Project Director, Peptide API (Hybrid)

About the role

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow across key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and Allergan Aesthetics.

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 reduction of overall project timelines to deliver products to patients. Adoption of first-time process technologies and modalities with a change readiness mindset is critical. This role requires cross-functional collaboration during all phases of strategic project development, provides key technical inputs to business development activities involving external pipeline and new modalities, and ensures manufacturing capacity for product growth and internal pipeline. The incumbent reports to the 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 projects within the US.
• Lead and manage complex, strategically critical capital projects to ensure timely delivery of project milestones in a compliant and efficient manner.
• Ensure compliance with AbbVie EHS standards and zero incidents or non-conformances during construction of all projects.
• Develop strategies to efficiently deliver concept studies, basic and detailed design, procure capital equipment, and contract construction services.
• Drive transformation across all project phases to deliver best-in-class technology, efficiency in execution to reduce overall project timeline up to 20% from baseline, and introduce AI and digitalization in project management and development.
• Direct all phases of project development from initiation of business case/Request for Capital through contract negotiation, cost accountability, and program execution ensuring adherence to company standards, competitive pricing, and manufacturing schedules (including brownfield developments).
• Meet key project intent: 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 project development.
• Drive KPIs to measure and monitor performance of strategic projects in the US, effectively communicate performance and risks to steering committees, and ensure top-tier governance.
• Collaborate with internal teams including Procurement, Quality Assurance, PDS&T, ME&C, and R&D to ensure alignment and efficiency in decisions impacting project priorities.
• Partner with AbbVie stakeholder groups to facilitate resolution of process, technical, or quality issues.
• Develop sourcing strategy with Procurement and manage relationships with consultants, Architectural/Engineering firms, and construction contractors, including participation in project review meetings, contract negotiations, and dispute resolution.
• Develop estimates and plans with technical and financial analysis such as ROI/NPV for new projects.
• Develop Long Range Plans including capital and project estimates and scope required to support internal manufacturing of pipeline products or established products needing new or additional manufacturing capacity.

Qualifications

• BS in Engineering or equivalent technical degree; Master's degree in Engineering or MBA preferred.
• Minimum 15+ years of experience as a Senior Engineering / Projects / Operations Leader across multiple technologies.
• In-depth technical and operational expertise across the 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; ability to effectively interact and communicate with senior leadership and executives from strategic partners and authorities.
• Outstanding negotiation skills and knowledgeable, experienced functional responsibility across 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 required.
• Key stakeholders: ME&C, PDS&T, R&D, Procurement, Global Engineering, EHS, Facilities, AI and Digital Transformation, Government Affairs.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick leave)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan for eligible employees
• Eligibility to participate in long-term incentive programs