AbbVie

Associate Director, Strategy & Innovation

AbbVie$150K — $180K *
Business Services
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred
  • 7+ years of experience leading strategic and operational improvement programs in pharmaceuticals or medical devices
  • Proven track record of leading high-impact strategic initiatives from top-tier consulting firms (e.g., McKinsey, BCG)
  • Advanced expertise in applying data analytics tools and AI platforms to drive strategic decisions
  • Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams and navigate organizational priorities
  • Exceptional stakeholder management skills to influence senior leadership
  • Experience leading enterprise-level transformation initiatives with advanced project management expertise

Responsibilities

  • Lead high-impact strategic performance improvement projects using operational excellence principles and analytical frameworks
  • Partner with senior stakeholders to identify and solve critical business challenges through structured insights
  • Analyze complex operations to identify transformation opportunities and diagnose root causes
  • Direct cross-functional teams to deliver strategic outcomes amidst competing priorities
  • Develop and manage comprehensive project plans with clear goals and performance metrics
  • Design and implement advanced AI-driven data analytics solutions to enhance business intelligence
  • Secure executive-level buy-in through compelling business cases aligned with organizational strategy

Benefits

  • Opportunity to lead transformative strategic initiatives with significant business impact
  • Direct partnership with senior leadership within the global organization
  • Culture that rewards analytical precision and bold thinking
  • Accelerated career development path toward leadership roles
  • Exposure to advanced AI technologies and enterprise analytics platforms
  • Leadership development through mentorship from strategy executives
  • Blend of strategic thinking and operational excellence in a collaborative environment
Full Job Description
Job Description

Lead transformative initiatives that redefine the future of aesthetic medicine. As an Associate Director, Strategy & Innovation at Allergan Aesthetics, you will partner with senior leaders to identify, prioritize, and solve complex strategic challenges across our global enterprise. This role offers a unique opportunity to leverage your elite consulting expertise, strategic vision, and operational excellence to drive measurable business impact-all while developing your leadership capabilities in an environment that rewards bold thinking, analytical precision, and transformative execution.

Position Overview
The Associate Director, Strategy & Innovation leads high-impact strategic and performance improvement initiatives across Allergan Aesthetics. You will analyze complex operations, identify breakthrough opportunities, and drive cross-functional teams toward measurable outcomes. This role bridges tactical excellence with strategic insight-translating vision into action through sophisticated analytics, stakeholder engagement, and implementation of innovative solutions. You'll demonstrate thought leadership, manage matrix teams, and leverage advanced AI capabilities to accelerate business transformation at divisional and functional levels.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead complex, strategic performance improvement projects across Allergan Aesthetics, applying advanced operational excellence principles and sophisticated analytical frameworks
• Partner with Director and VP-level stakeholders to identify, prioritize, and solve mission-critical business challenges through structured problem-solving and data-driven insights
• Analyze complex operations, systems, and processes to diagnose root causes, synthesize insights, and identify high-value transformation opportunities
• Direct cross-functional teams spanning business technology, marketing, sales, operations, and additional stakeholders to navigate competing priorities and deliver strategic outcomes
• Develop, manage, and evolve sophisticated project plans, establishing clear goals, critical milestones, strategic deliverables, and meaningful performance metrics
• Design and implement cutting-edge data analytics solutions leveraging AI to transform business intelligence capabilities and generate predictive insights
• Secure executive-level buy-in and investment through compelling business cases that align with organizational strategy and demonstrate tangible value creation
• Challenge status quo thinking through intellectual curiosity and hypothesis-driven problem-solving that transforms ambiguous challenges into structured solutions
• Provide thought leadership across multiple concurrent strategic initiatives, balancing competing priorities while maintaining exceptional quality standards
• Lead matrix teams through complex change initiatives, providing clear direction, removing barriers, and fostering a culture of excellence and accountability
• Maintain close communication with senior leadership, providing strategic updates on project impact and proactively addressing emerging business needs
• Safeguard confidentiality of proprietary corporate information while ensuring appropriate transparency with key stakeholders

Qualifications

Required Skills & Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred
• 7+ years of experience leading strategic and operational improvement programs, with significant exposure in pharmaceuticals or medical device industry
• Proven track record of leading high-impact strategic initiatives, preferably from experience at a top-tier strategic consulting firm (McKinsey, BCG, Bain, etc.)
• Advanced expertise in applying sophisticated data analytics tools and AI platforms to generate actionable business insights and drive strategic decision-making
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a complex, matrix environment and navigate competing organizational priorities
• Superior analytical capabilities with a structured approach to problem-solving and the ability to translate complex data into compelling strategic narratives
• Exceptional stakeholder management skills with proven ability to influence senior leadership and secure executive buy-in
• Advanced project management expertise with experience leading enterprise-level transformation initiatives
• Strategic mindset with demonstrated ability to connect tactical execution to broader organizational objectives
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to present complex concepts clearly and persuasively at all organizational levels
• Experience leading teams through ambiguity with minimal oversight, making high-quality decisions with limited information
• Demonstrated success in leveraging artificial intelligence to transform business processes and create competitive advantage

Distinguishing Attributes
• Strategic Depth: Operates at both tactical and strategic levels, connecting day-to-day execution with long-term enterprise objectives
• Leadership Impact: Leads large, cross-functional teams and influences decision-making at divisional and functional levels
• Business Scope: Works across division/functional boundaries to drive transformation initiatives with organization-wide impact
• Problem Complexity: Tackles complex, multi-dimensional challenges requiring sophisticated analysis and innovative solutions
• AI Expertise: Designs and implements advanced AI-powered analytics solutions beyond standard application, creating custom frameworks to address unique business needs
• Stakeholder Management: Influences director and VP-level stakeholders, securing buy-in for transformative initiatives through compelling business cases
• Decision Authority: Makes significant decisions impacting divisional performance with considerable autonomy

What We Offer
• Opportunity to lead transformative strategic initiatives with significant business impact and visibility
• Direct partnership with senior leadership across the global Allergan Aesthetics organization
• Culture that rewards analytical precision, strategic vision, and the courage to challenge conventional thinking
• Accelerated career development path toward leadership roles in strategy, transformation, and general management
• Cutting-edge exposure to advanced AI technologies and enterprise analytics platforms
• Leadership development through formal and informal mentorship from strategy executives
• Work that combines the strategic challenges of elite consulting with the satisfaction of driving implementation and measuring tangible outcomes
• Balance of strategic thinking and operational excellence in a collaborative, innovation-focused environment

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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