Operational Excellence Specialist- Continuous Improvement Specialist

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Abbott’s Nutrition Division 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®, Glucerna® and ZonePerfect® – to help get the nutrients they need to live their healthiest life.

This specialist will be location in one of the following locations, AltaVista, VA - Sturgis, MI- Columbus, OH - North Chicago, IL - Fairfield, CA - Tipp City, OH - Casa Grande, AZ

WORKING AT ABBOTT

At Abbott, you can have a good job that can grow into a great career. We offer:

• Fast paced work environment where your safety is our priority
• Production areas that are clean, well-lit and temperature-controlled
• Training and career development, with onboarding programs for new employees and tuition assistance
• Financial security through competitive compensation, incentives and retirement plans
• Health care and well-being programs including medical, dental, vision, wellness and occupational health programs, Medical Benefits start day 1
• Vacation – 3 weeks accrued vacation (1st yr is prorated) + vacation buy program + 3 personal days + 10 paid holidays
• Company Paid Pension Plan
• 401(k) retirement savings with a generous company match of 5%
• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
• 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 stability of a company with a record of strong financial performance and history of being actively involved in local communities

Learn more about our benefits that add real value to your life to help you live fully:  www.abbottbenefits.com

The Opportunity

This Process Specialist position works out of our Altavista, VA location in the Abbott Nutrition Division.  

What You’ll Work On

• Active support of the OpEx strategy in the plant
• Assist leadership in the identification of improvement projects to include cost reduction, cycle time reduction and waste elimination
• Lead and execute process improvement projects using OpEx/lean tools and techniques
• Define OpEx goals, project plans and coordinate project teams, ensuring that projects are integrated with business strategies
• Assist in the technical deployment of OpEx
• Assist the organization in the knowledge and understanding of metrics and measurements, which impact the total performance of the plant
• Perform statistical analyses
• Complete value stream mapping and process optimization studies
• Drive visual management and data understanding throughout the plant
• Influence and motivate employees to identify opportunities to apply lean techniques, tools and philosophies to include standard work, root cause analysis, 5S, and visual management control
• Act as a change agent and help team members learn, understand, adjust and grow within a continuous improvement culture
• Communicate OpEx briefings to senior leadership teams
• Drive benchmarking and sharing of best practices internally and with other Abbott locations worldwide
• Incorporate OpEx practices into systems, processes and protocols
• Deliver training on lean tools and OpEx initiatives
• Coach and support Green Belt candidates on proper use of tools and improvement processes
• Lead Kaizen events
• Ensure project metrics and timelines are reported via appropriate systems in a timely manner
• Partner with other functions within Abbott Nutrition to maximize opportunities for improvements, and to build a sustainable OpEx program across the Supply Chain
• Identify, collect, monitor and report critical OpEx metrics as required

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Operations or Science
• Certification or equivalent working knowledge of improvement tools and methodologies.
• Project management and team leadership experience essential
• Experience performing complex root cause analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of applicable regulatory standards and requirements for infant formula and nutritionals
• 2-5 years demonstrated success in applying continuous improvement/lean/Six Sigma tools
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred
• Change Management experience
• Exceptional analytical skills including statistical analysis

Apply Now

* Participants who complete a short wellness assessment qualify for FREE coverage in our HIP PPO medical plan. Free coverage applies in the next calendar year.

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives:  www.abbottbenefits.com

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 and a Military/Veteran Friendly employer.

The base pay for this position is $57,300.00 – $114,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.