Head of Development Sciences – China in London

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.

Job Description

Scope & Purpose: The Head of Development Sciences – China will lead a cross-functional, vertically integrated team of development scientists, responsible for managing internal and external relationships to ensure the rapid and effective conduct of research activities culminating in accelerated cPOC. This role is accountable for aligning strategic development, fostering partnerships (internal and external), optimizing processes for drug development, and steering scientific execution across functional boundaries within China, in alignment with global objectives.

Main Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for the China Development Sciences team, ensuring alignment on scientific vision, research strategy, and operational excellence from early development through cPOC.
• Lead and integrate a cross-functional team (development scientists, clinical trial supplies, preclinical safety and quantitative translational ADME sciences, etc.) to support robust, efficient execution of research and development plans.
• Build and manage strong relationships with key stakeholders, including internal (R&D, commercial, regulatory, manufacturing, senior leaders) and external (alliance partners, CROs, government regulatory bodies, key opinion leaders) groups.
• Support the identification, evaluation, and management of external business development opportunities, including strategic partnerships, research collaborations, and venture investments within China.
• Develop and execute risk mitigation strategies to proactively address scientific, regulatory, and operational challenges encountered during the research process.
• Oversee and guide governance activities, ensuring high-quality communication, documentation, and decision-making across internal and external partners.
• Drive the implementation and continual improvement of best-in-class processes, training initiatives, and operational standards to establish AbbVie as a partner-of-choice within the Chinese pharma ecosystem.
• Support local and global portfolio strategy by synchronizing clinical and scientific activities, ensuring readiness for late-stage development and commercialization.
• Lead talent development, coaching, and effective resource deployment within the China development sciences team, supporting high performance and professional growth.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and corporate requirements relevant to drug development and clinical research in China.
• Represent the organization in regional and global strategic forums, contributing to enterprise-level development strategy and cross-regional collaboration.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in life sciences.
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in drug discovery and development, with significant exposure to China or Asia-Pacific market.
• Demonstrated ability to lead integrated, cross-functional teams and manage relationships with senior executives, global partners, and regulatory authorities.
• Strong experience in managing early-phase clinical development, especially rapid cPOC studies, within large matrix organizations.
• Proven strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills; adept at risk management and navigating complex environments.
• Sound knowledge of drug development processes, regulatory requirements (including China NMPA), and global clinical research standards.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with fluency in English and Mandarin highly preferred.
• Experience managing budget, resources, and talent in a highly dynamic industry environment.
• Understanding of alliance management and best practices in scientific partnering within or with multinational pharmaceutical companies.
• Ability to drive culture, innovation, and cross-boundary learning to accelerate the achievement of cPOC and other key milestones.

Additional Information: 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.