China External Execution and CRDMO Strategy Lead, Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine

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.

The Biotherapeutics and Genetic Medicine (BGM) team at AbbVie is a critical discovery engine supporting our ambition to become the world’s leading biopharma company. We combine best-in-class internal technical platforms with the rapidly growing scientific ecosystem in China to deliver transformational large-molecule clinical development candidates to patients with unparalleled speed.

We are seeking a lead reporting to the Director of China Strategy BGM, who will build and enable a reliable external execution network in China. This role is the execution backbone of the China team, helping BGM teams effectively access and use CROs, CRDMOs, and other external resources for discovery and development support. The role requires practical partner management, rapid issue resolution, and hands-on coordination across internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure timely, high-quality delivery aligned with program priorities.

This individual will work closely with global BGM teams and partner functions across Discovery and Development, serving as a strong local presence and a trusted bridge between China-based providers and global program teams.

Responsibilities:

• Map, assess, and maintain an active network of CROs, CRDMOs, biotech companies, and other service providers in China relevant to biotherapeutics and genetic medicine.
• Enable fit-for-purpose sourcing and partner selection by evaluating external capabilities, operational readiness, capacity, quality, timelines, and execution risk.
• Manage day-to-day relationships with selected CROs, CRDMOs, and service providers, ensuring clear expectations, responsiveness, quality, and alignment with internal program priorities.
• Coordinate cross-functional internal and external teams to support efficient execution, remove barriers, resolve issues rapidly, and maintain momentum across discovery and development activities.
• Provide clear, actionable recommendations on partner strengths, limitations, execution performance, and opportunities to improve delivery or expand collaboration.
• Support partner meetings, site visits, external discussions, and diligence activities in China, with a focus on capability fit, execution feasibility, and risk mitigation.
• Maintain close communication and alignment with global stakeholders to ensure China external execution priorities, partner strategies, and issue resolutions are well coordinated across functions and geographies.

• Ph.D. with 5–10 years of industry experience or a master’s degree with 10–15 years of industry experience. An advanced degree is preferred.
• Background in life sciences, chemistry, engineering, or related discipline.
• With industry experience supporting discovery and/or development programs, preferably in biotherapeutics, with exposure to genetic medicine and external partner management.
• Demonstrated experience working with CROs, CRDMOs, or other scientific and technical service providers in China.
• Strong practical capability in partner evaluation, relationship management, operational coordination, and issue resolution.
• Broad understanding of discovery and development execution, especially for biotherapeutics, with working fluency in genetic medicine and an understanding of R&D cultures in both China and the United States.
• Fluency in English and Chinese, with strong communication, influencing, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• This role is based in Shanghai, China. Candidates must be comfortable with frequent travel, site visits, external meetings, and conference participation.
• Experience supporting external diligence, technology transfer, or regulated development activities in China is a plus.
• Experience enabling external work across multiple modalities or functions is preferred.

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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