Operational Excellence Project Manager at Abbott

Zwolle, Overijssel, Netherlands

Abbott Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Healthcare, Manufacturing, NutritionIndustries

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree (HBO level) in Food Technology, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline
  • Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
  • Proven track record in leading cross-functional projects within a manufacturing or regulated environment
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills in both Dutch and English
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure while maintaining a customer- and service-oriented approach
  • High attention to detail with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and compliance

Responsibilities

  • Lead and implement high-impact improvement projects using Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and change management methodologies
  • Deliver measurable results in cost savings, process efficiency, and compliance
  • Ensure structured project governance, including planning, execution, reporting, and stakeholder alignment
  • Act as a key liaison between Abbott NL and global Abbott Nutrition sites to ensure knowledge sharing and alignment
  • Facilitate 2–3 Kaizen events or unplanned improvement initiatives annually to support plant performance
  • Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) and system owner for designated OpEx standards and continuous improvement tools
  • Develop and deliver training programs to embed OpEx principles across the organization
  • Apply advanced methodologies for root cause analysis, problem-solving, and performance optimization
  • Continuously expand expertise in Lean Six Sigma and other improvement frameworks to support organizational capability building

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Lean Six SigmaProject ManagementChange ManagementGMPContinuous ImprovementStakeholder EngagementWorld Class ManufacturingLean Manufacturing

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the location for this Operational Excellence Project Manager role?

The position is based at Abbott Laboratories in Zwolle (Rieteweg), Netherlands.

What qualifications are required for this role?

A Bachelor’s degree (HBO level) in Food Technology, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field is required.

What key skills and experience are needed for the Operational Excellence Project Manager position?

The role requires expertise in Lean Six Sigma (LSS), change management methodologies, project leadership, root cause analysis, and facilitating Kaizen events.

What does Abbott's culture emphasize for this role?

Abbott fosters a culture of excellence, accountability, and pride, guided by its Pledge values, with a focus on continuous improvement, safety, quality, and a zero-accident culture.

What makes a strong candidate for this Operational Excellence Project Manager role?

Strong candidates have a strategic mindset, strong stakeholder engagement skills, the ability to lead complex improvement initiatives, and passion for World Class Manufacturing and Operational Excellence.

Abbott

Healthcare solutions in diagnostics and devices

About Abbott

Abbott Laboratories focuses on improving health through various medical technologies and health solutions. The company operates in areas such as cardiovascular health, diabetes management, diagnostic testing, nutrition, and neuromodulation for chronic pain and movement disorders. Abbott's products include advanced medical devices and diagnostic tests that help healthcare professionals and patients manage health conditions effectively. For example, their cardiovascular technologies assist in heart health management, while diabetes care products enable accurate glucose monitoring without painful fingersticks. Unlike many competitors, Abbott emphasizes accessibility and affordability in its offerings, aiming to make life-changing technologies available to a broader audience. The company's goal is to positively impact global health and well-being, supported by a commitment to sustainability and a 2030 Sustainability Plan.

Lake Bluff, IllinoisHeadquarters
1888Year Founded
IPOCompany Stage
HealthcareIndustries
10,001+Employees

Risks

Departure of key leader Dr. Adamson may affect Abbott's Heart Failure division.
Integration challenges with Medtronic could impact glucose monitor-insulin pump rollout.
Thermo Fisher's microfluidics expansion may increase competition for Abbott.

Differentiation

Abbott integrates continuous glucose monitoring with automated insulin delivery systems.
Abbott's microfluidic devices streamline diagnostic processes efficiently.
Abbott's neuromodulation products target specific nervous system areas for chronic pain relief.

Upsides

Microfluidic technology offers cost-effective solutions in diagnostics.
Strategic partnerships like Abbott-Medtronic enhance product offerings and market reach.
Significant investments indicate strong market confidence in Abbott's healthcare solutions.

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