Senior Manager - Automation and Operational Technology

Abbott Laboratories; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott Laboratories in Singapore seeks a Senior Manager Automation & Operational Technology to lead a regional OT function across Asia and New Zealand, guiding design, implementation, optimization, and validation of automation and data platforms. Close collaboration with IT and cross-functional teams.

You will oversee large capital projects, manage external vendors, and drive standards, cybersecurity, and continuous improvement to support manufacturing of nutrition products.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience delivering capital projects in high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience in regulated industries (FDA/USDA) and validated systems/processes.
• Strong background managing engineering firms, suppliers, and contractors.
• Demonstrated project management expertise, including scope and budget control.
• Experience in nutritional manufacturing preferred.
• Executive presence with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee resource planning and technical execution for a portfolio of large capital projects across the region, including the use of external engineering partners.
• Support front-end project development for controls and OT scope, covering architecture, specifications, cost, risk, and schedule, in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Drive continuous improvement in system design, procurement, installation, and validation.
• Establish and maintain regional standards for OT and controls hardware/software.
• Partner with IT to ensure reliable integration and ongoing support of shared systems. Good understanding of cybersecurity is desired.
• Manage software licensing, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations in coordination with procurement and legal.
• Provide technical support to sites, addressing system issues, reducing technical debt, and implementing improvements.
• Serve as a technical advisor to senior leadership and stakeholders on key initiatives.
• Partner with Industrial Analytics and AI leaders to ensure a robust pipeline of data that supports day-to-day decision making.
• Lead delivery of the New Zealand Integration project from an Operational Technology and automation standpoint.

Skills

Leadership

Capital project delivery

Regulated industries

Stakeholder management

Cybersecurity awareness

Vendor & contract management

Cross-functional collaboration

Electrical/Controls/CS background

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Project Management certification

Tools

SCADA systems

PLC/Controls software

Industrial OT tools

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.

Our nutrition business develops science-based nutrition products for people of all ages, from helping babies and children grow, to keeping adult bodies strong and active. Millions of people around the world count on our leading brands, including Similac®, PediaSure®, Pedialyte®, Ensure® and Glucerna®, to help get the nutrients they need to live their healthiest life.

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You will have access to:

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.
• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

As the Senior Manager Automation & Operational Technology, lead a team responsible for the design, implementation, optimization, and validation of automation control systems, OT solutions, and data/visualization platforms. Head the regional Operational Technology function across Asia and New Zealand, defining strategy, leading projects, and ensuring successful execution. The role will have significant interactions with peers in North America and Europe.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee resource planning and technical execution for a portfolio of large capital projects across the region, including the use of external engineering partners.
• Support front-end project development for controls and OT scope, covering architecture, specifications, cost, risk, and schedule, in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Drive continuous improvement in system design, procurement, installation, and validation.
• Establish and maintain regional standards for OT and controls hardware/software.
• Partner with IT to ensure reliable integration and ongoing support of shared systems. Good understanding of cybersecurity is desired.
• Manage software licensing, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations in coordination with procurement and legal.
• Provide technical support to sites, addressing system issues, reducing technical debt, and implementing improvements.
• Serve as a technical advisor to senior leadership and stakeholders on key initiatives.
• Partner with Industrial Analytics and AI leaders to ensure a robust pipeline of data that supports day-to-day decision making.
• Lead delivery of the New Zealand Integration project from an Operational Technology and automation standpoint.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience delivering capital projects in high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience in regulated industries (FDA/USDA) and validated systems/processes.
• Strong background managing engineering firms, suppliers, and contractors.
• Demonstrated project management expertise, including scope and budget control.
• Experience in nutritional manufacturing preferred.
• Executive presence with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong interpersonal relationship and strategic thinking.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or Computer Science preferred).
• Project Management experience preferred.

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.

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