Project Director / Manufacturing Director, Operations

AbbVie•Durham, NC

6d•$160,500 - $305,000•Onsite

About The Position

AbbVie is recruiting a Project Director / Manufacturing Director, Operations to join the core start-up leadership team for its new manufacturing campus in Durham, North Carolina. The campus will integrate advanced manufacturing, laboratory technologies, and AI to support production of immunology, oncology, and neuroscience medicines. Its first phase includes manufacturing facilities, next-generation laboratories, a warehouse, administrative offices, and employee wellness facilities. The role provides leadership and direction for a large-site manufacturing operation spanning drug substance, drug product, biologics, and/or aseptic sterile fill-finish, delivering multiple and technically complex products and supporting new product introductions and launch readiness. The director will help establish the site and operational readiness, lead the assigned manufacturing area to meet business strategies, and manage its operational, financial, staffing, performance, and improvement objectives. Travel of up to 50% is expected during the initial project start-up phase.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related technical field, such as Chemical Engineering.
At least 12 years of experience, including individual-contributor work building technical expertise and demonstrated project-management skills.
Progressively increased responsibility and performance as a supervisor, department manager, and leader of diverse teams in Operations, such as Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, or Engineering.
At least 8 years of experience in a similar drug substance, drug product, biologics, and/or aseptic sterile fill-finish environment.
Demonstrated ability to lead successful teams.
Experience partnering cross-functionally in a GMP manufacturing environment.
Business acumen and functional leadership experience to ensure effectiveness and high performance in a complex operation.
Ability to travel up to 50% during the initial start-up phase of the project.

Nice To Haves

Advanced technical degree (Master’s or Doctorate) is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Partner with the leadership team to build and establish the site, recruit key team members, and establish operational readiness.
Create operational and financial goals, budgets, and objectives for the assigned manufacturing area; manage a budget typically of $60 million or more and maximize operational performance.
Apply scientific analysis and decision-making to influence manufacturing-process design and ongoing optimization.
Lead teams in troubleshooting manufacturing issues and advise cross-functional teams to support efficient, high-quality processes and products.
Lead the assigned manufacturing area in meeting site business strategies and manage its operating expenses, payroll, and capital expenditures for projects and programs.
Develop and implement business strategies to meet budget expectations and drive cost reduction; adapt and transform the organization to meet changing business needs.
Provide staff training and coaching to build technical knowledge and capability.
Develop and manage action plans, timelines, and budgets for project and product goals, adjusting plans as business demands change.
Hire and manage staff, oversee performance, develop talent, and set clear expectations.
Ensure labor and equipment performance measures are met; complete goals, prioritize project work, and coordinate activities and improvement efforts across manufacturing areas.
Manage the employee relations climate so the AbbVie Way is realized and employees can develop to their potential.
Coach managers and set clear expectations for responsibilities, goals, and behaviors; model strong performance and talent management practices.