Director, Media Strategy and Execution

About AbbVie
AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines 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: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women’s health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Director, Media Strategy and Execution

 

Description –

Leads a US center of excellence for media strategy, tactical planning, execution and buy due diligence. Responsible for $1.0B+ in media spend, across dozens of brands/indications. Responsible for all US Commercial paid media activity, targeting consumer and Healthcare Provider (HCP) audiences, in both offline and online channels. Defines media strategies that align with and deliver on brand and franchise strategies, determines related tactics, selects vendors and delivers flawless execution in television, digital, search, print, point of care, outdoor, radio and social with expertise in all. Coaches, mentors and develops an internal team of media professionals to deliver on these expectations. Accountable for the activities of several large holding company media agencies as well as niche agencies in audio, social and multi-cultural involving over 150 FTEs. This individual must be able to think strategically and expansively, providing relevant expertise to guide the organization on the changing pharma and media landscape and AbbVie’s digital transformation efforts. The individual in this position must communicate openly and effectively with the U.S. Commercial brand teams and Sr. Leadership, providing consultative, strategic, and tactical support to achieve business objectives and effectively collaborating with cross-functional partners to optimize outcomes.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Sets the vision for US media strategy and guides the company to navigate the complex and changing media environment
• Brings deep expertise in paid media channels; expertise in both offline and online media
• Delivers on an effective paid media product, both internally and externally; oversees $1.0+ billion in spend maintaining an eye toward ensuring diversity spend in AbbVie’s portfolio
• Viewed in the media industry as a marketplace leader and internally as a media expert
• “Sells” complex and complicated ideas to Directors, Sr Leaders; simplifies complex concepts
• Challenges Marketers on holistic approach to channel planning including test/learn opportunities
• Leads team of approximately 10 media professionals with 3 direct reports
• Accountable for all financial, operational and buy stewardship compliance
• Looks for opportunities for efficiency / effectiveness in media in all areas & adheres to savings goals
• Contributing and productive member of the Multi-Channel, Media and Marketing Operations Team
• Strong Negotiator; experienced at closing large and complex deals to obtain optimal results for the company and the brands
• Provides creative and innovative media opportunities to ensure brand success and secure leadership positioning, setting AbbVie apart from the competition
• Leverages agency, network and publisher relationships on behalf of the company
• Sets agency goals and performance metrics
• Establishes best practice standards for media
• Attends and if appropriate, speaks at industry conferences
• Builds strong partnership internally and externally

Leadership Behaviors:

• Demonstrated success leading large organizational change initiatives producing tangible business impact in multiple industries (client side)
• Provides positive leadership and productive influence across the organization and externally
• Short- and long-range strategic planning and capability development
• Creates high-performing teams and elevates the skills of the entire team; ability to grow and leverage team members skills
• Formulates goals and strategies to achieve business objectives
• Recognized by staff, customers, senior management, vendors, and cross-functional partners as a media leader and expert.
• Exhibits good business judgment and makes sound decisions
• Effectively utilizes all available resources, either within or outside of direct span of control, to manage diverse workload, maximize productivity, motivate team members, and encourage innovation
• Provides feedback, coaches and mentors internal and external teams to resolves problems prior to escalation
• Manages sub-standard team performance with a sense of urgency

Qualifications

Qualifications -

Basic:

• 20+ yrs. experience in paid media – with digital and offline expertise, ideally through a combination of media agency and in-house media COE experience; pharma industry exposure a plus but not required
• B.A./B.S. in Business, Communications, Advertising or relevant degree (MBA not required but desirable)
• Strong, proven leadership experience including management of exempt personnel and other people leaders in a fast-paced, service/team environment
• Proven ability to influence senior-level marketing/commercial stakeholders without direct authority; influence portfolio budget/tactical plans
• High level of proven leadership competencies to include setting vision and strategy, building teams, knowing the business, driving for results, and encouraging open exchange of ideas and knowledge.
• A highly motivated change agent that drives business-focused solutions.

• Demonstrated success leading large organizational change initiatives producing tangible business impact in multiple industries (client side)

• Strong written, verbal and presentation skills with the ability to distill highly complex requirements into compelling business objectives, providing confidence and influence across functions and levels
• Strong problem-solving abilities in this complex, compliance regulated industry
• Travel: Approximately 15-20%
• Location: Lake County, Illinois; must be willing to relocate

 

Accountability & Scope:

• Reports to the Vice President of Multi-Channel, Media and Marketing Operations
• Manages a $1.0+ billion media budget to deliver on brand KPIs
• Oversees functional team of approximately 10 media professionals, including 3 direct reports; talent and employee career management
• Experience in Media organizational design, hiring, recruiting and building strong teams
• Works with senior management across multiple functions including Marketing, Commercial Operations, Procurement, Regulatory, Legal, Public Affairs, HR, Quality, IT, and other; represents media team in cross-functional activities
• High Influence (C-suite)
• External leader for paid media relationships with major publishers, networks and partners
• Setting strategy at the enterprise level

Significant Work Activities
Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day)
Travel
Yes, 20 % of the Time
Job Type
Experienced
Schedule
Full-time
Job Level Code
D
Equal Employment Opportunity
At AbbVie, we value bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to develop new and innovative solutions for patients. As an equal opportunity employer we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.