Program Director Jobs at AbbVie with Visa Sponsorship
Program Director roles at AbbVie sit at the intersection of clinical strategy and cross-functional leadership, typically requiring deep experience in drug development or commercial operations. AbbVie has a consistent track record of sponsoring international talent for senior program management positions across its pipeline-driven therapeutic areas.
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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
The Director of Program, Partnership and Clinical Management is responsible for leading a global team composed of two groups: Program and Partnership Managers, and Clinical Systems Managers.
The Program and Partnership Managers lead cross-functional teams across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Marketing, Operations, Human Factors, Project Management, and external partners to execute a portfolio of projects focused on delivery system constituent parts of combination products.
The Clinical Systems Managers lead cross-functional teams in defining strategy and executing the implementation of devices, including combination products and aesthetics devices, into AbbVie clinical programs. This includes devices, primary packaging, accessories, secondary packaging, instructions for use, and labeling.
The Director ensures that strategies and plans for assigned programs align with patient and customer needs as well as the business objectives of the PPDST and Asset teams. The Director reports to the Vice President of Device and Combination Products Development.
Responsibilities:
- Providing leadership that promotes inter-site collaboration and consistency
- Establishing clear leadership expectations to ensure all Project Management Leads provide:
- Leadership of a portfolio of device and combination product development projects
- Tactical and strategic management of external device partners, including serving as a key interface, managing the governance process, and evaluating potential future partners
- Effective representation of the R&D organization to cross-functional leadership through timely and clear communication
- Effective use of meetings by defining objectives, preparing agendas, identifying the appropriate participants, and publishing minutes and action items
- Establishing clear leadership expectations to ensure all Clinical Support Leads provide:
- A strategic structure for the DCPD Clinical Management organization, including development and leadership of a global team
- Defined clinical roles and responsibilities across the team and the broader organization
- An intake process for DCPD clinical management to track programs from initiation through completion
- Close partnership with the DCPD leadership team to identify clinical management needs and drive excellence across the organization
- Maintaining accountability for compliance with applicable policies and procedures
- Managing device financial planning, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning for DCPD expenses, and ensuring project-level expenses are appropriately budgeted and forecasted
Management of External Partners:
The Director ensures that Program Managers effectively manage relationships and performance with key external device development partners. A strong and efficient partner governance process should be defined and implemented, including key interface definition, meeting cadence, schedule performance monitoring, project scope and change control, issue escalation, and financial tracking.
Program risks must be identified and mitigated throughout the partner lifecycle. The Director also ensures timely and effective communication of partner performance to the broader AbbVie organization, as needed. In addition, the Director works with the AbbVie contracts team and external partners to define and track performance against the Statement of Work. The Director is responsible for providing accurate and timely cost estimates to support budgeting and forecasting.
Functional Management:
The Director directly manages a global group of Project Managers through effective delegation of responsibilities, support for professional development, and timely, actionable performance feedback. This role also emphasizes continuous improvement in the team’s project and program management capabilities, as well as product development-related processes.
Impact on AbbVie:
This role has broad influence on the development and launch of AbbVie assets when a device or combination product delivery system is required. These systems are often technically complex, involve multiple subsystems, interface directly with the patient, and must meet global requirements. External partner management is typically required.
The Director must represent the R&D function to cross-functional leadership through effective communication, strong influence, and sound judgment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field required
- Master’s degree in Engineering or Business Administration preferred
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred, but not required
- 15+ years of experience in the medical device and/or pharmaceutical industry, with demonstrated success in developing and launching combination products
- Experience managing external partnerships in the pharmaceutical and/or device environment
- Broad experience in design controls, human factors studies, design verification/validation, and usability studies
- Proven leadership of technical professionals and cross-functional teams, with a focus on commercialization, equipment selection, and build and qualification of delivery systems
- Strong experience initiating, selecting, coordinating, and managing projects, with the ability to solve complex and unique problems
- Strong conflict resolution skills, including persuasive management techniques
- Effective communication and people management skills
- Ability to ensure timely execution of incoming reportable device combination product events in compliance with global regulations
- Relevant experience in the pharmaceutical product development lifecycle and/or device design history file, project management, and product development
- Experience with on-body delivery systems, auto-injectors, pumps, and pre-filled syringes, as well as smart packaging design, preferred but not required
- Strong working knowledge and application of GMP principles, concepts, practices, and standards, as well as relevant regulatory requirements for commercialization in global markets, including the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America
- Ability to travel up to 25% to support communication across AbbVie sites and third-party suppliers
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 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 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
The Director of Program, Partnership and Clinical Management is responsible for leading a global team composed of two groups: Program and Partnership Managers, and Clinical Systems Managers.
