and positive attitude.


• Able to follow written instructions and provide detailed documentation of work performed.


• Good mechanical aptitude.

Other Information:

• This is considered an on-site position.


• This position may require occasional overtime.


• Influences peers within work unit.


• Performs all Company business in accordance with all regulations (e.g. USDA, EMA, OSHA, etc.) and Company policy and procedures.

Elanco Benefits And Perks
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
Relocation packages

• Two week shut downs (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)


• 10-week parental leave


• 9 Employee Resource Groups


• Annual bonus offering


• Flexible work arrangements


• Up to 6% 401K matching


• Dependent and childcare support

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