Director, Search & Evaluation Project Management

Role Summary

The Director, S&E Project Management leads cross-functional execution of Therapeutic Area–aligned strategies within AbbVie's Search & Evaluation group. The S&E group supports global Business Development by pursuing strategic opportunities from academic institutions, biotech/pharma companies, and venture firms for potential research collaborations, in-licensing/out-licensing assets, venture investments, and company acquisitions. The role leads the global search efforts for assets of high strategic value and conducts thorough technical due diligence to understand the science behind each opportunity. The Director ensures seamless cross-functional execution in partnership with S&E TA Leads and teams to enable effective deal progression.

Responsibilities

• Actively supports the Search and Evaluation lead for all active diligences.
• Serves as a core member of the Search and Evaluation team and coordinates activities and deliverables.
• Actively contributes to cross-functional discussions from both a program management and strategic perspective.
• Leads and coordinates the cross-functional diligences with external partners and internal subject matter experts.
• Proactively identifies, communicates, and manages risks across the deal portfolio.
• Drives cross-functional alignment and structures discussions to enable effective decision-making.
• Monitors and assesses team performance; shares learnings to drive consistency across the portfolio.
• Ensures smooth navigation of governance processes and effective use of each forum for deal progression.
• Works closely with S&E operations on all aspects of the external partnering events scheduling.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or equivalent degree required. Advanced degree (PhD, MBA, PharmD) preferred.
• Minimum years of experience: 8+ with Bachelors, 6+ with Masters, and 4+ with PhD.
• 5-7+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry in drug development, business development, or related areas.
• Strong scientific expertise in one or more of AbbVie’s key therapeutic areas; should have worked as key scientific member on drug development projects.
• Experience managing partnering/diligence processes and governance for deal approvals.
• Strong strategic thinking, leadership, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of program management practices in business development and Search and Evaluation.