Project Director Jobs at AbbVie with Visa Sponsorship
AbbVie hires Project Directors to lead complex, cross-functional programs across its pharmaceutical and biologics pipeline. The company sponsors a broad range of work visas for this function, making it a realistic target for international candidates with clinical, regulatory, or R&D program leadership experience.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany 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:
The Project Director will drive transformational performance in delivery of Peptide API projects in the United States through adoption of best-in-class technology, cross-functional alignment with Operations and external functions, seamless execution and delivery of projects with manufacturing sites and reduce overall project timeline to deliver products to patients. Adoption of first-time process technologies and modality with a change readiness mindset is critical to this role. This role requires cross-functional collaboration with other functions during all phases of the development of strategic projects. The incumbent will provide key technical inputs to business development activities involving external pipeline and new modalities, in addition to ensuring manufacturing capacity for product growth and internal pipeline. The incumbent will report to VP, Strategic Capital Deployment in the Operations Transformation organization.
Responsibilities:
- Lead a team of professionals to achieve the charter, priorities and milestones of strategic peptide manufacturing project within the US.
- Lead and manage complex and strategically critical capital projects to ensure timely delivery of project milestones in a compliant and efficient manner.
- Responsible for compliance to AbbVie EHS standards and ensure Zero incidents or non-conformances during construction of all the projects.
- Develop strategies to efficiently deliver concept studies, basic and detailed design, procure capital equipment and contract construction services.
- Drive transformation across all phases of the projects to deliver best-in-class technology, efficiency in execution to reduce the overall project line up to 20% from the baseline, introduce AI and digitalization in various aspects of project management and development.
- Direct all phases of the project development from initiation of the business case/Request for Capital through contract negotiation, cost accountability and program execution ensuring adherence to company standards, competitive pricing, and manufacturing schedules, if in a brownfield development.
- Responsible to meet the key intent of the projects – best-in-class design, on time delivery, delivery of scope on or below budgeted cost and conformance to quality requirements.
- Develop and implement comprehensive risk management strategies to mitigate potential issues during development of projects.
- Drive KPIs to measure and monitor performance of strategic projects in the US, effectively communicate performance and risks to the steering committees and ensure top-tier governance of the projects.
- Collaborate with internal teams including procurement, quality assurance, PDS&T, ME&C and R&D to ensure alignment and efficiency in decisions that impact project priorities. Partner with AbbVie stakeholder groups to facilitate resolution of process, technical or quality issues.
- Develop a sourcing strategy with procurement and be responsible to manage relationships with consultants, Architectural/Engineering firms, construction contractors including participation in project review meetings, contract negotiations and dispute resolution.
- Develop estimates and plans along with any technical and financial analysis such as ROI/NPV for new projects to be planned.
- Develop Long Range Plans that include capital and project estimates and scope required to support internal manufacturing of pipeline products or established products that need new or additional manufacturing capacity.
Qualifications
- BS, Engineering or equivalent technical degree; Master’s degree in Engineering or MBA preferred
- Minimum of 15+ years of experience as a Senior Engineering / Projects / Operations Leader across multiple technologies.
- In-depth technical and operational expertise across majority of AbbVie manufacturing technologies including Biologics BDS/BDP, Small Molecule API/OSD, Medical Device, and Packaging Operations.
- Proven inclusive management and leadership capabilities of large cross-functional teams and the ability to effectively interact and communicate with senior leadership and executives from strategic partners and authorities.
- Outstanding negotiation skills and knowledgeable and experienced functional responsibility of diverse functions required for successful operations including Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering and Financials.
- Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in a global matrixed organization. Ability to lead change and deliver results across a matrix organization.
- Business acumen and direct financial planning/budgeting experience required including P&L responsibility. Highly articulate with strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to mentor and develop next generation of leaders.
- Frequent travel to project sites within the US and to design reviews/workshops outside the US will be required.
- Key Stakeholders: ME&C, PDS&T, R&D, Procurement, Global Engineering, EHS, Facilities, AI and Digital Transformation, Government Affairs.
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
Purpose:
The Project Director will drive transformational performance in delivery of Peptide API projects in the United States through adoption of best-in-class technology, cross-functional alignment with Operations and external functions, seamless execution and delivery of projects with manufacturing sites and reduce overall project timeline to deliver products to patients. Adoption of first-time process technologies and modality with a change readiness mindset is critical to this role. This role requires cross-functional collaboration with other functions during all phases of the development of strategic projects. The incumbent will provide key technical inputs to business development activities involving external pipeline and new modalities, in addition to ensuring manufacturing capacity for product growth and internal pipeline. The incumbent will report to VP, Strategic Capital Deployment in the Operations Transformation organization.
Responsibilities:
- Lead a team of professionals to achieve the charter, priorities and milestones of strategic peptide manufacturing project within the US.
- Lead and manage complex and strategically critical capital projects to ensure timely delivery of project milestones in a compliant and efficient manner.
- Responsible for compliance to AbbVie EHS standards and ensure Zero incidents or non-conformances during construction of all the projects.
- Develop strategies to efficiently deliver concept studies, basic and detailed design, procure capital equipment and contract construction services.
- Drive transformation across all phases of the projects to deliver best-in-class technology, efficiency in execution to reduce the overall project line up to 20% from the baseline, introduce AI and digitalization in various aspects of project management and development.
- Direct all phases of the project development from initiation of the business case/Request for Capital through contract negotiation, cost accountability and program execution ensuring adherence to company standards, competitive pricing, and manufacturing schedules, if in a brownfield development.
