Operations Director Jobs at AbbVie with Visa Sponsorship
Operations Director jobs at AbbVie involve leading manufacturing, supply chain, and quality functions across its global pharmaceutical and biologics network. The company has a consistent track record of sponsoring work visas for operations professionals, including both nonimmigrant and immigrant pathways, making it a realistic target for internationally qualified candidates.
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About AbbVie
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 including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
Purpose:
To enable AbbVie’s emergence as a World Class R&D organization, the Senior Director, Project Management, plays a leadership role with the Development TA Vice President (TA VP) and the Therapeutic Executive Committee (TEC) to optimize the value of our portfolio of current and future assets. Under the guidance of the TA VP, the incumbent is responsible for leading development of the long-term strategy (portfolio plan) for the TA; for supporting existing Asset Development Teams (ADTs) in effective utilization of the Asset Playbook discipline to better enable teams to maximize the value of the asset. Achieving these goals requires a combination of excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills, broad strategic thinking, and an ability to synthesize inputs and drive alignment in complex situations.
Responsibilities
- Serves as a core member of the TEC as a strategic partner with TA VP and TEC members, with responsibility for the TEC agenda and areas of focus, driving the overall, long-term TA strategy.
- Advises ADTs across the lifecycle, to ensure application of the Playbook and alignment of the Target Product Profile (TPP) and Development Plan with the TA strategy.
- Partners with Business Development as Co-lead of Therapy Assessment Teams, and works with Ventures & Early Stage Collaborations to undertake external molecule assessments consistent with TA strategy.
- Provides strategic input into the development of Disease Opportunity Profiles (DOPs), cross-functional evaluations of potential Discovery initiatives, and the TA investment thesis.
- Coordinates the generation of competitive environment assessments for review at TEC, to turn the data into useful working knowledge for the TEC and disease area in support of the pipeline.
- As appropriate, facilitates identification, evaluation, and implementation of novel tools and technologies (e.g., biomarkers, drug delivery systems, devices and other platform technologies, compliance tools, disease monitoring techniques) that can be employed to improve or accelerate pipeline progression in disease areas of interest.
- In collaboration with relevant functions, drives internal and external stakeholder assessments in order to anticipate changes in the external environment (e.g. regulatory trends, changing payer environment), and to understand the patient journey and levers to improve outcomes.
- Coordinates the conduct and rollup of long-range strategic planning and portfolio documentation for the TA, working in close collaboration with the Clinical TA VP, Decision Support Group (DSG), Commercial and R&D.
- Works with TA and TEC leaders to identify, prioritize, and nurture external collaborations (consortia, academic and scientific collaborations, key scientific leader advisors, etc.) in areas where we want to further our understanding of disease pathways and mechanisms. Advances our partnerships and alliances for improved outcomes, creating holistic “Total Patient Solutions”.
Qualifications
- Bachelors or equivalent degree required. Advanced degree (PharmD, PhD, MD, MBA) highly preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years (15+ years preferred) of research/development, commercial, project management, portfolio management, business development, or related experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry with a track record of expertise in one or more therapeutic areas.
- Recognized team player with proven facilitative leadership skills in a cross-functional global team environment. Proven performance in a matrix environment with ability to influence and align stakeholders.
- Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to interact externally and internally to support business strategy.
- Strong analytical skills. Recognized ability to evaluate complex issues from multiple perspectives to ensure that balanced risk assessments are made.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Additional Information
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
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
Company Description
About AbbVie
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 including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
Purpose:
To enable AbbVie’s emergence as a World Class R&D organization, the Senior Director, Project Management, plays a leadership role with the Development TA Vice President (TA VP) and the Therapeutic Executive Committee (TEC) to optimize the value of our portfolio of current and future assets. Under the guidance of the TA VP, the incumbent is responsible for leading development of the long-term strategy (portfolio plan) for the TA; for supporting existing Asset Development Teams (ADTs) in effective utilization of the Asset Playbook discipline to better enable teams to maximize the value of the asset. Achieving these goals requires a combination of excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills, broad strategic thinking, and an ability to synthesize inputs and drive alignment in complex situations.
Responsibilities
- Serves as a core member of the TEC as a strategic partner with TA VP and TEC members, with responsibility for the TEC agenda and areas of focus, driving the overall, long-term TA strategy.
- Advises ADTs across the lifecycle, to ensure application of the Playbook and alignment of the Target Product Profile (TPP) and Development Plan with the TA strategy.
- Partners with Business Development as Co-lead of Therapy Assessment Teams, and works with Ventures & Early Stage Collaborations to undertake external molecule assessments consistent with TA strategy.
- Provides strategic input into the development of Disease Opportunity Profiles (DOPs), cross-functional evaluations of potential Discovery initiatives, and the TA investment thesis.
- Coordinates the generation of competitive environment assessments for review at TEC, to turn the data into useful working knowledge for the TEC and disease area in support of the pipeline.
- As appropriate, facilitates identification, evaluation, and implementation of novel tools and technologies (e.g., biomarkers, drug delivery systems, devices and other platform technologies, compliance tools, disease monitoring techniques) that can be employed to improve or accelerate pipeline progression in disease areas of interest.
