Operations Shift Manager

Abbott; Kilkenny; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global healthcare leader in Kilkenny is seeking a Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead a diverse team, ensure product quality, and drive operational excellence. The role requires at least 5 years of experience in high-volume manufacturing and a strong background in Lean Manufacturing. Attractive compensation, including family health insurance and retirement benefits, is offered as part of the package.

Benefits

Family health insurance

Excellent pension scheme

Life assurance

Career Development

Fantastic new facility

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in manufacturing leadership.
• Proven experience managing large teams across shifts.
• Strong background in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop team for operational excellence.
• Allocate resources to optimize production and reduce waste.
• Monitor product quality and compliance with standards.
• Identify and implement process improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Problem Solving

Communication

Team Development

Education

NFQ Level 7 qualification in Engineering or Science

Job description

Overview

Have you ever wanted to make a difference? At Abbott, you will play a crucial role to help people live more fully at all stages of their lives. Abbott is a global healthcare leader, and our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritional products and branded generic medicines. Our 113,000 colleagues have a daily impact on the life of people in more than 160 countries.

Abbott Ireland

In Ireland, Abbott employs over 5,000 people across nine sites. We currently have six manufacturing facilities located in Clonmel, Cootehill, Donegal, Longford and Sligo and a third-party manufacturing management operation in Sligo. Abbott also has commercial, support operations and shared services in Dublin and Galway. We have been making a difference in the lives of Irish people since 1946.

Diabetes Care Kilkenny

Our new manufacturing facility in Kilkenny, reflects the growing demand for Abbott's global Diabetes Care products. The facility will be a centre for world-class engineering, quality, medical device manufacturing, and other science-based professionals to produce life-changing technologies that enable people with diabetes to live the best and fullest lives they can. At Abbott in Kilkenny, you can shape your career as you help shape the future of healthcare.

This is how you can make a difference at Abbott:

We’re looking for a dynamic Manufacturing Operations Manager to lead a large, diverse team and drive performance, innovation, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. As a key leader, you’ll oversee a team of approximately 200 employees—including operators, technicians, material handlers, and line leads—ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality products that meet customer expectations and regulatory standards. This is a shift based position.

Responsibilities

• Empowering Teams: Lead, coach, and develop your team to achieve operational excellence, foster a culture of safety, and promote continuous learning.
• Driving Efficiency: Allocate resources strategically to optimize production, reduce waste, and improve throughput.
• Championing Quality: Monitor product quality and ensure compliance with established standards and specifications.
• Leading Change: Identify and implement process improvements using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Collaborating Cross-Functionally: Partner with Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Quality, and Technical Services to ensure seamless operations.
• Operational Leadership: Execute the Manufacturing Operations System (MOS) through structured tier meetings and standard work practices.
• Sustainability Focus: Promote environmentally responsible manufacturing practices, including energy efficiency and waste reduction.
• Problem Solving: Lead root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions to resolve production challenges.
• Adaptability: Respond effectively to changing demands and unforeseen challenges with agility and resilience.
• Strategic Oversight: Manage budgets, monitor cost-effectiveness, and prioritize spending to maximize value.

Education And Experience

• A minimum NFQ Level 7 qualification (or equivalent) in Engineering, Science, or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a leadership role within high-volume manufacturing (medical device, pharmaceutical, automotive, or similar).
• Proven experience managing large teams and complex operations across multiple shifts or departments.
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience in budget planning and cost control.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• A passion for developing people and driving operational excellence.

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.com or https://www.ie.abbott/, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews.

Abbott is an equal opportunities employer.