The Program and Partnership Managers lead cross-functional teams across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Marketing, Operations, Human Factors, Project Management, and external partners to execute a portfolio of projects focused on delivery system constituent parts of combination products.
The Clinical Systems Managers lead cross-functional teams in defining strategy and executing the implementation of devices, including combination products and aesthetics devices, into AbbVie clinical programs. This includes devices, primary packaging, accessories, secondary packaging, instructions for use, and labeling.
The Director ensures that strategies and plans for assigned programs align with patient and customer needs as well as the business objectives of the PPDST and Asset teams. The Director reports to the Vice President of Device and Combination Products Development.
Responsibilities:
- Providing leadership that promotes inter-site collaboration and consistency
- Establishing clear leadership expectations to ensure all Project Management Leads provide:
- Leadership of a portfolio of device and combination product development projects
- Tactical and strategic management of external device partners, including serving as a key interface, managing the governance process, and evaluating potential future partners
- Effective representation of the R&D organization to cross-functional leadership through timely and clear communication
- Effective use of meetings by defining objectives, preparing agendas, identifying the appropriate participants, and publishing minutes and action items
- Establishing clear leadership expectations to ensure all Clinical Support Leads provide:
- A strategic structure for the DCPD Clinical Management organization, including development and leadership of a global team
- Defined clinical roles and responsibilities across the team and the broader organization
- An intake process for DCPD clinical management to track programs from initiation through completion
- Close partnership with the DCPD leadership team to identify clinical management needs and drive excellence across the organization
- Maintaining accountability for compliance with applicable policies and procedures
- Managing device financial planning, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning for DCPD expenses, and ensuring project-level expenses are appropriately budgeted and forecasted
Management of External Partners:
The Director ensures that Program Managers effectively manage relationships and performance with key external device development partners. A strong and efficient partner governance process should be defined and implemented, including key interface definition, meeting cadence, schedule performance monitoring, project scope and change control, issue escalation, and financial tracking.
Program risks must be identified and mitigated throughout the partner lifecycle. The Director also ensures timely and effective communication of partner performance to the broader AbbVie organization, as needed. In addition, the Director works with the AbbVie contracts team and external partners to define and track performance against the Statement of Work. The Director is responsible for providing accurate and timely cost estimates to support budgeting and forecasting.
Functional Management:
The Director directly manages a global group of Project Managers through effective delegation of responsibilities, support for professional development, and timely, actionable performance feedback. This role also emphasizes continuous improvement in the team’s project and program management capabilities, as well as product development-related processes.
Impact on AbbVie:
This role has broad influence on the development and launch of AbbVie assets when a device or combination product delivery system is required. These systems are often technically complex, involve multiple subsystems, interface directly with the patient, and must meet global requirements. External partner management is typically required.
The Director must represent the R&D function to cross-functional leadership through effective communication, strong influence, and sound judgment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field required
- Master’s degree in Engineering or Business Administration preferred
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred, but not required
- 15+ years of experience in the medical device and/or pharmaceutical industry, with demonstrated success in developing and launching combination products
- Experience managing external partnerships in the pharmaceutical and/or device environment
- Broad experience in design controls, human factors studies, design verification/validation, and usability studies
- Proven leadership of technical professionals and cross-functional teams, with a focus on commercialization, equipment selection, and build and qualification of delivery systems
- Strong experience initiating, selecting, coordinating, and managing projects, with the ability to solve complex and unique problems
- Strong conflict resolution skills, including persuasive management techniques
- Effective communication and people management skills
- Ability to ensure timely execution of incoming reportable device combination product events in compliance with global regulations
- Relevant experience in the pharmaceutical product development lifecycle and/or device design history file, project management, and product development
- Experience with on-body delivery systems, auto-injectors, pumps, and pre-filled syringes, as well as smart packaging design, preferred but not required
- Strong working knowledge and application of GMP principles, concepts, practices, and standards, as well as relevant regulatory requirements for commercialization in global markets, including the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America
- Ability to travel up to 25% to support communication across AbbVie sites and third-party suppliers
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 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 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 146+ Program Director at AbbVie jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Program Director Jobs at AbbVie Jobs
Align your credentials to AbbVie's therapeutic focus
AbbVie's Program Director roles concentrate on immunology, oncology, and neuroscience pipelines. Frame your CV around relevant therapeutic area experience and regulatory milestones, not just general project management. A mismatch here stalls sponsorship conversations before they start.
