About 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 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Abbott in Ireland

Abbott has been operating in Ireland since 1946 and serves the Irish market with a diverse range of healthcare products including diagnostics, diabetes care, medical devices and nutritional products. In Ireland, Abbott currently employs about 6,000 people across ten sites located in Dublin, Donegal, Clonmel, Cootehill, Galway, Kilkenny, Longford and Sligo.

Abbott Ireland Diabetes Care Division Donegal

The Abbott Diabetes Care division based in Donegal Town manufactures FreeStyle blood glucose test strips and FreeStyle Sensors for use in diabetes management. Among Abbott Diabetes Care leading brands are the FreeStyle Precision, FreeStyle Lite and FreeStyle Libre system.

Purpose of Role: In this role as a Process Engineering Manager you will oversee the planning, execution, and completion of complex manufacturing and production engineering projects. Manage engineering processes, ensuring compliance with quality and regulatory standards, and leading a diverse team to achieve operational excellence. The ideal candidate will drive continuous improvement, optimize resources, and foster a development-oriented culture within the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the planning, design, and development of manufacturing processes, tooling, fixtures, and process development products to meet production schedules while enhancing productivity and product quality.

• Oversee multiple engineering projects across disciplines, ensuring they are completed within time and budget, while maintaining financial and performance accountability.

• Provide leadership on project prioritization, process validations, and continuous improvement activities to enhance technical capabilities. Lead and participate in cross-functional teams to support organizational goals and facilitate collaboration.

• Implement and manage resource planning and project management tools, coordinating project engineers for Operations projects.

• Monitor and evaluate project and department progress, adjusting as needed to meet business demands. Develop and implement engineering systems and procedures to ensure compliance with FDA, GMP, and other applicable regulations.

• Review and approve protocols, written reports, and technical documentation in accordance with business standards. Prepare and manage departmental budgets, controlling expenditures to stay within approved spending limits.

• Develop and communicate strategies, policies, and procedures to implement within the managed area. Proactively identify and influence changes in technology and industry trends to maintain technical leadership.

• Evaluate risk/reward trade-offs and make contingency plans to ensure project success.

• Prepare and present key reports, analysis, and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.

• Direct operations by coordinating efforts across multiple groups, making timely decisions, and ensuring high performance and accountability.

• Maintain positive and cooperative communications with all levels of employees, customers, contractors, and vendors.

• Ensure a safe work environment consistent with Environmental, Health & Safety requirements and company policies.

• Possess in-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, engineering practices, and quality systems, including FDA, GMP, and Environmental, Health & Safety regulations.

Qualifications and Experience:

• 3rd level qualification in Engineering/Manufacturing/Science or equivalent related discipline is essential, preference given to those with MSc/PhD.

• 15 years of previous experience in a Process Engineering Manager role in a high-tech industry is essential.

• Hands-on proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., JMP, SAS, Python, or R) is essential.

• Skilled in effective leadership, planning, analysis, and communication.

• Strong technical decision-making and problem-solving skills.

• Experience in defining a strategy for process engineering in a manufacturing environment.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing equipment, engineering technologies, and quality standards.

• Proven expertise in process optimization, Lean manufacturing/Six Sigma or similar methodologies.

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage budgets, resources, and timelines effectively.