Senior Director, Development Sciences Licensing & Acquisitions

The Senior Director, Development Sciences Licensing & Acquisitions leads a specialized team responsible for evaluating external pipeline opportunities, overseeing due diligence activities, and guiding Chemical, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) strategies for licensing and acquisitions across multiple therapeutic areas. The role is pivotal in assessing and integrating technical, regulatory, and operational considerations for external innovations, ensuring successful transitions into internal development pipelines.

 

Responsibilities:

 

• Build and manage a high-performing team dedicated to technical evaluation of novel drug substances, drug products, devices, and platforms. Partner with key technical SMEs to evaluate opportunities and understand impact across technical functions.
• Lead CMC due diligence activities, including comprehensive technical assessments, risk mitigation, and integration of CMC strategy with clinical development plans for business development opportunities.
• Serve as the primary CMC representative in cross-functional evaluations with R&D, Regulatory Affairs, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Commercial teams, influencing decision-making and integrating CMC perspectives into overall business strategy.
• Prepare and present balanced technical recommendations, risk analyses, and findings to senior management and governance forums.
• Ensure seamless transition and knowledge transfer of externally sourced assets into internal product development pipelines, coordinating with project management and technical teams.
• Support post-deal integration and development/resource planning to ensure continuity of clinical.
• Monitor industry and regulatory developments in CMC, manufacturing, and compliance, adapting strategies to the evolving landscape.
• Manage multiple concurrent CMC diligence projects across various asset types and therapeutic areas in a fast-paced environment.
• Build and maintain best in class licensing and acquisition processes to move projects forward in the most efficient and effective manner and provide recommendations for dismissing ideas early and effectively.

• Advanced degree (PhD or MS preferred) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in CMC roles within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sector, with significant exposure to due diligence and external innovation.
• Proven track record of technical team leadership and management of cross-functional projects.
• Deep knowledge of drug development, manufacturing, and regulatory requirements for small molecules, biologics, peptides, and combination products.
• Strong analytical, strategic problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in presenting recommendations and influencing senior executive management and governance bodies.

This role offers the opportunity to directly impact scientific portfolio growth and external innovation strategy through expert CMC leadership.

Key Stakeholders: VP Development Sciences, Development Sciences CMC Functional Heads, S&E and BD groups; PDS&T, Operations, R&D Finance

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.

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 postingbased 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 orless 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. ​

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 paidand 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. 

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