Project Director, Peptide API
AbbVie
6 months ago
Remote friendly (North Chicago, IL)
United States
Operations
Purpose:
Drive transformational performance in delivery of Peptide API projects in the United States through best-in-class technology adoption, cross-functional alignment (with Operations and external functions), seamless project execution with manufacturing sites, and reducing overall project timeline to deliver products to patients. Adoption of first-time process technologies with a change-readiness mindset is critical. Provide key technical inputs to business development involving external pipeline/new modalities and ensure manufacturing capacity for product growth and internal pipeline.
Responsibilities:
- Lead a team to achieve charter, priorities, and milestones for strategic peptide manufacturing projects in the US.
- Lead/manage complex, strategically critical capital projects to deliver milestones on time in a compliant and efficient manner.
- Ensure compliance to AbbVie EHS standards; achieve Zero incidents or non-conformances during construction.
- Develop strategies for concept studies, basic/detailed design, capital equipment procurement, and contract construction services.
- Drive transformation across all phases to deliver best-in-class technology; improve execution efficiency to reduce the project lineup by up to 20%; introduce AI and digitalization in project management/development.
- Direct project development from business case/Request for Capital through contract negotiation, cost accountability, and program execution; ensure adherence to company standards, competitive pricing, and manufacturing schedules (for brownfield development).
- Ensure best-in-class design, on-time delivery, scope delivery on/below budgeted cost, and conformance to quality requirements.
- Develop and implement comprehensive risk management strategies.
- Drive and monitor KPIs; communicate performance/risks to steering committees and ensure strong project governance.
- Collaborate with procurement, QA, PDS&T, ME&C, and R&D to align decisions impacting project priorities; partner to resolve process/technical/quality issues.
- Develop sourcing strategy and manage relationships with consultants, A/E firms, and construction contractors; participate in project review meetings, contract negotiations, and dispute resolution.
- Develop estimates, plans, and technical/financial analyses (e.g., ROI/NPV) for new projects.
- Develop Long Range Plans including capital/project estimates and scope to support internal manufacturing of pipeline products or additional manufacturing capacity.
Qualifications:
- BS in Engineering (or equivalent technical degree); Master’s in Engineering or MBA preferred.
- 15+ years as a Senior Engineering/Projects/Operations leader across multiple technologies.
- In-depth technical/operational expertise across most AbbVie manufacturing technologies, including Biologics BDS/BDP, Small Molecule API/OSD, Medical Device, and Packaging Operations.
- Proven inclusive leadership managing large cross-functional teams and effectively communicating with senior leadership/executives from partners and authorities.
- Strong negotiation skills and functional knowledge across Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Financials.
- Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in a global matrixed organization; lead change and deliver results.
- Business acumen and financial planning/budgeting experience (including P&L); strong verbal/written communication.
- Ability to mentor and develop next-generation leaders.
- Frequent US travel; travel to design reviews/workshops outside the US as required.
Key Stakeholders:
ME&C, PDS&T, R&D, Procurement, Global Engineering, EHS, Facilities, AI and Digital Transformation, Government Affairs.
Benefits (explicitly stated):
- Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick)
- Medical/dental/vision insurance
- 401(k) (eligible employees)
- Eligible for long-term incentive programs
Drive transformational performance in delivery of Peptide API projects in the United States through best-in-class technology adoption, cross-functional alignment (with Operations and external functions), seamless project execution with manufacturing sites, and reducing overall project timeline to deliver products to patients. Adoption of first-time process technologies with a change-readiness mindset is critical. Provide key technical inputs to business development involving external pipeline/new modalities and ensure manufacturing capacity for product growth and internal pipeline.
Responsibilities:
- Lead a team to achieve charter, priorities, and milestones for strategic peptide manufacturing projects in the US.
- Lead/manage complex, strategically critical capital projects to deliver milestones on time in a compliant and efficient manner.
- Ensure compliance to AbbVie EHS standards; achieve Zero incidents or non-conformances during construction.
- Develop strategies for concept studies, basic/detailed design, capital equipment procurement, and contract construction services.
- Drive transformation across all phases to deliver best-in-class technology; improve execution efficiency to reduce the project lineup by up to 20%; introduce AI and digitalization in project management/development.
- Direct project development from business case/Request for Capital through contract negotiation, cost accountability, and program execution; ensure adherence to company standards, competitive pricing, and manufacturing schedules (for brownfield development).
- Ensure best-in-class design, on-time delivery, scope delivery on/below budgeted cost, and conformance to quality requirements.
- Develop and implement comprehensive risk management strategies.
- Drive and monitor KPIs; communicate performance/risks to steering committees and ensure strong project governance.
- Collaborate with procurement, QA, PDS&T, ME&C, and R&D to align decisions impacting project priorities; partner to resolve process/technical/quality issues.
- Develop sourcing strategy and manage relationships with consultants, A/E firms, and construction contractors; participate in project review meetings, contract negotiations, and dispute resolution.
- Develop estimates, plans, and technical/financial analyses (e.g., ROI/NPV) for new projects.
- Develop Long Range Plans including capital/project estimates and scope to support internal manufacturing of pipeline products or additional manufacturing capacity.
Qualifications:
- BS in Engineering (or equivalent technical degree); Master’s in Engineering or MBA preferred.
- 15+ years as a Senior Engineering/Projects/Operations leader across multiple technologies.
- In-depth technical/operational expertise across most AbbVie manufacturing technologies, including Biologics BDS/BDP, Small Molecule API/OSD, Medical Device, and Packaging Operations.
- Proven inclusive leadership managing large cross-functional teams and effectively communicating with senior leadership/executives from partners and authorities.
- Strong negotiation skills and functional knowledge across Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Financials.
- Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in a global matrixed organization; lead change and deliver results.
- Business acumen and financial planning/budgeting experience (including P&L); strong verbal/written communication.
- Ability to mentor and develop next-generation leaders.
- Frequent US travel; travel to design reviews/workshops outside the US as required.
Key Stakeholders:
ME&C, PDS&T, R&D, Procurement, Global Engineering, EHS, Facilities, AI and Digital Transformation, Government Affairs.
Benefits (explicitly stated):
- Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick)
- Medical/dental/vision insurance
- 401(k) (eligible employees)
- Eligible for long-term incentive programs