Operational Excellence Project Manager

LocationNetherlands - ZwolleCategoryOperations

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Description

Abbott is a global leader in healthcare, committed to helping people live not only longer but better lives. With approximately 110,000 employees in 150 countries, Abbott works on a diverse portfolio in diagnostics, medical devices, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals. At Abbott, you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world through a meaningful and challenging job. You’ll be part of a highly successful and widely respected organization that is shaping the future of healthcare. Realize your potential!

Abbott Laboratories Zwolle produces and develops a complete range of medical nutrition products tailored to the specific dietary needs of patients. The product range includes oral and tube feeding such as Ensure™ Plus and Jevity®, disease-specific nutrition like Prosure®, and pediatric oral and tube feeding. For the OpEx, EHS&E, and L&D department at Abbott Laboratories in Zwolle (Rieteweg), we are looking for a:

Operational Excellence (OpEx) Project Manager

As Operational Excellence Project Manager, you will play a crucial role in driving the organization’s journey toward World Class Manufacturing and Operational Excellence. You will serve as the system owner for one or more OpEx systems, guiding cross-functional teams in the continuous improvement of safety, quality, and efficiency standards. Leveraging our Pledge values, you will foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and pride across the organization.

This role requires a strategic mindset, strong stakeholder engagement, and the ability to lead complex improvement initiatives in a dynamic production environment. If you are passionate about shaping a zero-accident culture and elevating GMP execution, we invite you to join our mission.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Execution

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.

Operational Excellence & Knowledge Management

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.

Qualifications & Experience

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.

WHAT DO WE OFFER YOU?

Abbott Laboratories Zwolle offers a competitive salary, an Individual Choice Budget (IKB) including holiday allowance, 13th month salary, generous special leave, and extra vacation days.

HEAR FROM ABBOTT EMPLOYEES

"Everyone on my team is an ally to one another. I feel comfortable sharing my opinions and new ideas, and the trust we all have with one another is critical to our success and growth as a team."Michelle Desmond

"My biggest motivator at work is knowing that we help people live their best lives through our life-changing technologies."David Basler

"Being an ally for our Women in STEM employee networking group has been a fantastic opportunity for me. Connecting with others to promote an inclusive workplace has been key for my professional growth."Yousef Atef

"At Abbott, I help support our early careers program as a volunteer. Especially since I started out as an intern at Abbott, I find it really rewarding to give back and impact our current interns' professional growth and achievements."Cam Huggins

"At Abbott, I'm grateful to have the opportunity to continuously learn and develop my skills. The growth I've experiences here has enabled me to achieve both my personal and team goals, making my work truly meaningful and satisfying."Andrey Bykov

"As a project engineer at Abbott, I develop processes for products that positively impact people's lives around the world every day. It's inspiring to be part of an organization with such a positive impact."Cam Huggins

CREATING POSSIBILITIES

INNOVATIVE BENEFITSWe support our colleagues around the world as they care for themselves and their families with offerings tailored to their unique needs.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSIONWe strive to provide environments where all employees feel welcome and able to bring their full selves to work. To do this we integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion across Abbott.

SUSTAINABILITY FOR OUR FUTUREAt Abbott, sustainability means managing our efforts so we can help the greatest number of people around the world live fuller lives through better health.

WE'RE RECOGNIZED AROUND THE WORLD

DOW JONES SUSTAINABILITY INDEXBEST CORPORATE CITIZENSFORTUNE CHANGETHE WORLDFORTUNE'S MOST ADMIRED COMPANIES

JOIN OUR TALENT COMMUNITYWe will notify you about relevant positions, and keep you in mind when we have interesting opportunities.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERAbbott welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce.

EEO (ENGLISH)

EEO (SPANISH)

PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION

We provide reasonable workplace accommodations. U.S. residents only: To request accommodation, please call 224-667-4913 or email corpjat@abbott.com.