Manager, External Manufacturing - job 2 of 4

As a Manager, External Manufacturing at AbbVie, your primary responsibilities will involve serving as the main contact between AbbVie and our Third Party Manufacturers. You will ensure compliance with contract commitments, manage relationships effectively, and collaborate with several AbbVie departments to facilitate smooth operations. Your role will also include negotiating contract extensions and new agreements, capacity planning, as well as managing financial analyses related to manufacturing.

To apply for the Manager, External Manufacturing position at AbbVie, candidates should have a bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, Operations, or Business. A minimum of 5 to 8 years of experience in relevant fields such as manufacturing, program management, or quality assurance is required. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong negotiation, project management, and communication skills to thrive in this dynamic environment.

Travel is indeed an important part of the Manager, External Manufacturing role at AbbVie. You will be required to visit Third Party Manufacturer sites to establish meaningful relationships and understand their capabilities. This travel is essential for fostering collaboration and ensuring that both AbbVie and our partners can meet their commitments effectively.

The work environment for a Manager, External Manufacturing at AbbVie is collaborative and fast-paced. You’ll be engaging with various departments and external partners, allowing you to develop a broad network within and outside the company. AbbVie values diversity and inclusion, ensuring a supportive workplace where you can thrive while making a real impact on public health.

Key skills for success in the Manager, External Manufacturing role at AbbVie include strong leadership and communication abilities, an understanding of regulatory compliance, and proficiency in negotiation and project management. A talent for financial analysis and the ability to manage multiple accounts simultaneously will also be crucial for achieving the company's strategic objectives.

To effectively prioritize tasks as a Manager, External Manufacturing, it's crucial to assess the urgency and importance of each task. I often align priorities with strategic objectives, focusing on commitments that could impact project timelines, customer satisfaction, and compliance. Creating a structured plan and regularly communicating with my team allows us to stay aligned on priority tasks.

Certainly! In a previous role, I was tasked with renewing a contract with a Third Party Manufacturer facing capacity constraints. By thoroughly analyzing data and understanding our project forecasts, I presented a proposal emphasizing mutually beneficial terms. Effective communication and collaboration led to a successful agreement that met both parties' needs.

Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements starts with staying informed about current laws and industry standards. I routinely conduct audits, work closely with QA teams, and engage in proactive training. Additionally, I build strong relationships with regulatory bodies to facilitate open dialogue and swift resolution of potential issues.

Building relationships with Third Party Manufacturers begins with frequent communication and transparency. I focus on understanding their capabilities and challenges, which allows me to tailor our approach to meet their needs while ensuring we both achieve our goals. Regular visits and collaborative problem-solving sessions are key to fostering strong partnerships.

I rely on a range of performance metrics, including delivery time, quality compliance, cost efficiency, and customer satisfaction. By combining quantitative data with qualitative feedback, I can gain a comprehensive understanding of a Third Party Manufacturer's performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

When conflicts arise, I adopt a collaborative approach focused on open dialogue. I make it a priority to understand each party's concerns and work towards a mutually beneficial resolution. Engaging relevant stakeholders, and using data to inform discussions often leads to successful conflict resolution.

Throughout my career, I have managed multiple cross-functional projects in manufacturing, focusing on optimizing processes and ensuring timely delivery. My experience includes overseeing product launches and mitigating risks throughout the project lifecycle, while maintaining compliance with quality standards.

The most important factor is clear communication and defined expectations. Ensuring that contract terms are mutually understood and aligned with strategic goals is essential. Performance metrics should be included to measure success and maintain accountability between both parties.

Staying updated requires a proactive approach. I regularly attend industry conferences, subscribe to relevant journals, and participate in professional organizations. Networking with other professionals also helps me to gather insights on emerging trends and regulatory changes that could impact our operations.

Identifying potential new Third Party Manufacturers involves thorough market analysis and networking within the industry. I utilize industry reports, attend trade shows, and maintain an ongoing database of potential partners to ensure we can leverage the best capabilities available for our manufacturing needs.