Abbott Ireland Operations Professional Development Programme (OPDP) - Ireland

Abbott; Sligo; On-site; EUR 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott in Ireland invites applicants for its Operations Professional Development Program (OPDP). This three-year rotation program starts with Ireland-based assignments in technical and leadership tracks, with a final overseas rotation.

Eligible graduates will rotate across multiple sites, develop operations expertise, and progress to full-time roles within Abbott. The program offers diverse experiences across technical, operations, supply chain, quality assurance, and engineering functions, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s/MSc in Engineering (Automation/Mechanical/Electrical/Automation) or related disciplines with grade 2:1 or higher.
• 2:1 or higher with a track record of outstanding co-curricular activities.

Responsibilities

• Be a regular full-time Abbott employee and rotate through three 12-month assignments across Ireland and abroad.
• Relocate to various sites around Ireland and internationally as part of the rotations.
• Work under assigned managers, with mentorship and a structured growth plan.
• Participate in targeted training to support personal and professional development.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Teamwork

Willingness to relocate

Education

Bachelor’s/MSc in Engineering (Automation/Mechanical/Electrical/Automation) or related disciplines; 2:1 or higher

Job description

Abbott in Ireland

Abbott has maintained a strong presence in Ireland since 1946 and celebrates its 80th anniversary in the country in 2026. The company supports the Irish healthcare sector with a broad portfolio spanning diagnostics, diabetes care, medical devices and nutritional products. Today, Abbott employs more than 6,500 people across ten sites located in Dublin, Donegal, Clonmel, Cootehill, Galway, Kilkenny, Longford and Sligo.

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 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. We currently have a number of open positions on our OPDP Program in Ireland. Our Operations Professional Development Program (OPDP) is an entry‑level, three‑year rotation program designed to offer hands‑on experience while promoting personal and professional growth. As a participant from Ireland, you will begin the program and first two rotations in Ireland, then you will complete your final‑year rotation outside of Europe. Upon completion, PDP participants graduate into their full‑time position, continuing to grow their career and contributing as an Abbott professional using the foundation of skills, experience and network developed during their time in the program.

As an OPDP participant you will:

• Be a regular full‑time employee of Abbott and qualify for the same competitive salary and benefits as other Abbott employees.
• Assume full responsibility and contribute as a functional operation professional.
• Rotate through three challenging, demanding, and diverse 12-month assignments.
• Develop a well‑rounded skill set through assignments in the established learning tracks (see below) for the program.
• Relocate to various sites around Ireland to experience assignment diversity and operations
• Work within multiple business units during your rotational program at Abbott.
• Have the opportunity to explore possible crossover assignments within other Operation Programs (i.e. Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Operational Excellence).
• Be paired with a mentor to assist in the development of your operations career.
• Create a personalized growth plan to serve as a step‑by‑step guide towards the experiences, knowledge, and resources necessary to achieve your career goals
• Obtain training customized to support your individual growth and development.
• Report to the department manager in each assignment who will oversee your day‑to‑day responsibilities.

OPDP rotation overview:

• The first two assignments are based in Ireland and involve working across functional areas such as: Technical, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Project Management and Engineering
• The first rotation is known as a technical rotation, while the second rotation focuses on Leading a Team
• The third rotation is based outside of Europe and focuses heavily on Operational Excellence
• No assignment is repeated; each is with a different Assignment Manager
• OPDP participants starting the program on 05 July 2027 will complete a three‑year program with the final international (overseas) rotation ending in June 2030

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree/MSc engineering(Automation / Mechanical / Electrical / Automation) Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Food Science, Supply Chain (Business Studies with major/minor Supply Chain) or related disciplines (grade 2 :1 or higher)
• Tracking to or have a minimum of 2.1 Grade in your undergraduate course with a track record of outstanding co‑curricular activities
• Interest in pursuing a career in Operations – Production, Engineering, Quality Assurance, etc.
• Geographically mobile and willing to complete a one‑year assignment outside of Europe
• Unrestricted authorization to work in Ireland
• Fluent level of English for written and verbal business communication.

Key Skills

• Ambition for Leadership
• Capacity to apply skills and knowledge to address operational challenges and add value to the business.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership & communication skills.
• Eager to learn and has the flexibility and willingness to work on different projects.
• Previous work experience in internship or co‑op work experience would be an advantage

The closing date for applications is Friday, 08 October 2026. However, interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis from the launch of the program. #earlycareers