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 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Abbott Nutrition in Casa Grande, Arizona is seeking an The Operational Excellence Leader. 

The Operational Excellence Leader will be responsible for leading and driving the principle-based behaviors within the plant which include Creating value for our business and customers, accountability and ownership at all levels, integration and inclusiveness (within plant and outside of plant), focusing on the process, embracing data & facts, do it right the first time, leading by example and respect for all. 

It is through these pillars; the Operational Excellence Leader will be responsible for the identification, management and execution of projects within the plant which will deliver year-over-year improvements.  The Operational Excellence Leader will be the catalyst within the plant to appropriately, and respectfully, challenge status quo which will continually drive improvements via best practice replication (learning from within the network and externally), creative and innovative solutions, alignment of goals and objectives and resource planning to deliver results.

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your 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 a 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 worldwide 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 the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists. 

The Opportunity 

This position works out of our Casa Grande, Arizona location in the Abbott Nutrition division. Our Nutrition business develops science-based nutrition products for people of all ages, from helping babies and children grow to keeping adult bodies strong and active. Millions of people around the world count on our leading brands – including Similac®, PediaSure®, Pedialyte®, Ensure®, and Glucerna® – to help them get the nutrients they need to live their healthiest lives.

Casa Grande, AZ., is one of Abbott’s leading nutrition manufacturing plants in the U.S., reflecting our commitment to innovation and excellence. But we’re more than just a company, we’re a family. Working here you’ll be part of a family that works together to make a difference and enhance the lives of millions worldwide.

What You’ll Work On

• Lead organization’s capability in knowledge and understanding of metrics and measurements which impact the total performance of the plant
• Drive visual management and data understanding throughout the plant
• Manage and facilitate continuous improvement projects in support of company objectives.
• Develops an implementation plan, conducts risk assessments and develops contingency plans to accommodate unforeseen events. Recognizes and removes barriers to project completion.  Recognizes the broader implications of actions and proposals on the overall business.
• Mentor/train key stakeholders in the use and practice of continuous improvement methodologies and tools. (Lean, value stream mapping, six-sigma, Kaizen)
• Assesses current processes and standard workflow and identifies process improvement opportunities utilizing organizational, analytical, Lean and six sigma problem solving methodologies
• Assist in selecting, scoping and prioritizing continuous improvement projects across the business
• Plans and facilitates the execution of various value stream mapping and Kaizen events
• Estimates and verifies financial benefits from continuous improvement projects
• Acts as a change agent by communicating the enterprise-wide changes to the employees and helping them to learn, understand, adjust and grow within the continuous improvement culture
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Participates as a key business partner to the leadership team. Contributes to business strategy development and operational execution of business plans. Helps to create the future state as it relates to shortened value streams, manufacturing strategies, cross-functional processes, and the establishment of uniform policies and procedures.
• Develops programs and initiatives that support the business strategies and plans.
• Teams with Operations Leadership on organizational design and development to ensure appropriate results.
• Leads change to improve organizational effectiveness.
• Drives the change management necessary to implement effective programs.
• Thinks strategically to anticipate future issues and challenges and create appropriate plans now, using proactive approaches
• Demonstrates analytical capability to find systemic issues to root cause, and creates actions plant to mitigate, close and/or eliminate.

You’ll be accountable for meeting our compliance standards including FDA, OSHA and Abbott policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree BA/BS:  Engineering, Business, Operations, Science, or equivalent work experience.  
• Certification or equivalent working knowledge of improvement tools and methodologies – Lean/Six Sigma; Black belt preferred.
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory standards and requirements for infant formula and nutritionals.
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory standards and requirements for FDA regulated environment. 
• Experience in operations management and knowledge of cost accounting/financial reporting systems. Including :

• 2-4 years of demonstrated success in applying Continuous Improvement / BEx tools
• Good functional computer skills (Microsoft Office programs, Excel, etc.) is required
• Willingness to travel (to facilitate personal development and support of other sites)
• A minimum of 2 - 5 years’ experience in manufacturing operations, business improvement, quality systems or other areas related to the project with an understanding of Abbott internal systems and procedures
• Demonstrated diplomacy and effective functioning and communication in a matrix environment.  Ability to organize and lead cross functional teams and align team members to management's vision.

This position requires excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability to effectively lead in a team environment, adaptable to change, able to manage competing priorities, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills and sense of business savvy.  Requires the ability to make critical decisions in a fast-paced production environment. Solicits the cooperation of a diverse group of disciplines and functions in a tactful and persuasive manner. 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Pre-Employment Inquiries and Citizenship | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov)

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 and Military/Veteran friendly, committed to employee diversity.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott, and on Twitter AbbottNews.

The base pay for this position is $129,300.00 – $258,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.