Identify roles tagged for immigration eligibility early
Search DOL's FLAG system for AbbVie Labor Condition Applications filed under Program Director or equivalent titles. This confirms which roles have active sponsorship infrastructure in place before you spend weeks pursuing a position that isn't cleared.
Clarify E-3 or TN eligibility before the H-1B conversation
If you're Australian or Canadian, raise your E-3 or TN eligibility during early recruiter screening. AbbVie sponsors both, and these pathways skip the H-1B lottery entirely, which meaningfully shortens the time between offer and your start date.
Use Migrate Mate to surface open Program Director roles at AbbVie
Filter by AbbVie and visa type on Migrate Mate to find currently open Program Director positions confirmed for sponsorship. This removes the guesswork of cold-applying to roles where sponsorship eligibility is unclear or unavailable.
Prepare a sponsorship briefing document before your final interview
At the offer stage, bring a one-page summary of your visa status, authorized work period, any OPT or grace period deadlines, and your preferred pathway. AbbVie's HR teams manage high volumes of sponsored hires and respond well to candidates who arrive organized.
Program Director at AbbVie jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Program Director at AbbVie JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does AbbVie sponsor H-1B visas for Program Directors?
Yes, AbbVie sponsors H-1B visas for Program Director roles. Program Director positions at AbbVie typically qualify as specialty occupations under USCIS criteria, given the advanced degree requirements in life sciences, clinical development, or a related field. If you're subject to the H-1B cap and annual lottery, timing your application cycle with AbbVie's hiring timeline is worth planning carefully with their immigration team.
Which visa types does AbbVie commonly use for Program Director roles?
AbbVie sponsors a range of visa types for Program Directors, including the H-1B, H-1B1 for Chilean and Singaporean nationals, E-3 for Australians, and TN for Canadian and Mexican professionals. For longer-term pathways, AbbVie also supports EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card sponsorship. F-1 OPT and CPT candidates may also be considered for contract or rotational program tracks that feed into permanent Program Director pipelines.
How do I apply for Program Director jobs at AbbVie?
You can browse and apply for Program Director positions at AbbVie directly through AbbVie's careers portal, or find roles confirmed for visa sponsorship through Migrate Mate. When applying, tailor your application to AbbVie's specific therapeutic areas, such as immunology or oncology, and clearly indicate your visa status and work authorization needs upfront. Many AbbVie Program Director roles attract high applicant volumes, so specificity about your pipeline experience strengthens your candidacy.
What qualifications does AbbVie expect for Program Director roles?
AbbVie's Program Director positions typically require an advanced degree in a life sciences discipline, often a PhD, PharmD, or MD, combined with substantial cross-functional drug development experience. Demonstrated ability to lead late-stage clinical programs, manage regulatory interactions, and coordinate across global teams is expected. Candidates with experience in AbbVie's core therapeutic areas, including rheumatology, hematology, or aesthetics, are particularly competitive.
How do I manage the timeline between a job offer and my visa start date at AbbVie?
The gap between offer acceptance and your authorized start date depends heavily on your visa pathway. H-1B cap-subject hires must align with the October 1 fiscal year start, which can mean a months-long wait. E-3 and TN holders can often start within weeks of an offer. AbbVie's internal immigration team typically engages early in the offer process, but you should disclose your current status, any OPT cap-gap situation, and remaining authorized work period at the offer stage to avoid delays.
See which Program Director at AbbVie employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
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