Lead Process Engineering & Quality Innovation Manager

Abbott; Pokeno; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott in New Zealand's Waikato region seeks a Technical and Process Engineering Manager to lead Process Engineers and Technologists in Nutritional Powder/Dairy operations. You will provide technical leadership across manufacturing, quality, R&D and supply chain, driving improvements and product launches.

You'll foster a collaborative environment, uphold Abbott values, and ensure compliance with food safety, health, safety and ISO standards while developing your team and capabilities onsite in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technical, food science or similar.
• Good understanding of Spray Drying, Blending and Canning Operations.
• Master’s degree in applicable field preferred.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Strategy and systems thinking.
• Programme and project leadership.
• Process excellence and quality focus.
• Problem solving and analytical capability.
• Ability to influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team of Process Engineers and Process Technologists/Scientists in Nutritional Powder/Dairy Manufacturing Operations.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for process and product issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and reduce waste.
• Support plant trials for new products, process improvements, and material changes.
• Support process engineering projects, equipment upgrades, and continuous improvement activities.
• Work with Operations, R&D, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to deliver successful product launches.
• Contribute to food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Lead, develop and manage an effective, engaged and motivated team.
• Maintain a supportive, collaborative working environment in line with Abbott core values.
• Address conflicts sensitively and per policies.
• Coordinate training and development and equipping with resources at Abbott.
• Review leave approvals and expense management ensuring policy adherence.
• Attend regular departmental meetings to build feedback mechanisms.
• Meet ISO requirements and quality objectives.
• Comply with Health, Safety and Environmental policies.
• Ensure PPE is worn.
• Report accidents within 24 hours.
• Ensure activities comply with acts, health and safety requirements and policy.
• Promote a standard of excellence for quality and customer focus.
• Uphold the Abbott Code of Business Conduct.
• Live Abbott Values – Pioneering, Achieving, Caring, Enduring.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Abbott SOPs and policies.

Skills

Continuous improvement

Strategic thinking

Project leadership

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Stakeholder influence

Quality focus

Process excellence

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Abbott in New Zealand's Waikato region seeks a Technical and Process Engineering Manager to lead Process Engineers and Technologists in Nutritional Powder/Dairy operations. You will provide technical leadership across manufacturing, quality, R&D and supply chain, driving improvements and product launches.

You'll foster a collaborative environment, uphold Abbott values, and ensure compliance with food safety, health, safety and ISO standards while developing your team and capabilities onsite in