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Senior Director, CMC Product Development

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

Purpose:

Drive best-in-class drug product development strategies to support AbbVie’s pipeline through leadership on own projects and by supervising or mentoring other CMC Product Development Directors (PDDs). Develops and implements project management tools and develops training to assure consistency and quality of CMC Team deliverables. Manages CMC aspects of drug/combination product development on multiple programs. Key member of Asset Development Team (ADT) and ensures CMC strategy is closely aligned with the clinical and regulatory development strategy. Leads a global CMC team of functional reps from various departments. Accountable for creating CMC development plan in collaboration with line functions and ADT. Serves as spokesperson for all CMC functions and ensures information flow among ADT/ALB and line functions. Apprises CMC Mgmt of strategies, plans and risks through regular communications and periodic reviews throughout development and in support of global filings and approvals.

Responsibilities:

  • Represents all CMC areas on the ADT serving as spokesperson for the CMC project team and ensures information flow among the ADT and all line functions. Participates in meetings with Regulatory Authorities, responds urgently to regulatory queries, and participates in Pre-Approval Inspections.
  • Critically evaluates and integrates drug substance, drug product, and device inputs to CMC team strategies and plans that align with corporate business objectives. Decision-making will often require assessment and integration of physical chemical properties, formulation science, engineering, analytical, and device technical information in conjunction with the project strategy, with full consideration of current regulatory and compliance requirements.
  • Promotes entrepreneurial thinking and makes smart business decisions while balancing risk.
  • Manages multiple CMC project teams and contributes to project prioritization on a portfolio level. Negotiates for additional resources when required, influences project timelines to ensure proper completion of required activities. Implements creative approaches to conserve resources, and achieve efficiency with respect to time, and budget. Serves as a mentor for functional representatives, provides feedback and input to their functional managers and identify growth needs for team members.
  • Supports and contributes to the strategic direction of AbbVie’s Program Management framework for asset development, including initiatives to drive continuous improvement of the Pipeline Operating Model and Governance, and effective collaboration across partner organizations.
  • Represents AbbVie on high profile partnerships and collaborations with other pharma/biotech companies and at the Joint Development Committee level driving joint decisions for the development programs.
  • Reviews contracts with external partners and consultants. Accountable for the success and overall CMC quality of a given project. Ensures timely execution of project plan to deliver high quality with respect to science, technology, compliance and cost effectiveness.
  • Leads CMC development teams for assigned projects: schedules meetings, develops agendas, issues highlights, apprise risks and plans with CMC Management, conduct periodic reviews, to ensure that deliverables are met at each stage gate in the most efficient and resource sparing manner.
  • Apprises CMC Management of plans and risks through regular communications and periodic reviews throughout development and in support of global filings, approvals and launches.

Qualifications

*This position will be required to sit on-site from our North Chicago, IL headquarters*

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree with at least 10 years of experience in a variety of CMC functions required; Master’s Degree with at least 10 years of relevant CMC experience required; or PhD with at least 10 years of relevant CMC experience required to effectively manage global teams and all CMC activities with respect to science, technology, quality, regulatory/compliance requirements, budget and resources.
  • Multiple product development experiences of leading a CMC team through IND and NDA/MAA preferred.
  • Must possess good scientific writing skills and good verbal skills.
  • Must have a good working knowledge of regulatory requirements and familiarity with relevant research instrumentation and techniques.
  • Knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences and the drug development process.
  • Must have CMC interdisciplinary experience and expertise.
  • Possess negotiating, influencing, leadership skills.
  • Creative in implementing entrepreneurial thinking and make smart business decisions.
  • Ensure high level of morale in the CMC team.

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

$175000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$150000K
$200000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Senior Director, CMC Product Development, AbbVie

As the Senior Director of CMC Product Development at AbbVie, you will play a crucial role in driving excellence in drug product development strategies tailored to support our innovative pipeline. Your leadership will not only guide your own projects but also mentor a talented team of CMC Product Development Directors. You’ll develop and implement project management tools to ensure our CMC team's deliverables are of the highest quality and consistency. Collaborating closely with the Asset Development Team, you will align CMC strategies with our clinical and regulatory development paths. Your responsibilities include representing all CMC areas on the ADT, participating actively in meetings with Regulatory Authorities, and ensuring agile response to their queries, especially during Pre-Approval Inspections. By integrating complex scientific insights from drug substance and device inputs, you will make strategic decisions that align with AbbVie’s broader business objectives. Balancing creativity and risk management, you will oversee multiple CMC project teams, strategize against project timelines, and ensure effective resource allocation. This position will also involve high-profile partnerships, negotiating contracts, and leading dedicated teams throughout each project stage while maintaining transparent communication about plans and risks with management. Joining AbbVie means contributing to our mission of discovering and delivering innovative medicines, making a significant impact in crucial therapeutic fields. We're excited to find someone who shares this passion and commitment to excellence in the healthcare industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Senior Director, CMC Product Development Role at AbbVie
What are the main responsibilities of the Senior Director, CMC Product Development at AbbVie?

