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Manager, Business Operations, Discovery Research

Company Description

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 XFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Job Description

This position is responsible for facilitating strategic planning and execution within an R&D Discovery Research Area.  Provides individual leadership and consultation for complex transformational business programs in close collaboration with the VP area head and the respective leadership team.  Directly supports the area head with development, communication and execution of strategic programs and executive projects to advance the business.  

Communicate/present key information to senior leadership within area of responsibility. Responsible for the identification, planning and implementation of activities and projects aligned with and enable the achievement of departmental strategies, goals, and objectives. Primarily accountable to ensure functional area operates within the current financial plan/update budget including headcount. Strategically project and manage financial plan/update budget and headcount across the functional area in collaboration with the organizational leader, department and R&D finance utilizing knowledge of current and future business environment. Influences and strategically manages linkages across the business and understands the impact of business decisions and solutions.

Responsibilities:

  • Facilitates the creation of the Business Strategy to execute the strategic imperatives and goals, in partnership with the respective R&D leadership team.  Manages the execution and measurement of the strategy. 
  • Effectively frames complex issues for decision-makers and peers. Prepares and delivers effective management presentations to R&D leadership team. Draws upon personal knowledge of business processes, global regulations, organizational improvement methods, and communication mechanisms to propose and design innovative organizational improvements.
  • Coordinate and lead strategic analyses and exercises for the functional area head.  Investigates process inefficiencies and proposes solutions for implementation.  Helps to define the problem, assemble the team, perform the necessary strategic analysis, and recommend actions to the senior leaders.
  • Provide portfolio and resource analyses and forecasts Partner with functional area head in the financial planning process for future initiatives and projects, forecasting and roll-up.  Facilitate discussions with functional area head for Long Range Plan, yearly budget cycles and monthly forecasting updates based on latest best estimate.
  • Provide leadership and develop strategic recommendations to departments to ensure area operates within the current financial plan/update budget.
  • Acts with demonstrated ability to analyze change management issues and opportunities, foster innovation and the development of creative mechanisms for solving business issues, and plan/oversee effective implementation of projects and/or initiatives.

 

Qualifications

Qualifications

PhD or equivalent & 4+ years, MS or equivalent & 6+ years, or BS & 8+ years academic or industry experience, including 7+ years of leadership responsibility, is required.  MBA or Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.

  • Strong management skills with proven effective leadership abilities.  Demonstrated ability to lead multi-divisional and multi-functional teams with global aspects.
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Experience in managing functional budgets and developing budget forecasts
  • Strong business acumen and effective negotiation skills
  • Experience working in a complex and matrix environment
  • Demonstrated ability to craft compelling business cases that prompt appropriate action.
  • 3+ years of work experience in the Discovery, and  6+ years in pharmaceutical, healthcare or regulated industry preferred.
  • Proven track record of developing and executing change management strategies or successful project planning and management of highly complex business and technology initiatives is preferred.

Key Stakeholders 

Discovery and R&D senior leaders, functional and/or area leads, finance

Additional Information

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. 

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives, serving our community and embracing diversity and inclusion.  It is AbbVie’s policy to employ qualified persons of the greatest ability without discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected group status.

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html 

US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:

https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

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What You Should Know About Manager, Business Operations, Discovery Research, AbbVie

Looking to take your career to new heights? Join AbbVie as a Manager of Business Operations in North Chicago, IL, where you'll have the opportunity to lead dynamic strategic planning and execution initiatives within our R&D Discovery Research Area. In this role, you'll not only support the VP area head but also collaborate closely with the leadership team to facilitate transformative business programs. Your insights will drive the development, communication, and execution of strategic plans aimed at advancing business goals. Your knack for facilitating complex analyses will play a crucial role in identifying inefficiencies and proposing innovative solutions. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and possess strong leadership skills, you will lead the charge in crafting compelling presentations for senior leadership and managing departmental strategies. At AbbVie, we focus on impact, embracing innovative solutions to address serious health issues. By coordinating financial planning processes, you will ensure our functional areas operate smoothly while maintaining integrity in a complex and matrixed environment. With your background in pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, you will share your expertise with our talented teams, fostering creativity and strategic thinking. This isn't just a job; it's your chance to make a tangible difference in people's lives. Come join us, and together, let’s transform healthcare!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Manager, Business Operations, Discovery Research Role at AbbVie
What are the main responsibilities of a Manager, Business Operations at AbbVie?

As a Manager of Business Operations at AbbVie, you will be responsible for facilitating strategic planning and execution within the R&D Discovery Research Area. This includes managing business transformations, developing strategies in collaboration with leadership, communicating effectively with senior executives, and ensuring adherence to financial plans and budgets. Your role will involve leading strategic analyses, proposing solutions for process inefficiencies, and supporting long-term planning and budget forecasting.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for the Manager, Business Operations position at AbbVie?

