AbbVie

Project Director, Peptide API

AbbVie • $150K — $200K *
North Chicago, IL 60064In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
1 month ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Engineering or related technical degree; Master's preferred.
  • 15+ years in Senior Engineering/Projects/Operations roles across multiple technologies.
  • Extensive knowledge in AbbVie manufacturing technologies including Biologics, Small Molecule, Medical Devices, and Packaging.
  • Strong leadership and management skills with cross-functional teams.
  • Proven negotiation skills and functional knowledge across Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain.
  • Experience in financial planning, budgeting, and P&L responsibility, with strong communication skills.
  • Ability to mentor and develop future leaders.

Responsibilities

  • Lead a team to achieve project milestones for peptide manufacturing.
  • Manage capital projects ensuring compliance and efficiency.
  • Ensure compliance with EHS standards to achieve Zero incidents during construction.
  • Develop strategies for project design and equipment procurement.
  • Implement transformation strategies leveraging technology and reduce project timelines by up to 20%.
  • Oversee all project phases from initiation through execution and contract negotiations.
  • Establish risk management strategies to address potential project issues.
  • Drive performance metrics for projects and communicate with steering committees.
  • Partner with internal teams to resolve technical and quality issues efficiently.
  • Manage relationships with external consultants and contractors throughout project lifecycle.

Benefits

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

Purpose:

The Project Director will drive transformational performance in delivery of Peptide API projects in the United States through adoption of best-in-class technology, cross-functional alignment with Operations and external functions, seamless execution and delivery of projects with manufacturing sites and reduce overall project timeline to deliver products to patients. Adoption of first-time process technologies and modality with a change readiness mindset is critical to this role. This role requires cross-functional collaboration with other functions during all phases of the development of strategic projects. The incumbent will provide key technical inputs to business development activities involving external pipeline and new modalities, in addition to ensuring manufacturing capacity for product growth and internal pipeline. The incumbent will report to VP, Strategic Capital Deployment in the Operations Transformation organization.

Responsibilities:
  • Lead a team of professionals to achieve the charter, priorities and milestones of strategic peptide manufacturing project within the US.
  • Lead and manage complex and strategically critical capital projects to ensure timely delivery of project milestones in a compliant and efficient manner.
  • Responsible for compliance to AbbVie EHS standards and ensure Zero incidents or non-conformances during construction of all the projects.
  • Develop strategies to efficiently deliver concept studies, basic and detailed design, procure capital equipment and contract construction services.
  • Drive transformation across all phases of the projects to deliver best-in-class technology, efficiency in execution to reduce the overall project line up to 20% from the baseline, introduce AI and digitalization in various aspects of project management and development.
  • Direct all phases of the project development from initiation of the business case/Request for Capital through contract negotiation, cost accountability and program execution ensuring adherence to company standards, competitive pricing, and manufacturing schedules, if in a brownfield development.
  • Responsible to meet the key intent of the projects - best-in-class design, on time delivery, delivery of scope on or below budgeted cost and conformance to quality requirements.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive risk management strategies to mitigate potential issues during development of projects.
  • Drive KPIs to measure and monitor performance of strategic projects in the US, effectively communicate performance and risks to the steering committees and ensure top-tier governance of the projects.
  • Collaborate with internal teams including procurement, quality assurance, PDS&T, ME&C and R&D to ensure alignment and efficiency in decisions that impact project priorities. Partner with AbbVie stakeholder groups to facilitate resolution of process, technical or quality issues
  • Develop a sourcing strategy with procurement and be responsible to manage relationships with consultants, Architectural/Engineering firms, construction contractors including participation in project review meetings, contract negotiations and dispute resolution.
  • Develop estimates and plans along with any technical and financial analysis such as ROI/NPV for new projects to be planned.
  • Develop Long Range Plans that include capital and project estimates and scope required to support internal manufacturing of pipeline products or established products that need new or additional manufacturing capacity.


Qualifications
  • BS, Engineering or equivalent technical degree; Master's degree in Engineering or MBA preferred
  • Minimum of 15+ years of experience as a Senior Engineering / Projects / Operations Leader across multiple technologies.
  • In-depth technical and operational expertise across majority of AbbVie manufacturing technologies including Biologics BDS/BDP, Small Molecule API/OSD, Medical Device, and Packaging Operations.
  • Proven inclusive management and leadership capabilities of large cross-functional teams and the ability to effectively interact and communicate with senior leadership and executives from strategic partners and authorities.
  • Outstanding negotiation skills and knowledgeable and experienced functional responsibility of diverse functions required for successful operations including Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering and Financials.
  • Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in a global matrixed organization. Ability to lead change and deliver results across a matrix organization.
  • Business acumen and direct financial planning/budgeting experience required including P&L responsibility. Highly articulate with strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to mentor and develop next generation of leaders
  • Frequent travel to project sites within the US and to design reviews/workshops outside the US will be required
  • Key Stakeholders: ME&C, PDS&T, R&D, Procurement, Global Engineering, EHS, Facilities, AI and Digital Transformation, Government Affairs


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.

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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.

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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.

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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
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
Net Income
$4.6 billion
Founded
2013
5 Year Trend
+17%
Revenue
$45.8 billion
NASDAQ
ABBV
* Ladders Estimates

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