AbbVie is looking to create the pharmaceutical factory and lab of the future, driving unprecedented levels of efficiency, quality, and agility by unlocking new competitive advantages through advanced automation and data-driven insights, and ensuring AbbVie remains at the cutting edge of technological adoption in a rapidly evolving industry, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Requirements
- 9+ years of progressive experience in technology, with a significant portion dedicated to driving digital transformation, innovation, or emerging technology initiatives within a complex operational environment, preferably in pharmaceuticals or a similarly regulated manufacturing industry.
- 5+ years in a leadership role specifically focused on AI, robotics, automation, or advanced digital solutions, with demonstrated accountability for program execution, budget management, and financial performance.
- Proven track record of successfully piloting and scaling innovative technologies from concept to production, navigating organizational complexities and technical challenges, consistently delivering within scope, schedule, and budget.
- Deep understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing, lab operations, quality control, or supply chain processes, along with relevant regulatory requirements (e.g., GxP, FDA), and how technology investments impact operational efficiency and compliance costs.
- Experience working in agile and lean startup methodologies for rapid prototyping and iteration, balanced with a strong understanding of financial planning and control.
- Demonstrated experience in managing large, complex technology budgets (multi-million dollar range) and leading financial forecasting and reporting.
- Robust analytical and data-driven decision-making abilities, especially regarding the evaluation of new technologies, their ROI, and the financial health of the portfolio.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of the technology strategy for Operations initiatives, identifying and prioritizing disruptive technologies (AI, ML, advanced robotics, IoT, AR/VR, digital twins, quantum) that can revolutionize pharmaceutical operations, ensuring alignment with corporate strategic priorities and financial targets.
- Champion the transformation of core Operations business processes by leveraging AI, automation, and robotics for step-change improvements in efficiency, quality, and speed, with a clear focus on measurable ROI and business value creation.
- Develop and maintain a portfolio of emerging technology pilots and proofs-of-concept (POCs), evaluating their potential impact and scalability within a regulated environment, meticulously managing the investment required for each phase.
- Drive the research, evaluation, and selection of cutting-edge technologies and platforms for operations, conducting thorough cost-benefit analyses and developing robust business cases for proposed solutions.
- Oversee the design, development, and rapid prototyping of innovative solutions for manufacturing, quality control, supply chain, and PDST, adhering to agile delivery principles while maintaining fiscal discipline.
- Establish frameworks and best practices for the responsible and compliant deployment of AI/ML models in operational settings, including robust governance and cost optimization strategies for model development and inference.
- Lead the digital execution for automation and robotics initiatives to optimize manual tasks and enhance operational safety and precision, ensuring effective resource allocation and maximizing the efficiency of automation investments.
Other
- This position can be based virtually anywhere in the U.S.
- Visionary leadership combined with a strong operational mindset and a relentless focus on execution and delivery.
- Excellent communication skills, capable of presenting complex technical and financial concepts to senior executives and operational teams, articulating both the vision and the detailed execution plan.
- Results-oriented, with a keen eye for maximizing business value and optimizing technology investments.
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field. A Master's degree (e.g., MBA, M.S. in AI/Robotics, Digital Transformation) is highly preferred.
