Head of R&D Process Excellence & Transformation

BioSpace; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

AbbVie in North Chicago, IL is seeking a senior Process Excellence professional responsible for optimizing end-to-end processes, leading cross-functional teams, and aligning with clinical development and R&D goals. You will act as strategic point of contact for process improvements and change management, communicating updates to leadership and mentoring junior team members.

The role emphasizes governance, metrics, risk management, and sustainable improvements through collaborations with

Qualifications

• 12-15+ years industry experience; 8+ years with Masters, 5+ with PhD (preferred).
• 8+ years in process management/improvement preferred.
• Strong project management and adaptability skills.
• Experience with metrics for business decisions.
• Expertise in business procedures, GxP understanding.
• Organizational and communication skills required.
• Strong stakeholder management and leadership.
• Creative problem-solving abilities.
• Lean/Six Sigma experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Acts as expert and owner for specific R&D high complexity processes, within Clinical Development Therapeutic Areas, ensuring effective oversight, decision-making, and maintenance throughout their life cycle.
• Conducts process reviews/audits, facilitates stakeholder sessions, provides best practices awareness, and serves as an expert for audits and compliance activities.
• Defines metrics to measure process health and compliance. Strategically manages and updates processes in collaboration with leadership, understanding the business environment.
• Identifies and escalates risks to leadership to ensure strategic alignment and mitigation.
• Addresses process-related questions, identifies knowledge gaps, and prepares remediation plans.
• Leads large-scale and iterative process improvements by identifying efficiencies, facilitating cross-functional teams, and updating process-related materials. Mentors junior PELs as needed.
• Analyzes performance and compliance metrics to identify improvements and implement solutions. Engages with stakeholders to drive transformation and process efficiency.
• Encourages creativity, resourcefulness, and improvement suggestions, effectively presenting ideas.
• Ensures sustainability of improvements through partnerships with team leaders to track performance metrics over time.
• Upholds ethics and values, acts with integrity, follows commitments, and treats others with respect. Demonstrates accountability and consistency.

Skills

Project management

Process improvement

Stakeholder management

Leadership

GxP knowledge

Lean Six Sigma

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Creative problem-solving

Metrics for business decisions

Education

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

AbbVie in North Chicago, IL is seeking a senior Process Excellence professional responsible for optimizing end-to-end processes, leading cross-functional teams, and aligning with clinical development and R&D goals. You will act as strategic point of contact for process improvements and change management, communicating updates to leadership and mentoring junior team members.

The role emphasizes governance, metrics, risk management, and sustainable improvements through collaborations with