- Responsible to meet the key intent of the projects – best-in-class design, on time delivery, delivery of scope on or below budgeted cost and conformance to quality requirements.
- Develop and implement comprehensive risk management strategies to mitigate potential issues during development of projects.
- Drive KPIs to measure and monitor performance of strategic projects in the US, effectively communicate performance and risks to the steering committees and ensure top-tier governance of the projects.
- Collaborate with internal teams including procurement, quality assurance, PDS&T, ME&C and R&D to ensure alignment and efficiency in decisions that impact project priorities. Partner with AbbVie stakeholder groups to facilitate resolution of process, technical or quality issues.
- Develop a sourcing strategy with procurement and be responsible to manage relationships with consultants, Architectural/Engineering firms, construction contractors including participation in project review meetings, contract negotiations and dispute resolution.
- Develop estimates and plans along with any technical and financial analysis such as ROI/NPV for new projects to be planned.
- Develop Long Range Plans that include capital and project estimates and scope required to support internal manufacturing of pipeline products or established products that need new or additional manufacturing capacity.
Qualifications
- BS, Engineering or equivalent technical degree; Master’s degree in Engineering or MBA preferred
- Minimum of 15+ years of experience as a Senior Engineering / Projects / Operations Leader across multiple technologies.
- In-depth technical and operational expertise across majority of AbbVie manufacturing technologies including Biologics BDS/BDP, Small Molecule API/OSD, Medical Device, and Packaging Operations.
- Proven inclusive management and leadership capabilities of large cross-functional teams and the ability to effectively interact and communicate with senior leadership and executives from strategic partners and authorities.
- Outstanding negotiation skills and knowledgeable and experienced functional responsibility of diverse functions required for successful operations including Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering and Financials.
- Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in a global matrixed organization. Ability to lead change and deliver results across a matrix organization.
- Business acumen and direct financial planning/budgeting experience required including P&L responsibility. Highly articulate with strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to mentor and develop next generation of leaders.
- Frequent travel to project sites within the US and to design reviews/workshops outside the US will be required.
- Key Stakeholders: ME&C, PDS&T, R&D, Procurement, Global Engineering, EHS, Facilities, AI and Digital Transformation, Government Affairs.
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 142+ Project Director at AbbVie jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Project Director at AbbVie roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Project Director Jobs at AbbVie Jobs
Align your credentials to AbbVie's therapeutic focus
AbbVie's Project Director roles concentrate heavily in immunology, oncology, and neuroscience. Framing your program leadership experience around these areas, rather than generic pharma, signals relevance to their pipeline and strengthens your case before the application stage.
Prepare a portfolio of cross-functional program evidence
AbbVie evaluates Project Directors on their ability to orchestrate clinical, regulatory, and commercial workstreams simultaneously. Document specific programs you've led end-to-end, including stage gates, stakeholder complexity, and budget scope, before you apply.
Target AbbVie's R&D hubs when filtering open roles
AbbVie's Project Director openings cluster around North Chicago, San Francisco, and South San Francisco. Use Migrate Mate to filter open roles by location and visa type so you're targeting positions where sponsorship is actively available for this function.
Clarify sponsorship scope during the offer stage
AbbVie sponsors both initial work visas and longer-term permanent residence pathways through PERM-based EB-2 and EB-3 categories. Ask explicitly during the offer negotiation whether green card sponsorship is included, because the PERM process can take years and starting it early matters.
Factor H-1B cap timing into your job search calendar
If you need H-1B sponsorship, USCIS opens the annual lottery registration in March for an October 1 start date. Coordinate your AbbVie application and interview timeline so any offer lands before the registration window closes, or ask whether cap-exempt alternatives apply to your situation.
Project Director at AbbVie jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Project Director at AbbVie JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does AbbVie sponsor H-1B visas for Project Directors?
Yes, AbbVie sponsors H-1B visas for Project Director roles. Because H-1B is subject to the annual USCIS lottery cap, timing your application process so an offer is secured before the March registration window is critical. AbbVie also sponsors H-1B1 for Chilean and Singaporean nationals, which bypasses the lottery entirely.
Which visa types does AbbVie commonly sponsor for Project Director roles?
AbbVie sponsors a broad range of visa categories for this function, including H-1B, H-1B1, E-3, TN, and F-1 OPT and CPT for candidates transitioning from academic or training programs. For longer-term pathways, AbbVie also files EB-2 and EB-3 immigrant petitions, which typically require a completed PERM labor certification before the green card process can advance.
How do I apply for Project Director jobs at AbbVie?
You can browse and apply for Project Director roles at AbbVie directly through Migrate Mate, which filters open positions by visa sponsorship type and location. Before applying, tailor your application to AbbVie's therapeutic focus areas, particularly immunology, oncology, or neuroscience, and clearly document your cross-functional program leadership experience at the clinical or late-stage development level.
What qualifications and experience does AbbVie expect for Project Director roles?
AbbVie typically expects a graduate degree in life sciences, pharmacy, or a related field, combined with substantial experience leading drug development programs across clinical, regulatory, and commercial functions. Demonstrated expertise managing complex stakeholder environments and stage-gated programs in a pharmaceutical or biologics setting is central to what hiring managers assess at this level.
How do I plan my timeline if I need visa sponsorship for a Project Director role at AbbVie?
The timeline depends heavily on your visa category. E-3 and TN sponsorship can be completed relatively quickly, while H-1B sponsorship is constrained by USCIS lottery registration in March and an October 1 start date. If you're on F-1 OPT, your 60-day grace period between jobs adds urgency, so engaging with AbbVie recruiters early and confirming sponsorship intent before accepting any offer protects your status.
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