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Associate Director, Innovation - job 1 of 2

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

The Enterprise Innovation group works side-by-side with the AbbVie executive team on many of the most pressing issues facing the organization, both in the short term and long term. Work from this team will have a direct impact on the future success of AbbVie.

As Associate Director, Innovation, you will partner with leaders across AbbVie to optimize the value of our portfolio of current and future assets. The role is seeking a high performing individual who has demonstrated an interest and expertise in the biopharma industry and strong desire to advance our strategic agenda and support mission-critical initiatives that will make a difference for AbbVie’s patients. In return the innovation group will provide high profile, high impact projects and professional development experiences spanning the entire drug development and commercialization value chain.

Responsibilities:

  • Drive end-to-end strategic innovation and execution on an AbbVie Enterprise Critical asset in partnership with the program-leading Asset Strategy Team and content-focused deliverable teams. Areas of focus include strategic planning, scenario evaluation, and data-driven problem solving spanning the breadth of drug development (e.g. product development & manufacturing, trial design, evidence package evaluation, clinical acceleration, commercial presentation).
  • Drive end-to-end strategic innovation and execution across AbbVie's highest priority commercial questions in partnership with commercial leadership, brand teams and other cross-functional stakeholders. Areas of focus include strategic planning, commercial execution, and driving innovation on a breadth of enterprise-critical commercial efforts (e.g., launch planning, portfolio positioning, HCP engagement, patient activation, market access strategy).
  • Support strategic initiatives that address mission-critical questions and position AbbVie for future success.
  • Lead individual modules within complex, cross-functional initiatives, including driving the problem-solving process supporting research and analytics, and distilling pragmatic recommendations for management consideration.
  • Monitor, understand, and prioritize external trends of relevance to the enterprise, and help determine how AbbVie should prepare and/or respond.
  • Help communicate our strategy across AbbVie.

Qualifications

  • Bachelors or equivalent degree required. Advanced degree (PharmD, PhD, MD, MBA) highly preferred.
  • Minimum years of experience required - 6+ with Bachelors, 4+ with Masters and 2+ with PHD.
  • Professional consulting experience highly preferred.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Strong communication skills. Can comfortably lead meetings with mid/senior-level management.
  • Experience managing large projects within a complex matrixed pharmaceutical organization, either as an external consultant or an internal cross-functional lead.
  • Demonstrated ability to engage senior leadership to drive alignment on a strategic vision and facilitate decision making on critical issues
  • Capability building / Change management skills – leverage empathy and coaching with functional stakeholder to achieve organizational buy-in and long-lasting changes.
  • Highly collaborative, genuinely enjoys working hand-in-hand with the businesses to develop solutions that advance AbbVie’s overall mission.
  • Drive, energy, and passion to advance AbbVie’s mission.

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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Average salary estimate

$140000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$120000K
$160000K

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What You Should Know About Associate Director, Innovation, AbbVie

At AbbVie, we're on a mission to discover and deliver innovative medicines that positively impact patients' lives, and we are excited to announce the opening for the Associate Director, Innovation position based in North Chicago, IL. In this pivotal role, you'll work directly with our executive team and cross-functional leaders to tackle pressing challenges and optimize our portfolio of assets. Your expertise in the biopharma industry will be invaluable as you drive strategic innovation initiatives that span the entire drug development life cycle. You’ll have the chance to lead high-impact projects that focus on commercial execution, trial designs, and data-driven problem solving—all aimed at supporting AbbVie’s goal of advancing health solutions for patients. We're looking for someone who is not only innovative but also a collaborative partner, eager to engage with senior leadership on strategic visions. Working at AbbVie means you'll be part of an environment that values your drive and passion for making a difference, while providing you with professional development opportunities that enhance your skills and expertise in this dynamic field!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Associate Director, Innovation Role at AbbVie
What are the key responsibilities of the Associate Director, Innovation at AbbVie?

The Associate Director, Innovation at AbbVie is responsible for driving strategic innovation through collaboration with the executive team and various departments within the company. This role involves end-to-end management of key initiatives focusing on portfolio optimization, commercial strategies, and addressing mission-critical questions which position AbbVie for future success. The Associate Director will lead complex cross-functional projects, ensuring alignment across stakeholders while delivering data-driven solutions that promote drug development and commercialization.

