Associate Director - R&D Information Research IT (Hybrid)

Role Summary

The Associate Director, IT – Business Relationship Manager plays a pivotal role in managing strategic partnerships between R&D IT and multiple areas within the global Discovery R&D organization, with a primary emphasis on Precision Medicine and Aesthetics discovery. This leader is accountable for guiding and developing a team of business systems analysts and consultants, fostering strong collaboration with R&D leaders to ensure the effective design, development, implementation, and support of process, software, and data systems that drive AbbVie’s Drug Discovery initiatives. Through proactive relationship management and a commitment to people leadership, this role aligns R&D IT capabilities with scientific objectives, empowering innovation and operational excellence across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain productive partnerships across global leadership, scientists, external collaborators, and other stakeholders to develop and execute integrated technology strategies within the R&D organization.
• Collaborate with R&D Scientists/executives and IT executives to initiate, plan, and set strategic direction for R&D IT projects.
• Oversee the deployment and integration of scientific technology tools, including AI solutions, and high-performance computing resources to support R&D discovery research.
• Champion continuous improvement through ongoing education, evaluation of best practices, and implementation of innovative solutions.
• Develop and execute stakeholder engagement strategies to inform, consult, and involve stakeholders in key initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant corporate and divisional policies and procedures.
• Lead and develop a distributed team of scientific, technical and business analysts and consultants, fostering a positive, collaborative, and high-performing culture.
• Promote a strong customer-focused mindset, ensuring team commitment to engaging stakeholders in process and service development.
• Drive team members' professional growth through mentorship, training, and development initiatives.
• Proactively advise leadership on risks and issues to ensure effective management and communication.

Qualifications

• Required: Bachelor's degree with 9 years' experience; Master's degree with 8 years' experience; PhD with 4 years' experience in life sciences, computer science or business.
• Required: 9+ years' experience: business relationship management, business systems analysis, project management, software development or deployment, with a minimum of 9 years managing projects, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Required: Experience managing teams and direct reports or contractors, or other direct management experience.
• Preferred: Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Life Sciences, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, Information Systems, or related scientific field.
• Preferred: Proven experience in business relationship management within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or healthcare/scientific research organizations.
• Preferred: Strong understanding of drug discovery and development, precision medicine, and scientific data management.
• Preferred: Experience leading cross-functional teams, ideally in IT, R&D, or other scientific environments.
• Preferred: Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
• Preferred: Demonstrated ability to align technical strategy with scientific and corporate objectives.
• Preferred: Familiarity with regulatory requirements (e.g., GxP, data privacy), compliance, and quality management in research.