- In collaboration with relevant functions, drives internal and external stakeholder assessments in order to anticipate changes in the external environment (e.g. regulatory trends, changing payer environment), and to understand the patient journey and levers to improve outcomes.
- Coordinates the conduct and rollup of long-range strategic planning and portfolio documentation for the TA, working in close collaboration with the Clinical TA VP, Decision Support Group (DSG), Commercial and R&D.
- Works with TA and TEC leaders to identify, prioritize, and nurture external collaborations (consortia, academic and scientific collaborations, key scientific leader advisors, etc.) in areas where we want to further our understanding of disease pathways and mechanisms. Advances our partnerships and alliances for improved outcomes, creating holistic “Total Patient Solutions”.
Qualifications
- Bachelors or equivalent degree required. Advanced degree (PharmD, PhD, MD, MBA) highly preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years (15+ years preferred) of research/development, commercial, project management, portfolio management, business development, or related experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry with a track record of expertise in one or more therapeutic areas.
- Recognized team player with proven facilitative leadership skills in a cross-functional global team environment. Proven performance in a matrix environment with ability to influence and align stakeholders.
- Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to interact externally and internally to support business strategy.
- Strong analytical skills. Recognized ability to evaluate complex issues from multiple perspectives to ensure that balanced risk assessments are made.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Additional Information
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
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
See all Operations Director Jobs at AbbVie
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Operations Director Jobs at AbbVie
Align your credentials to pharma GMP standards
AbbVie's operations roles are tied to FDA-regulated manufacturing environments. Frame your resume around GMP compliance, biologics production, or pharmaceutical supply chain experience before you apply. Generic operations credentials won't hold up against candidates with regulated-industry backgrounds.
Target roles with international site accountability
AbbVie's Operations Director openings that span multiple manufacturing sites or global supply chains are more likely to carry visa sponsorship. Prioritize job postings that reference cross-functional or cross-border oversight, since those roles have historically attracted candidates who need sponsorship.
Use Migrate Mate to filter AbbVie operations roles by visa type
Search AbbVie's open Operations Director positions on Migrate Mate to filter specifically by your visa category. This saves time by surfacing only roles where AbbVie has sponsored that visa type, so you're not chasing postings where sponsorship is unlikely.
Clarify your status during the offer conversation
Raise your visa situation once you reach the offer stage, not the application stage. AbbVie uses an in-house immigration team for sponsored roles, so the process is structured. Asking too early can remove you from consideration before hiring managers have assessed your fit.
Understand how PERM timelines affect Director-level offers
If your goal is a Green Card through AbbVie, EB-2 or EB-3 PERM cases for Director-level roles require DOL to certify that no qualified U.S. worker was available. Labor certification processing currently runs 12 to 18 months at DOL, so factor that into your planning before accepting a role.
Prepare for specialty occupation scrutiny on ops leadership roles
USCIS applies the specialty occupation test to H-1B petitions, and operations roles get more scrutiny than technical ones. Make sure your offer letter specifies a degree requirement in a directly related field, such as engineering, life sciences, or supply chain management, not a general management requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AbbVie sponsor H-1B visas for Operations Directors?
Yes. AbbVie sponsors H-1B visas for Operations Director roles, particularly in manufacturing, supply chain, and quality functions tied to its pharmaceutical and biologics operations. The role needs to qualify as a specialty occupation under USCIS standards, which means the position must require a specific bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field, such as engineering, life sciences, or supply chain management.
Which visa types does AbbVie commonly use for Operations Director roles?
AbbVie sponsors H-1B, E-3 visa, H-1B1 visa, and TN visas for operations professionals depending on your nationality. For candidates pursuing permanent residence, AbbVie supports EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card pathways through PERM labor certification. F-1 OPT and CPT holders can also be considered for these roles if they meet the experience requirements and there's runway left on their authorization.
What qualifications and experience does AbbVie expect for Operations Director roles?
AbbVie typically expects a bachelor's degree in engineering, life sciences, supply chain, or a related field, with senior leadership experience in FDA-regulated manufacturing environments. Familiarity with GMP compliance, biologics or pharmaceutical production, and cross-functional team management is central to most postings. Advanced degrees or lean manufacturing credentials strengthen your profile for Director-level consideration.
How do I apply for Operations Director jobs at AbbVie?
You can find and filter AbbVie's open Operations Director positions by visa type on Migrate Mate, which shows roles where AbbVie has a documented sponsorship history. Apply through AbbVie's careers portal directly, and tailor your application to the specific function, whether that's manufacturing, supply chain, or quality operations. Clarify your visa situation after you've progressed through initial screening, not in your cover letter.
How long does AbbVie's visa sponsorship process take for Operations Directors?
For H-1B transfers or cap-exempt filings, USCIS standard processing runs three to five months, with premium processing available to reduce that to roughly 15 business days. If AbbVie is filing a new H-1B subject to the annual cap, you'd need to wait for the April lottery window. Green Card sponsorship through PERM adds significantly more time, with DOL labor certification alone currently averaging 12 to 18 months.