The Senior Director, CMC Product Development at AbbVie is responsible for leading the CMC team in developing drug product strategies that align with AbbVie’s pipeline. This includes managing the CMC aspects of drug and combination product developments, serving as the spokesperson for all CMC functions, negotiating with regulatory authorities, and ensuring that the project management tools are effectively implemented to deliver high-quality outputs.

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What qualifications are required for the Senior Director, CMC Product Development role at AbbVie?

Candidates should have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 10 years of experience in CMC functions, or a Master’s or PhD with equivalent experience. Furthermore, knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences, drug development processes, regulatory requirements, and strong leadership skills are critical for success in this role at AbbVie.

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What kind of experience is preferred for the Senior Director, CMC Product Development position at AbbVie?

Preferred experience for the Senior Director, CMC Product Development role at AbbVie includes leading CMC teams through IND and NDA submissions, extensive knowledge of interdisciplinary CMC activities, and a successful track record in managing drug product development projects while maintaining compliance with relevant regulations.

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How does the Senior Director, CMC Product Development at AbbVie contribute to drug development strategy?

The Senior Director plays a key role in developing and implementing the CMC strategy as part of the Asset Development Team. This includes integrating inputs from drug substance and device development into cohesive project plans that are responsive to market needs and compliant with regulatory standards, ultimately driving AbbVie’s pipeline forward.

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What opportunities for mentorship are available in the Senior Director, CMC Product Development position at AbbVie?

The Senior Director position at AbbVie offers significant mentorship opportunities as you will lead and mentor other CMC Product Development Directors. This includes providing feedback on functional performance, identifying growth needs, and fostering a collaborative team environment that emphasizes continuous improvement and professional development.

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Common Interview Questions for Senior Director, CMC Product Development
What strategies would you use to develop a CMC project plan?

When developing a CMC project plan, I would first integrate inputs from various functional areas such as drug substance, device development, and formulation science. I would collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that timelines, budgets, and regulatory requirements are clearly outlined. Decision-making would involve balancing risk while promoting entrepreneurial thinking.

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How would you handle regulatory inquiries during the drug development process?

Handling regulatory inquiries requires prompt action and clear communication. I would ensure my team has up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements and prepare thorough documentation in response. It's vital to maintain a proactive partnership with regulatory authorities throughout the project lifecycle.

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Can you discuss a time when you managed a crisis in a CMC development project?

In a previous situation, a delay in product testing threatened our timeline. I quickly convened a meeting with relevant stakeholders, reassessed resource allocation, and identified alternative solutions to expedite the process. Open communication and a collaborative mindset were key in navigating the crisis effectively.

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What skills do you believe are essential for a Senior Director in CMC Product Development?

Essential skills include strong leadership and negotiation abilities, a comprehensive understanding of CMC activities, and an aptitude for strategic thinking. Additionally, having effective scientific writing and verbal communication skills is crucial for articulating project goals and maintaining alignment among teams.

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How do you prioritize multiple CMC projects?

To prioritize projects, I would evaluate their impact on strategic objectives and resources available. I would implement decision matrices to assess urgency and importance, ensuring that high-priority projects receive the support needed to meet timelines while also considering team capacity and resource allocation.

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Describe your experience with partnerships in drug development.

I have a solid background in managing cross-company collaborations that have resulted in successful outcomes. This involves negotiating contracts, ensuring alignment of objectives, and fostering transparent communication to build a collaborative environment that addresses issues as they arise.

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What metrics do you use to assess the success of CMC development projects?

Key metrics include timelines, budget adherence, quality of deliverables, and compliance with regulatory standards. I also advocate for post-project retrospectives to identify learnings and improve processes moving forward.

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How do you foster team morale and development within CMC teams?

I focus on recognizing individual contributions, encouraging open communication, and providing opportunities for professional development. Regular feedback sessions and creating a supportive atmosphere inspire team members to collaborate and engage positively.

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What role does creativity play in CMC project development?

Creativity is vital in problem-solving and resource management during CMC project development. Finding innovative solutions can lead to more efficient processes and allow for the optimization of resources, ultimately resulting in successful project outcomes.

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How would you ensure consistency in CMC deliverables across multiple teams?

To ensure consistency, I would implement standardized project management tools and frameworks that outline expectations and deliverable formats. Regular cross-team meetings to synchronize efforts and share insights are also essential in maintaining uniformity across teams.

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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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