AbbVie

Associate Director, Discovery Portfolio Management Strategic Planner, Discovery

AbbVie$145K — $175K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS with 10+ years, MS with 7+ years, or PhD with 5+ years in Drug Discovery, preferably in biotech or pharma.
  • Strong portfolio analysis and project management background.
  • Knowledge of operational strategies for early-stage drug development.
  • Proven ability to analyze data and formulate actionable insights.
  • Familiarity with KPIs like cycle time and success rate in portfolio performance.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for executive-level presentations.
  • Ability to influence and collaborate across functions without direct authority.
  • Strong organizational skills for managing multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

  • Develop data-driven insights for Discovery Research operations and decision-making.
  • Create clear summaries, updates, and executive presentations.
  • Synthesize complex issues into actionable insights.
  • Identify and address challenges proactively within portfolio operations.
  • Support high-impact decisions by balancing quality, timing, and strategic focus.
  • Analyze portfolio health to spot trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Track and report on key KPIs like cycle time and budget performance.
  • Investigate and propose solutions for operational challenges across functions.

Benefits

  • Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance options available.
  • 401(k) plan participation for eligible employees.
  • Eligibility for long-term incentive programs.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Purpose:

This role supports Discovery Portfolio Management by providing strategic oversight, portfolio analytics, and actionable insights across external studies and related initiatives. The position is responsible for evaluating portfolio composition, monitoring execution performance, and measuring key KPIs such as cycle time, success rates, throughput, and other indicators of portfolio health. The role partners across functions to support prioritization, governance, and continuous improvement through strong analysis, communication, and executive-level presentation skills.

Responsibilities:
  • Develop data-driven insights and recommendations to support Discovery Research operations and leadership decision-making, including portfolio prioritization, governance, and operational decision-making.
  • Serve as a strong communicator and writer, developing clear summaries, leadership updates, and executive-level slides and presentations.
  • Synthesize complex scientific, technical, analytical, and business issues into concise, actionable insights.
  • Anticipate challenges and recommend proactive strategies to address portfolio, operational, and business needs.
  • Balance quality, timing, budget, and strategic considerations to support high-impact decisions across the portfolio.
  • Analyze portfolio composition and performance to identify trends, gaps, risks, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Track, interpret, and report key KPIs, including cycle time, success rates, throughput, budget performance, and other relevant portfolio metrics.
  • Investigate functional pain points and propose practical solutions, supporting or leading implementation efforts as needed.
  • Partner effectively across functions and with indirect authority to align stakeholders and drive execution.
  • Leverage external intelligence related to technologies, tools, and competitors to inform portfolio strategy and identify opportunities for innovation.

In addition to Cambridge, MA, this opportunity may also be based out of Lake County, IL or Worcester, MA.

Qualifications
  • BS & 10+ years, MS & 7+ years, PHD & 5+ years industry experience in Drug Discovery, ideally within a biotech or pharmaceutical company.
  • Strong background in portfolio analysis, project management, operations, or related scientific/business discipline.
  • Understanding of operational strategies for early-stage drug discovery programs' evolution through the drug development lifecycle.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze data, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
  • Experience measuring and reporting KPIs, with exposure to cycle time, success rate, and portfolio performance metrics preferred.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create executive-level presentations and slides.
  • Ability to work effectively across functions and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex initiatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to resolve complex scientific, technical, analytical, and business issues.


Additional Information

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
  • This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.

About AbbVie

AbbVie develops pharmaceuticals and medical devices. They provide products and services to therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology.

AbbVie Careers

Joining AbbVie means becoming part of a global team dedicated to making a remarkable impact on patients' lives. At AbbVie, our employees are united in the pursuit of groundbreaking innovation and are committed to transforming the future of healthcare with leading-edge science.

Work You’ll Do

At AbbVie, you’ll collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry to solve challenging problems that have a high impact on society. Our culture fosters growth and embraces leadership and diversity training, ensuring that every team member can thrive.

Explore Job Opportunities

AbbVie offers a wide range of job opportunities and career paths, providing a platform where professionals can propel their careers forward. From research and development to marketing and sales, the potential to make a significant impact is limitless.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with an AbbVie internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry experience and a chance to develop essential skills in a real-world setting. Interns at AbbVie are considered integral members of the team and are given tasks that are both challenging and rewarding.

Professional Growth and Development

We believe in nurturing our team's professional growth through comprehensive training programs, leadership development opportunities, and continuous learning. Our commitment to your career growth is reflected in our robust offerings that enhance your skills and knowledge.

Benefits and Culture

AbbVie is dedicated to supporting our employees' well-being both inside and outside of work. Our benefits package includes health, financial, and social benefits that are designed to support the diverse needs of our employees. Our inclusive culture encourages collaboration and innovation, fostering a workplace where all can excel.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to ensure a match that will be beneficial both for the company and for your career aspirations. From resume submission to interview, each step is an opportunity to showcase your skills and fit with the AbbVie team.

Networking and Career Advancement

At AbbVie, networking doesn’t just enhance your career; it propels it. We encourage our employees to engage internally and externally to build relationships that foster personal and professional growth.

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Whether you’re seeking to advance your career in a dynamic and empowering environment, or looking for a place where you can innovate, lead, and contribute to something bigger, AbbVie is the place for you. Join us in our mission to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow.
Learn more about AbbVie
Size
50,000 employees
Market Cap
$288.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
$4.6 billion
Founded
2013
5 Year Trend
+17%
Revenue
$45.8 billion
NASDAQ

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