To be considered for the Manager of Business Operations role at AbbVie, candidates should have either a PhD with 4+ years of relevant experience, an MS with 6+ years, or a BS with 8+ years of relevant academic or industry experience, including at least 7 years of leadership responsibility. An MBA or PMP certification is preferred, along with strong management, communication, and business acumen skills.

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How does AbbVie support career growth for Managers in Business Operations?

AbbVie is committed to the professional growth of its employees, especially in managerial roles like the Manager of Business Operations. As part of our culture of innovation, we offer training and development opportunities, mentorship programs, and the chance to lead significant projects. Employees are encouraged to take on challenging responsibilities that align with their career aspirations, ensuring you grow alongside the company as we tackle serious health issues.

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What skills are most important for success as a Manager in Business Operations at AbbVie?

Success as a Manager in Business Operations at AbbVie relies heavily on strong leadership, strategic planning, and communication skills. The ability to navigate complex organizational structures is crucial, as is experience in managing functional budgets and developing forecasts. Being innovative and having the knack for crafting compelling business cases will also set you apart as you drive initiatives within the organization.

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What kind of projects will a Manager, Business Operations at AbbVie oversee?

In your role as a Manager of Business Operations at AbbVie, you will oversee a range of strategic projects that align with our R&D initiatives, such as improving operational efficiencies, enhancing financial planning processes, and implementing transformational programs. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams to lead analyses that guide decision-making and contribute to AbbVie’s mission of delivering innovative health solutions.

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Common Interview Questions for Manager, Business Operations, Discovery Research
Can you describe your experience with strategic planning in your previous roles?

When responding to this question, share specific examples where you successfully contributed to strategic plans in your former positions. Highlight any frameworks or methodologies you employed, how you collaborated with leadership, and the outcomes of those strategies. It's essential to demonstrate your analytical capabilities and understanding of how strategic planning directly impacts organizational objectives.

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How do you approach budget management for projects?

In your answer, emphasize your philosophy on budget management, detailing your experience in creating budgets, monitoring spending, and forecasting financial needs. Include any tools you've used, your understanding of budget limitations, and how you ensure projects remain financially viable while achieving their objectives. Providing metrics of past successes can add credibility to your response.

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Describe a time you identified a significant inefficiency in a process. How did you address it?

Provide a detailed account of a situation where you pinpointed inefficiencies in a process. Discuss the root cause you identified and outline the steps you took to devise and implement a solution. Emphasize any quantitative results achieved from your intervention, showcasing how your actions contributed to a positive outcome.

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What is your strategy for presenting complex information to senior leadership?

Discuss your approach to communication and presentation, particularly methods you use to distill complex data into clear, actionable insights for senior leadership. You might mention the importance of understanding your audience, preparing concise visuals, and how you incorporate storytelling techniques to engage your listeners.

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How do you balance your responsibilities if you have competing priorities?

Reflect on your time management skills and tools for prioritizing tasks. Share a specific instance where you managed multiple demands successfully, and how you determined what required immediate focus. Highlight your ability to remain organized and disciplined even under pressure while maintaining communication with stakeholders.

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What experience do you have working in a matrix organization?

Illustrate your ability to navigate matrix environments by describing your experience collaborating with cross-functional teams. Mention the challenges you faced and how you resolved conflicts or misalignment between divisions to achieve common goals, emphasizing adaptability and strong interpersonal skills.

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Tell me about a successful change management strategy you implemented?

Use this opportunity to present a specific change management initiative you led. Discuss your role, what strategies were effective, the key stakeholders involved, and how you measured success. Highlight the impact of your efforts not only on the team or organization but also on collaboration and morale.

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How do you keep yourself updated with industry trends in pharmaceuticals?

Share strategies that you employ to stay current on pharmaceutical trends, such as attending industry conferences, subscribing to relevant journals and reports, or engaging in networking with thought leaders. Highlight specific areas of the industry you are focused on and how you integrate this knowledge into your role.

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What leadership style do you find most effective?

Articulate your preferred leadership style and provide examples from your past experiences that illustrate how it proved effective in managing teams or driving initiatives. Whether it's transformational, participative, or a blend, ensure your answer demonstrates a genuine understanding of team dynamics and success.

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Describe your approach to fostering innovation within your team.

Explain your techniques for encouraging an innovative culture, such as inviting diverse perspectives, utilizing brainstorming sessions, or employing encouraging feedback. Share instances where your approach led to new ideas or solutions and discuss how you nurtured a workspace where creativity thrived.

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AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines 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: i...

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DATE POSTED
March 28, 2025

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