Manager Quality Control

Abbott; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Employee stock purchase program

Learning and development opportunities

Flexible working where possible

Coaching and wellbeing programs

Job summary

Abbott Nutrition Zwolle is seeking a Manager Quality Control to lead the QC organization and drive excellence in quality, compliance, and continuous improvement at a major nutrition manufacturing site in Zwolle.

You will develop and execute the QC strategy, ensure GMP compliance, and lead a multidisciplinary team to safeguard product quality from raw materials to finished goods. Strong leadership and regulatory knowledge are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Experience leading Quality Control in a regulated manufacturing environment.
• Proven leadership and people development skills.
• Strong knowledge of GMP and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in nutrition, pharmaceutical, or food industries preferred.
• Fluent in English and Dutch.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Quality Control strategy aligned with global standards.
• Lead and coach the QC team and manage performance.
• Oversee incoming materials, in-process testing, environmental monitoring, and finished product testing.
• Ensure compliant product releases and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

GMP knowledge

Quality management

Stakeholder management

Dutch & English communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Life Sciences/related

Tools

QMS (Quality Management System)

Laboratory information management systems

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Manager Quality Control

Lead Quality Excellence at Abbott Nutrition Zwolle

Are you an experienced quality leader who thrives in a highly regulated manufacturing environment? Do you want to play a key role in ensuring the quality and safety of nutritional products that improve lives worldwide? Abbott Nutrition in Zwolle is looking for a Manager Quality Control to lead our Quality Control organization and drive excellence in quality, compliance, and continuous improvement at one of Abbott's largest nutrition manufacturing sites.

The Opportunity

As Manager Quality Control, you will be responsible for developing and executing the quality control strategy, ensuring compliance with global quality standards and regulatory requirements, and leading a team of quality professionals. In this highly visible leadership role, you will work closely with Operations, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, Engineering, and external regulatory authorities to safeguard product quality from incoming materials through to finished goods. Reporting directly to the Plant QA Director, you will have a significant impact on site performance, product release decisions, compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

What You’ll Do

Quality Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and implement the Quality Control strategy in line with Abbott's global quality standards and business objectives.
• Translate strategic goals into operational plans, priorities, and budgets.
• Drive a culture of quality, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Act as a key decision-maker for quality-related matters across the site.

Quality Control Operations

• Oversee all QC activities related to incoming materials, in-process testing, environmental monitoring, and finished product testing.
• Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant product and material release processes.
• Monitor laboratory performance and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead investigations related to non-conformances, deviations, OOS results, and customer complaints.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with GMP requirements, Abbott quality standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support inspections, audits, and interactions with regulatory authorities.
• Lead supplier quality assessments and quality-related audits.
• Ensure quality systems remain inspection-ready at all times.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Quality Control team.
• Drive employee engagement, performance management, and talent development.
• Promote a collaborative culture focused on innovation, learning, and operational excellence.
• Build strong partnerships across the site and within Abbott's global quality network.

What You’ll Bring

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacy, Food Technology, or a related scientific discipline.

Experience

• Significant experience in Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Laboratory Management, or a related quality function within a regulated industry.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing teams.
• Strong knowledge of GMP, quality systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience in pharmaceutical, nutrition, food, medical device, biotech, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinking and strong business acumen.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Ability to balance operational priorities with long‑term objectives.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Effective communication skills in both Dutch and English.
• A collaborative leadership style with a focus on people development and results.

Why Abbott?

At Abbott, you'll do work that matters. Every day, our products help people live healthier lives. At our Zwolle Nutrition facility, we manufacture trusted nutritional brands that support children, adults, and patients around the world. We offer an environment where you can grow professionally, make a meaningful impact, and collaborate with talented colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

What We Offer

• A senior leadership role within a global healthcare organization.
• Opportunities to make a direct impact on product quality and patient safety.
• Excellent employment conditions and flexibility where possible.
• Extensive learning and development opportunities.
• A personal growth plan and long‑term career prospects.
• A contribution towards student loan repayment (subject to conditions).
• Lifestyle and wellbeing programs, including coaching, sports allowance, yoga, and chair massages.
• An attractive pension scheme.
• Employee stock purchase opportunities.
• Access to employee networks and recognition programs.
• Financial planning support.
• A collaborative, international, and purpose‑driven work environment.

About Abbott Nutrition Zwolle

Abbott Nutrition develops science‑based nutritional products that support peop