Director, External Manufacturing

About AbbVie 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. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology, and neuroscience, as well as products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio.

Job Description

The Director, Third Party Manufacturing serves as a virtual manufacturing network manager—leading and coordinating teams with overall responsibility and oversight of relationships with external partners that manufacture, package, and test complex pharmaceutical and medical device products for AbbVie Global Operations. This role directs, initiates, and acts as the key decision maker for business‑critical strategic decisions for the TPMs they manage.

Responsibilities

• Lead an integrated cross‑functional team in the delivery of reliable and compliant supply of bulk manufacturing products and finished products from established Third Party Manufacturers (TPMs).
• Direct all phases of the subcontracted relationship from initiation of the business case through contract negotiation, cost accountability, and program execution, overseeing all manufacturing operations performed by third‑party vendors, ensuring adherence to company standards, competitive pricing, and production schedules.
• Own the governance process with external partners to ensure overall performance improvement, including risk identification and mitigation; develop and implement comprehensive risk management strategies to mitigate potential issues in the manufacturing processes.
• Support teams in managing existing supplier relationships, including participation in business review meetings, contract negotiations, and dispute resolution.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment and efficiency in manufacturing operations; partner with AbbVie stakeholder groups to facilitate resolution of technical, quality, or supply issues.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing global third‑party manufacturing team; develop teams capable of driving results and business outcomes, including supplier adherence to contractual commitments, obligations, and established processes.
• Financial stewardship: P&L ownership and overall accountability for adherence to established budget ceilings and attainment of all cost reduction / cost savings targets.
• Sponsor sourcing and siting activities for commercialization of new products, including evaluation of supplier capabilities, investment requirements, and supply agreement negotiation.
• Develop long‑range plans that include financials, volumes, headcounts, and actions necessary to optimize the Third Party Manufacturing footprint.
• Implement standard work and business processes to achieve one way of working across the External Manufacturing team.

Qualifications

• BS, Engineering or equivalent technical degree; MBA preferred.
• 10+ years in a leadership role in manufacturing, supply chain management, or operations, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role; Plant Manager or GM experience preferred.
• Previous experience leading cross‑functional highly matrixed teams and managing senior stakeholders.
• Previous experience managing subcontracted relationships.
• Ability to translate mission, vision, and strategy into action and results.
• Outstanding negotiation skills.
• Long‑term and strategic thinking.
• Ability to lead change and deliver results across a matrix organization.
• Highly articulate with strong verbal & written communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive base pay and long‑term incentive programs (exact range based on geographic location).
• Comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) for eligible employees.

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives, and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled.

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