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What qualifications are necessary for the Associate Director, Innovation position at AbbVie?

To qualify for the Associate Director, Innovation role at AbbVie, candidates should hold at least a Bachelor's degree, with advanced degrees such as a PharmD, PhD, or MBA highly preferred. A minimum of 6 years of experience is required, along with professional consulting experience. The ideal candidate will possess strong problem-solving and communication skills, along with a proven track record of managing large projects within a complex pharmaceutical organization.

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How does AbbVie support career development for the Associate Director, Innovation?

AbbVie is committed to the professional growth of its employees, including those in the Associate Director, Innovation role. The company offers high-profile projects, developmental experiences, and mentorship opportunities across various therapeutic areas. Employees are encouraged to engage in continual learning and skill development, equipping them with the tools needed to advance their careers while contributing to meaningful initiatives within the company.

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What is the work environment like for the Associate Director, Innovation at AbbVie?

At AbbVie, the work environment for an Associate Director, Innovation is dynamic and collaborative. This role requires working hand-in-hand with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions. AbbVie promotes a culture of inclusivity, where diverse perspectives are valued, and employees are empowered to contribute their ideas and expertise towards optimizing healthcare solutions for patients.

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Can you describe the impact of the Associate Director, Innovation role at AbbVie?

The Associate Director, Innovation plays a crucial role in shaping the future success of AbbVie by addressing significant strategic questions and influencing decision-making processes across the organization. The impact of this position is felt through the development of innovative strategies that enhance AbbVie's portfolio, drive market readiness, and ultimately benefit patients by ensuring that life-changing medications are effectively brought to market.

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Common Interview Questions for Associate Director, Innovation
What experience do you have in strategic innovation management?

In answering this question, provide examples of past roles where you successfully managed strategic innovation initiatives. Highlight specific methodologies you've utilized, such as strategic planning and data analysis, and discuss the outcomes of these initiatives to demonstrate your effectiveness.

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Can you discuss a time when you had to lead a cross-functional project?

When tackling this question, think of a specific project that involved collaboration across different departments. Describe your approach to leading the project, how you facilitated communication among stakeholders, and the results achieved, emphasizing your leadership and problem-solving skills.

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How do you evaluate emerging trends in the biopharma industry?

In your response, discuss the methods you use to stay informed about industry trends, such as attending conferences, reading research articles, or utilizing market analysis tools. Explain how you've applied this knowledge to influence strategic decisions within previous roles.

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What strategies would you use to drive alignment on a strategic vision?

Highlight your experience with change management and capability building in your past roles. Describe your approach to engaging and coaching stakeholders to gain their buy-in, emphasizing empathy and collaboration as key components of your strategy.

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Describe your experience with commercial planning and execution.

Provide concrete examples of your involvement in commercial planning within the biopharma space. Discuss processes you've managed, objectives you've aimed to achieve, and the strategies you employed to ensure effective execution.

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How do you prioritize multiple projects with competing deadlines?

Discuss your organizational skills and any tools or methodologies you use to prioritize tasks. Emphasize your ability to assess project impact and urgency, ensuring that critical initiatives receive the attention they need first.

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Can you detail a successful problem-solving experience in your career?

Share a specific example where you encountered a significant issue within a project. Describe the steps you took to analyze the problem, engage others in finding a resolution, and the successful outcome resulting from your efforts.

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How do you plan to contribute to AbbVie's mission as Associate Director, Innovation?

Articulate your understanding of AbbVie's mission and values. Discuss how your background and expertise align with AbbVie’s focus on innovation and advancing health solutions, sharing your enthusiasm for contributing to projects that directly impact patient lives.

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What tools and methodologies do you use for data-driven decision making?

Identify specific analytical tools and methodologies that you employ in your decision-making processes. Discuss how data influences your strategic choices and provides insights that lead to successful project outcomes.

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What motivates you to work in the biopharma industry?

In your response, convey your passion for the biopharma field and its impact on patient lives. Explain how your personal values align with AbbVie’s purpose and how this motivates you to innovate and drive meaningful changes in healthcare.

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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 21, 2025

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