Associate Director - Global Study Start Up Transformation Lead

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 www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

The Associate Director, Global Study Start Up Transformation Lead, is responsible for supporting the Director in overseeing and managing the transformation of Global Study Start Up business processes, increasing process/workflow efficiency and quality through use of AI/automation. This role requires strong project management and communication skills to ensure a smooth and successful transformation. The Associate Director will assist in developing training plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and documentation.

This is an office based role (hybrid) from the North Chicago office.

All primary responsibilities noted below would be specific to your assigned area.

Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Transformation Planning & Execution: Assist in the development and execution of a comprehensive training plan, including timelines, milestones, and deliverables, to ensure a seamless transformation of SSU processes to support global SSU business needs. Drive a learning environment (best practice sharing, and lessons learned) and ensure continuous improvement in area/country performance by using innovative approaches, active analysis of Key Risk and Performance Indicators, metrics, milestones, and benchmarking.
• Stakeholder Management: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to understand their requirements and expectations. Maintain open lines of communication to support the Director in managing stakeholder relationships.
• Vendor Selection: Participate in the vendor selection process for support services by evaluating their capabilities, experience, and fit with the organization's requirements. Support the procurement and legal teams in contract negotiations and service level agreements.
• Project Coordination: Support the Director in managing the transformation project, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Assist in identifying and mitigating risks and issues that may arise during the transformation process.
• Process Documentation: Work closely with internal teams to document existing SSU processes, workflows, and SOPs. Assist in identifying areas for improvement and recommend changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Change and Risk Management: Develop and implement change management and risk strategies, provide training and support to help SSU operational roles to adapt to new roles and responsibilities.
• Performance Monitoring: Assist in establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the performance of the offshoring hub(s) for SSU processes. Monitor and evaluate their performance against agreed-upon targets and take corrective actions as necessary.
• Automation Development: Increase process/workflow efficiency and quality by use of AI/automation. Proactively communicate corresponding proposals to Director. Plan, coordinate, and develop activities for the implementation of new and existing automation projects/processes.
• Relationship Management: Partner closely with all key stakeholders to facilitate cross-functional communication and collaboration. Participate in or leading cross-functional process improvement initiatives or special projects as required. Support the Director in fostering a strong and collaborative relationship with the offshoring hub(s), and internal teams, acting as a secondary point of contact for any SSU-related issues or escalations. Attend regular meetings and performance reviews to maintain a productive partnership.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize the SSU process and enhance overall operational efficiency. Identify opportunities for cost savings, process automation, and innovation.
• Team Leadership: Assist in leading a team responsible for developing activity-level SOPs and documents related to the SSU transition process.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a healthcare or scientific field.
• Minimum of 7 years of clinical project management and global study start-up experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in line management, including talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, coaching, and mentoring.
• Proven leadership skills in a cross-functional global team environment and the ability to influence and align stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to evaluate complex issues from multiple perspectives.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate persuasively and clearly.
• Demonstrated successful program execution, preferably in start-up, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Expertise in drug development, operations, and resource/budget planning across global geographies.
• Vendor management experience, including identification, selection, performance oversight, and cultivating collaborative working relationships.
• Advanced working knowledge of ICH and GCP guidelines and an operational understanding of the global regulatory environment.

Preferred:

Demonstrated success in developing and retaining high-potential/high-performing staff.

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. ​

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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. 

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