Head of Operational Excellence

Thornton Tomasetti; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott in Singapore seeks a Head of Operational Excellence to own plant accountability for embedding sustainable OpEx across all processes. The role leads an integrated OpEx program, focusing on process optimization, waste elimination and value creation.

You will drive Lean Six Sigma initiatives, value-stream mapping, Kaizen events, and data-driven improvements. Strong change management and stakeholder engagement are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Lean Six Sigma expertise with experience in manufacturing environments.
• Strong coaching, communication, change management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred; 10+ years in an operational manufacturing role.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent qualification.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of plant-wide capability in performance metrics, measurement systems, and data interpretation.
• Drive visual management and data transparency to enhance engagement and decision-making.
• Manage continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and value-stream methods.
• Plan, execute, and sustain value stream mapping and Kaizen events; address risks and barriers.
• Act as a change agent, communicating transformation initiatives and embedding a continuous improvement mindset.
• Estimate, validate, and track financial benefits of improvement projects with Finance and Operations.
• Partner with site leadership to support strategy, operations, and organizational design.
• Identify systemic issues through data and root-cause analysis; drive corrective actions.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

Change Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Coaching/Mentoring

Project Management

Communication

Negotiation

Black Belt

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader, creating breakthrough science to improve people’s health. We’re always looking towards the future, anticipating changes in medical science and technology.

The Opportunity

As the Head of Operational Excellence, you will hold overall plant accountability for embedding sustainable Operational Excellence across all processes. The role leads an integrated OpEx program encompassing Front-Line Excellence, Organizational Excellence, Utilities, Overall Equipment Effectiveness, Maintenance, and Quality Excellence, with a focus on process optimization, waste elimination, and value creation. You will serve as the primary liaison between the plant and divisional OpEx teams, ensuring alignment with enterprise programs and best-practice deployment, while leading improvement initiatives that deliver year-over-year performance gains and cost savings.

What You’ll Do

Lead development of plant-wide capability in performance metrics, measurement systems, and data interpretation to improve overall operational results. Drive visual management and data transparency to enhance engagement, accountability, and informed decision-making. Manage and facilitate continuous improvement initiatives aligned with strategic and operational objectives using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and value-stream methodologies. Assess current processes and workflows to identify improvement opportunities and define future-state designs that shorten value streams and eliminate non-value-added activities. Plan, execute, and sustain value stream mapping and Kaizen events, ensuring risks are assessed, barriers removed, and contingency plans established. Act as a change agent by communicating transformation initiatives, building understanding, and embedding a continuous improvement mindset across the organization. Estimate, validate, and track financial benefits of improvement projects in partnership with Finance and Operations. Partner with the site leadership team to support business strategy development, operational execution, and organizational design. Anticipate future operational challenges and proactively develop plans to address them. Support the Site Director in strategic planning and execution. Identify systemic issues through data and root-cause analysis, defining and driving corrective and preventive action plans. Lead the Training and Development function, ensuring technical and leadership programs meet current and future organizational needs. Continuously assess and enhance learning and development programs to align with changing business requirements. Cultivate a strong knowledge-sharing culture, including structured knowledge management, best-practice identification, and cross-functional collaboration. Lead customer, affiliate, and external stakeholder visits to showcase Abbott’s value proposition. Lead Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and external engagement with schools, institutions, and community partners.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of Lean Six Sigma, with proven capabilities in human relations, communication, change management, employee engagement, facilitation, and project management. Demonstrates a broad, global understanding of business operations. Proven ability in coaching and mentoring, with strong influencing and negotiation skills. Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification is preferred. At least 10 years of professional experience in an operational role within a large-scale manufacturing environment. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage employees at all levels and clearly articulate goals. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with plant-wide teams to motivate, develop, and drive performance. Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent qualification.

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life.

Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.

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

Job Family

Project Management

Division

ANSC Nutrition Supply Chain

Location

Singapore – Singapore : SN01. Additional locations:

Work Shift

Standard

Travel

No

Medical Surveillance

Not Applicable

Significant Work Activities

Not Applicable

About Abbott

Abbott is about the power of health. For more than 135 years, Abbott has been helping people reach their potential — because better health allows people and communities to achieve more. With a diverse, global network serving customers in more than 160 countries, we create new solutions — across the spectrum of health, around the world, for all stages of life. Whether it’s next-generation diagnostics, life-changing devices, science-based nutrition, or novel reformulations, we are advancing some of the most innovative and revolutionary technologies in healthcare, helping people live their best lives through better health.

The people of Abbott come to work each day with relentless energy, enthusiasm and a promise to enhance the health and well-being of millions of people. They push the boundaries to help manage and treat some of life’s greatest health challenges. We invite you to explore opportunities at Abbott, to see if your talents and career aspirations may fit with our openings.

An equal opportunity employer, Abbott welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce.

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