IT Business Relationship Management

Abbott Laboratories; Kilkenny; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Family health insurance

Excellent pension scheme

Life assurance

Career Development

Fantastic new facility

Growing business plus access to many >

Job summary

Abbott Diabetes Care Kilkenny is seeking an IT Business Relationship Manager to lead the IT and Digital portfolio for a key business unit. You will align technology investments with strategic priorities, drive digital transformation, and deliver technology programmes that improve operational efficiency.

You will work with business leaders to leverage Digital Manufacturing, MES, IIoT, analytics/AI, Automation, Cloud, Cybersecurity, and ERP modernization, ensuring compliant, high-quality solutions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field is required or equivalent experience.
• Certifications in project management, digital transformation, cloud technologies, or ITSM are advantageous.
• 10–15 years IT/Digital/Business Technology experience in a multinational environment.

Responsibilities

• Act as strategic IT and Digital partner for the business unit.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of IT/digital programmes delivering measurable value.
• Identify opportunities across MES, IIoT, analytics, AI, automation, cloud, cybersecurity, and ERP to drive growth.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders; advise on technology strategies and trends.
• Lead governance, budgeting, and prioritisation of technology demands; manage cross-functional teams.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Leadership

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science / IT / Business / Engineering

Industry certifications in PM, digital transformation, cloud, ITSM

Tools

MES

IIoT

ERP systems

SAP S/4HANA

LIMS

Cloud platforms

Cybersecurity

Data platforms

Job description

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.

Please note any offer of employment for this position isconditional upon the successful completionof a pre-employment medical examination, including drug and alcohol screening, conducted by a medical practitioner designated by the Company.

Abbott Diabetes Care Kilkenny

Abbott Diabetes Care has opened a new site, in Kilkenny, that is at the forefront of Diabetes care with the latest technology, to manufacture 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 systems.

About the Role

As the IT Business Relationship Manager, you will serve as the strategic link between business and technology, leading the IT and Digital portfolio for a key business unit. You will ensure the successful delivery of technology programmes, projects, and applications that support business objectives and drive organisational growth.

Working closely with business leaders and cross-functional teams, you will identify opportunities to leverage digital technologies including Digital Manufacturing, MES, IIoT, Analytics & AI, Automation, Cloud Platforms, Cybersecurity, and ERP Modernisation to improve operational efficiency, enhance business performance, and create long-term value.

This role acts as the primary point of contact for all IT and Digital initiatives within the business unit, responsible for aligning technology investments with strategic priorities, managing demand, and ensuring the effective utilisation of IT capabilities across the organisation. You will provide trusted advice to senior stakeholders, champion digital transformation, and drive innovation while ensuring solutions remain aligned with regulatory and business requirements.

The successful candidate will combine strong business acumen, technology expertise, and stakeholder management skills to deliver impactful digital solutions in a complex and evolving environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the strategic IT and Digital partner for the business unit, ensuring technology initiatives align with organisational goals and business priorities.
• Develop and maintain a portfolio of IT and digital programmes, projects, and applications that deliver measurable business value.
• Identify opportunities to leverage digital manufacturing, MES, IIoT, analytics and AI, automation, cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and ERP solutions to drive operational excellence and business growth.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, advising on technology strategies, digital transformation initiatives, and emerging technology trends.
• Partner with business process owners and leadership teams to understand challenges, assess requirements, and recommend scalable technology solutions.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement by championing new ideas, technologies, and ways of working.
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies, industry regulations, GxP requirements, data integrity standards, and system validation processes.
• Lead IT portfolio planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and prioritisation of business technology demands.
• Oversee delivery of IT programmes and projects, ensuring objectives are achieved on time, within scope, and aligned to agreed budgets.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, global IT functions, external vendors, and technology partners to deliver high-quality services and solutions.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimisation, efficiency improvements, and technology standardisation across the organisation.
• Manage and develop high-performing teams, providing leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance management.
• Support large-scale transformation initiatives, including ERP modernisation and SAP S/4HANA programmes.
• Lead governance activities, resolve project escalations, and ensure successful execution of global and cross-functional initiatives.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, Manufacturing Systems, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Relevant industry certifications in project management, digital transformation, cloud technologies, or IT service management are advantageous.
• 10-15 years of IT, Digital, or Business Technology experience within a multinational organisation, preferably in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, medical device, or life sciences sector.
• Proven experience developing and executing IT and digital strategies that support business objectives.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise applications, MES, IIoT technologies, cloud platforms, analytics and AI, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure.
• Experience managing complex project, programme, and portfolio environments with significant budgets and multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and partner with senior leadership teams to drive business and technology outcomes.
• Experience working within regulated environments with knowledge of GxP, data integrity, quality systems, and computer system validation.
• Strong vendor, supplier, and system integrator management experience.
• Understanding of manufacturing operations and supporting technologies, including MES, LIMS, ERP systems, and data platforms.
• Experience contributing to or leading ERP transformation projects, including SAP ECC to SAP S/4HANA migrations.
• Proven people leadership experience, including managing direct reports and leading global, matrixed, and cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.

What we Offer

Attractive compensation package that includes competitive pay, as well as benefits such as

• Family health insurance,
• Excellent pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Career Development
• Fantastic new facility
• Growing business plus access to many more benefits.

Connect with us at www.abbott.comand onLinkedIn,Facebook,Instagram,XandYouTube.

Abbott is an equal opportunities employer.