Associate Director, External Manufacturing - Small Molecule

Company Description

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 – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Job Description

The Associate Director, Third Party Manufacturing (TPM) Manager will be the main supplier relationship contact person in charge of providing the organization, supervision, strategic initiatives, and technical support necessary to manage supply of designated products. The role will ensure that high quality product is manufactured in compliance with local and international regulations, and released and delivered according to the established forecasts, schedules, and cost planned. This position also manages projects and programs impacting AbbVie to ensure a cost effective, marketable and manufacturable product and maximizes profitability throughout its life cycle. Through matrix management of cross functional groups/individuals, the Associate Director, TPM is responsible for leading various teams without direct authority, providing program management support, and is the primary AbbVie representative to coordinate operations for existing and new products manufactured with the supplier.

Responsibilities :

• Participate in the negotiation of the Manufacturing Service Agreement and amendments, and ensure compliance with the terms of the agreements.
• Ensure effective planning and material procurement strategies are in place to supply the TPM with the required materials.
• Communicate to the TPM the product forecasts, and agree on manufacturing and delivery schedules. In coordination with Supply Chain and Planning, ensure the supplier delivers the product according to the demand forecasted.
• Actively participate in the development of Financial Operating Plan, Updates, LRP, and Standard processes, and ensure the financial goals are met
• Coordinate the Steering Committee and monitor that the Virtual Operation Teams meet periodically to evaluate performance, address issues, and if necessary escalate.
• Review status reports and prepare updates for Senior leadership.
• In collaboration with technical and quality teams, periodically review process performance, quality trends, and agree on process improvement plans.
• Establish governance, guidelines, and communication channels. Ensure in coordination with the quality units that the supplier has the required quality systems and documentation to meet regulatory requirements, follow up inspection responses and commitments.
• Coordinate with QA, the annual quality management review and periodic audits of the TPM. Ensure deviations are properly investigated and product disposition decisions are made in a timely manner. Establish performance metrics and periodically track performance.
• Develop, implement and manage the programs or projects such as scope, cost, time & resource management, communication and risk management through the initiating, planning and executing phases of the project.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or a related technical discipline required; advanced degree (MS, MBA, or equivalent) preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive pharmaceutical industry experience across manufacturing, technical operations, external manufacturing, quality, supply chain, engineering, or program management
• Demonstrated experience managing global third-party manufacturing (TPM) networks for small molecule products, with accountability for supply continuity, quality performance, and operational excellence.
• Experience leading technology transfer, process validation (PPQ), commercialization, and lifecycle management activities across global external manufacturing networks.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing, supply chain operations, quality systems, regulatory requirements, and external partner management
• Proven leadership and program management capabilities, with the ability to influence without authority, navigate complexity, and drive results through cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated financial acumen with experience in forecasting, budgeting, capacity planning, contract management, and operational decision-making
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and executive presentation skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across functions, cultures, and geographies, fostering alignment and delivering results in a global matrix environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify risks, develop mitigation strategies, and drive resolution of complex business and operational challenges.

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 short-term incentive programs. ​

• 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.

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.

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:

Salary Min: 141500Salary Max: 268500Workday Global Grade: 20 Compensation: USD 141500 - USD 268500 - yearly