Operational Excellence Project Manager

-; Zwolle; On-site; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Full time

Job summary

A global healthcare leader is seeking an Operational Excellence Project Manager in Zwolle to drive initiatives towards World Class Manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Food Technology or Industrial Engineering, be a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and possess strong project management skills. The role involves leading high-impact projects, engaging stakeholders, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This opportunity offers competitive compensation and the chance to make a significant impact in healthcare.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Individual Choice Budget (IKB)

13th month salary

Generous special leave

Extra vacation days

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement high-impact improvement projects using Lean Six Sigma.
• Deliver measurable results in cost savings and process efficiency.
• Ensure structured project governance and alignment across teams.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology or Industrial Engineering

Tools

Continuous improvement tools

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

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.

HOW TO APPLY?

Interested in a job at Abbott Laboratories Zwolle? Please submit your application with CV and motivation via our website. Based on the applications received, we will look for the best matches. For more information, contact Meltem Cakir, Recruiter, by emailing: [e-mail]. As part of our selection process, we will check references and request a Certificate of Conduct. An assessment centre may also be part of the application process.

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.

The base pay for this position is N/A. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

JOB FAMILY: Manufacturing

DIVISION: ANSC Nutrition Supply Chain

LOCATION: Netherlands > Zwolle : Building 1

WORK SHIFT: Standard

TRAVEL: Not specified

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE: Not Applicable

SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES: Not Applicable