Manager, Third Party Manufacturing (Pipeline)

The Manager, Third Party Manufacturing at AbbVie is responsible for serving as the primary contact between AbbVie and its Third Party Manufacturers (TPMs). This includes ensuring that contracts are being fulfilled, managing communication between stakeholders, overseeing capacity planning, and providing guidance for new product launches.

Candidates for the Manager, Third Party Manufacturing role at AbbVie should possess a BS or BA in Science, Engineering, Operations, or Business, along with 5 to 8 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, program management, or related fields. Strong communication skills, financial analysis abilities, and project management expertise are crucial for success.

The Manager, Third Party Manufacturing at AbbVie collaborates across multiple departments such as R&D, Marketing, Quality Assurance, and Materials Management. This role ensures that manufacturing capabilities align with strategic objectives by facilitating effective communication and cross-functional teamwork.

Capacity planning is essential for the Manager, Third Party Manufacturing at AbbVie as it involves analyzing TPM capacities against Long Range Plan (LRP) forecasts. This ensures that supply levels meet demands, facilitating timely product launches and optimizing the overall manufacturing process.

At AbbVie, the Manager, Third Party Manufacturing position offers numerous career development opportunities through cross-functional projects, leadership roles, and continuous training programs. Additionally, employees gain valuable experience in strategic decision-making and operational management within a globally impacting pharmaceutical setting.

When answering this question, highlight specific instances where you successfully managed relationships with TPMs, focusing on your role in overseeing compliance and capacity planning. Provide examples that showcase your ability to resolve conflicts and meet production needs.

It's essential to discuss your organizational skills and the tools you use for project management. Emphasize how you assess urgency and impact on overall business objectives, allowing you to prioritize effectively while meeting deadlines.

Talk about your methods for monitoring contract performance, including regular communications with TPMs and tracking milestones. Provide examples of how you've previously addressed instances of non-compliance and the steps you took to rectify the situation.

Discuss your approach to stakeholder engagement, focusing on active listening and clarity in communication. Share experiences where you navigated complex interactions successfully and how you ensured all parties were aligned towards common goals.

Highlight a specific initiative where you identified potential cost reductions within the manufacturing process, describing the steps you took to implement changes and the resulting impact on the business. This showcases your analytical and strategic abilities.

Explain your problem-solving process, a willingness to adapt, and any contingency planning experience you have. Providing a concrete example of a launch where you had to pivot would be very effective in demonstrating your capability.

Describe your familiarity with regulatory requirements and how you ensure that your processes remain compliant. Mention specific regulations relevant to the pharmaceutical industry and any audits or assessments you successfully managed.

Use the STAR method to articulate how you effectively communicated a vision or plan to others, addressing resistance and securing buy-in while demonstrating leadership skills.

Mention the resources you utilize, such as industry publications, webinars, and professional networks. Discuss any relevant certifications or continued education you pursue to enhance your knowledge.

Discuss various negotiation tactics you have employed, emphasizing your ability to create win-win scenarios. Provide examples where effective negotiation benefited both AbbVie and the Third Party Manufacturers involved.