Associate Director, Third Party Manufacturing

About the role

The Associate Director, Third Party Manufacturing (TPM) is the main supplier relationship contact who provides the organisation, supervision, strategic initiatives and technical support needed to manage the supply of designated products. The role ensures high-quality products are manufactured in compliance with local and international regulations and released and delivered according to forecasts, schedules and cost plans. It also manages projects and programmes affecting AbbVie to make products cost-effective, marketable and manufacturable, and maximises profitability throughout their life cycle. The position leads cross-functional teams through matrix management, without direct authority, and acts as the primary AbbVie representative coordinating operations for existing and new products made with the supplier.

Key responsibilities

• Negotiate the Manufacturing Service Agreement and its amendments, and ensure compliance with the terms.
• Ensure effective planning and material procurement strategies supply the TPM with the required materials.
• Share product forecasts with the TPM, agree manufacturing and delivery schedules, and work with Supply Chain and Planning so the supplier delivers according to demand.
• Take part in developing the Financial Operating Plan and standard processes, and help meet financial goals.
• Coordinate the Steering Committee and ensure Virtual Operation Teams meet regularly to evaluate performance, address issues and escalate when needed.
• Review status reports and prepare updates for senior leadership.
• With technical and quality teams, review process performance and quality trends and agree improvement plans.
• Set up governance, guidelines and communication channels, and verify with quality units that the supplier has the required quality systems and documentation, following up on inspection responses.
• Coordinate with QA on the annual quality management review and periodic audits, ensure deviations are investigated and disposition decisions are made in time, set performance metrics and track them.
• Manage programmes and projects covering scope, cost, time and resources, communication and risk across initiation, planning and execution.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in a science or technical field; MSc or MBA preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, project management, quality and S&T.
• Broad business perspective and knowledge of manufacturing processes.
• Previous experience managing subcontracted relationships preferred.
• Leadership ability, strong communication (listening, verbal, presentation, written) and ability to influence others.
• Strategy development, problem analysis and solution skills, and ability to work in a globally oriented environment.

Required skills

• Knowledge of pharmaceutical development, manufacturing and supply activities.
• Strong knowledge of business financial systems and tools.