Manager, Technical Operations

As the Manager, Technical Operations at AbbVie, your primary responsibilities include overseeing technical support staff, managing product investigations, facilitating technology transfers, and implementing process improvements to enhance product quality and minimize costs. Additionally, you'll play a crucial role in maintaining regulatory compliance and high-quality standards within manufacturing operations.

To qualify for the Manager, Technical Operations role at AbbVie, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in a scientific or technical field, preferably chemical engineering or life sciences. In addition, at least 8 years of relevant experience is required for a BS degree; alternatively, 6 years for MS, or 4 years with a PhD. A solid understanding of good manufacturing practices is also essential.

At AbbVie, we take employee development seriously. As a Manager, Technical Operations, you will be responsible for managing performance, development plans, and promotion recommendations for your team. We believe in fostering talent and provide opportunities for growth and learning through training programs and ongoing mentorship.

Process improvement is vital for the Manager, Technical Operations at AbbVie as it directly impacts product quality and operational efficiency. You will identify bottlenecks in our manufacturing processes and implement strategic changes to enhance the quality of our marketed products while also seeking to reduce costs.

The team culture at AbbVie is collaborative and inclusive. As a Manager, Technical Operations, you'll lead a diverse group of talented individuals who share a common goal of innovation and excellence in healthcare. We prioritize teamwork, open communication, and a supportive environment where employees can thrive and contribute their best work.

When discussing your experience with managing technical support staff, highlight specific instances where you led a team through challenges, how you fostered collaboration, and the results achieved. Focus on your ability to mentor team members and provide guidance, as well as how you encourage a culture of continuous improvement.

In approaching product investigations, emphasize your systematic methodology. Discuss how you gather data, involve cross-functional teams, and apply scientific reasoning to get to the root cause of any issues. Be sure to mention your experience with regulatory compliance and the importance of maintaining high-quality standards.

Share specific examples of process improvements you initiated, explaining the context and challenges faced. Detail the steps you took to implement these changes, the stakeholders involved, and the measurable outcomes, such as cost savings or enhanced product quality, to showcase the impact of your leadership.

Discuss your knowledge of good manufacturing practices and how you ensure compliance through regular training, audits, and a focus on accountability within your team. You can also mention how you stay informed about regulatory changes and implement necessary updates in processes.

Talk about your management style and the importance of clear communication, setting performance goals, and providing regular feedback. Highlight your approach to developing team members through coaching, training opportunities, and recognizing their achievements to foster morale and productivity.

Provide a detailed narrative of a specific challenge you encountered, emphasizing the analytical skills you used to identify the root cause, the collaborative effort involved, and the successful resolution. Use this opportunity to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and leadership during critical situations.

Explain your approach to prioritizing tasks by using a structured method such as the Eisenhower Matrix or a simple ranking system based on urgency and impact. Discuss how you involve your team in this process, ensuring all voices are heard, and how you adjust priorities as new challenges arise.

Outline the systematic steps involved in managing technology transfers, such as thorough documentation review, communication with R&D teams, comprehensive training for staff, and pilot testing before full-scale implementation. Emphasize your attention to detail and teamwork in ensuring a seamless transfer process.

Describe your approach to handling feedback on quality issues as an opportunity for improvement. Discuss how you assess the feedback, engage relevant stakeholders, implement corrective actions, and monitor outcomes to prevent recurrence, showcasing your commitment to quality assurance.

Reflect on your alignment with AbbVie's mission and values, your passion for making a difference in healthcare, and how your skills match the requirements of the Manager, Technical Operations role. Share your enthusiasm for contributing to innovative projects and being part of a dedicated team.