Jobs › Abbott

Director, Regulatory Affairs

Abbott · Abbott Park, IL · $171,300–$342,700 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 28, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a submission that hit a major issue with a regulator. How did you get it back on track?

What they are checking: Whether they can recover from setbacks and work constructively with agencies.

Tell me about a time you had to decide whether a product change needed a new submission.

What they are checking: Whether they make sound, documented change assessments, which carry real compliance risk.

How do you lead and develop regulatory professionals at different levels?

What they are checking: Whether they build team capability and judgment, not just review everyone's work.

How do you explain regulatory risk to executives who aren't regulatory experts?

What they are checking: Whether they turn complex rules into clear business choices leaders can act on.

What would you do

The business wants a faster pathway than you think the data supports. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they give honest regulatory advice and explain the risk rather than just saying what leaders want.

A post-market signal suggests a possible safety issue. What role does Regulatory play?

What they are checking: Whether they know reporting duties and can coordinate a fast, compliant response with Quality.

About the work

How do you build a regulatory strategy for a new product that will launch in the US, EU and other markets?

What they are checking: Whether they can plan for different pathways and timing across regions from the start.

How has the EU MDR or IVDR changed the way you plan submissions and evidence?

What they are checking: Whether they are current on major regulatory changes that affect timelines and documentation.

How do you make sure regulatory is involved early enough in product development?

What they are checking: Whether they embed regulatory thinking in design so late surprises don't derail launches.

How do you prepare a team for a meeting with the FDA?

What they are checking: Whether they plan questions, positions and who speaks so the meeting gets useful answers.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Abbott.

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. JOB DESCRIPTION: Working at Abbott At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You’ll also have access to: • Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of • Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year • An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution • Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree • A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune • A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists The Opportunity The Director, Regulatory Affairs provides leadership, direction and support for regulatory policy and cross-business regulatory initiatives within the company, actively influencing changing regulations and guidance affecting the company through participation on trade associations and interfaces with regulatory agencies. This person will direct activities associated with capturing domestic and international information both internal and external that impacts the quality, regulatory, and compliance areas of Abbott and keep management abreast of regulatory changes and the impact they could have on the organization. Also, this person will direct and manage cross-business regulatory activities designed to address emerging regulatory issues, incorporate strategic action, and advance the development of Abbott regulatory professionals. This person will be a subject matter expert in the regulatory area organization and serve as a resource that others within the organization can approach for guidance. What You’ll Work On Regulatory Intelligence: • Gather, assess, summarize, and disseminate available regulatory information, such as proposed rules and guidance • Develop in conjunction with relevant internal stakeholders, draft, and submit directly to regulatory agencies and trade associations the Abbott position/response to proposed device regulatory policy • Implement processes for monitoring and communicating emerging regulatory issues Cross-Business Initiatives: • Lead cross-business regulatory council consisting of business regulatory heads, legal, government affairs, and AQR • Chair or co-chair council committees designed to execute objectives defined by the regulatory council, such as global conference, emerging issues, talent management • Work across businesses, government affairs, and legal to define, develop, and obtain consensus on Abbott regulatory positions on critical regulatory proposals • Develop and maintain communication strategies for efficient and effective means of cross business information sharing Strategic Planning: • Anticipate regulatory emerging issues and develop solutions to them • Identify need for new regulatory policies/processes • Develop solutions to address emerging regulatory issues with other members of management and stakeholders • Develop corporate positions on regulatory risk-benefit • Create and develop positions and strategies based upon proposed regulatory requirements Influence: • Identify for stakeholders new regulatory requirements to ensure company-wide compliance • Advance the organization’s position by participating and taking leadership roles in professional associations, industry and trade groups and appropriate standards organizations • Advise management and stakeholders on regulatory issues • Manage communication and negotiation with regulatory authorities and lobbying government leaders • Utilize expert technical regulatory skills to influence regulators on complex issues • Consult with and advise businesses on regulatory issues • Participate in the development of new regulations, guidelines and/or standards to promote scientific innovation balanced with appropriate safety concerns Supervisory / Management Responsibilities • Provides leadership without direct authority (i.e., project leader); includes 1 direct report Position Accountability / Scope • Corporate-wide strategies and programs • External and internal regulatory advocacy • Recognized as a key opinion leader and resource in regulatory affairs • Develops, communicates, and builds consensus for goals that are in alignment with the corporation. • Provides leadership by communicating and providing guidance towards achieving cross-business and/or corporate objectives. • Interfaces with a variety of management levels including senior management on significant matters, often requiring the coordination of activity across organizational units. • Leads multiple cross-business committees/teams • Acts as a mentor to less-experienced staff internal and external to the department/division. • Exercises judgment independently. Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree • 7-10 years of experience in a regulated industry (e.g., medical device, pharmaceutical, nutritional/food products) • Knowledge of how agency regulations and guidance are developed • Negotiate internally and externally with regulatory agencies • Work with cross-functional teams • Demonstrated analytical, strategic-thinking, and problem-solving skills • Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to diverse audiences and personnel • Write and edit regulatory documents; persuasive writing • Ability to prepare and present written and oral reports and other presentations to internal and external audiences, including senior management and regulatory agencies • Able to juggle multiple and competing priorities Preferred Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in science (biology, chemistry, microbiology, immunology, medical technology, pharmacy, pharmacology), math, engineering, or medical fields • Advanced degree (MS in technical area, PhD, Law) • 7-10 years of experience in regulatory preferred, but may consider quality assurance, research and development/support, scientific affairs, operations, or related area APPLY NOW Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: www.abbottbenefits.com Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity. Connect with us at www.abbott.com , on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal The base pay for this position is $171,300.00 – $342,700.00 In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted. JOB FAMILY: Regulatory Operations DIVISION: AQR Abbott Quality and Regulatory LOCATION: United States > Abbott Park : AP52 ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS: WORK SHIFT: Standard TRAVEL: Yes, 20 % of the Time MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE: Not Applicable SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES: Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday) Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans. EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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