Risk Management Lead

About the role

The Risk Management Lead (RML) serves as the subject matter expert for risk management and central monitoring in AbbVie's Risk-Based Quality Management (RBQM) model. The RML leads the strategic planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of risk management practices across global clinical trials, partnering closely with study teams and Central Monitoring colleagues to cultivate a proactive and sustainable risk-mitigation culture in support of high-quality study execution and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead embedding and adoption of the end-to-end RBQM model within and across clinical study teams.
• Partner with cross-functional leads to develop and implement risk management strategies across therapeutic areas/programs.
• Facilitate Risk Assessment and Mitigation Planning (RAMP) meetings; prepare, review, and update RAMP documentation throughout the study lifecycle.
• Guide cross-functional teams in identifying critical data/processes, defining relevant Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), and establishing effective risk controls and response plans.
• Ensure alignment of risk discussions with study plans and global monitoring strategies.
• Coach and influence teams in risk mindset, methodology, and process maturity while fostering organizational capabilities.
• Analyze quality metrics/data and risk signals across study, regional, and site levels to drive continuous improvement and early intervention.
• Monitor risk mitigation execution, track issue trends, and ensure proper documentation, escalation, and communication of risks/issues.
• Support inspection readiness, audit response, and regulatory compliance, in collaboration with Clinical Process Compliance and Quality Assurance.
• Lead and contribute to RBQM process optimization, knowledge sharing, and best practice dissemination across studies and therapeutic areas.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences, risk-based, or related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years' comprehensive experience in clinical operations, with proven expertise in risk management, RBQM, or quality management.
• Excellent working knowledge of risk management methodologies (including risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and documentation).
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams, senior management, and drive change management initiatives.
• Deep understanding of ICH/GCP, regulatory standards, and clinical trial processes.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills; proficiency with data analysis/visualization tools.
• Exceptional communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to lead in a dynamic global environment with complex, multi-jurisdictional studies.

Additional information

This is a hybrid based role working onsite T-TH. Candidates must be local to Lake County, IL; Irvine, CA or Florham Park, NJ and work onsite 3 days per week.

Additional Information

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 posting based 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 or less 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 long-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 paid and may be modified at the Company's sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.