Production Support Lead

JOB DESCRIPTION:

About Abbott

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, nutritional's and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Abbott in Ireland

Abbott has been operating in Ireland since 1946 and serves the Irish market with a diverse range of healthcare products including diagnostics, diabetes care, medical devices and nutritional products. In Ireland, Abbott currently employs about 6,000 people across ten sites located in Dublin, Donegal, Clonmel, Cootehill, Galway, Kilkenny, Longford and Sligo.

Abbott Diabetes Care Kilkenny

Abbott Diabetes Care has opened a new site, in Kilkenny, that is at the forefront of Diabetes care with the latest technology, to manufacture FreeStyle blood glucose test strips and FreeStyle Sensors for use in diabetes management. Among Abbott Diabetes Care leading brands are the FreeStyle Precision, FreeStyle Lite and FreeStyle Libre systems.

Main Purpose of the Role

Ensure production targets and schedules are achieved for the assigned process area while driving continuous improvement and lean principles. The role holds overall accountability for shift performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

In addition, the role acts as a key point of contact for hiring needs and internal stakeholders, supports site-wide initiatives, and manages business support resources to ensure operational and organisational priorities are delivered effectively.

Key Responsibilities

Hiring, Stakeholder & Site Engagement (Expanded Scope)

• Act as the primary point of contact for hiring needs within the process area, liaising closely with Talent Acquisition, HR, and internal stakeholders.
• Participate in interview panels and support hiring decisions aligned to team and site needs.
• Support and contribute to internal and external projects that impact operations, people capability, or site priorities.
• Manage and lead two Business Support direct reports, ensuring effective delivery of administrative, coordination, and site-support activities.
• Engage cross-functionally with other Process Area Leads, Engineering, Quality, HR, and Site Leadership to support broader site objectives.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Act as the Operations representative for audit and quality activities on site, supporting audit readiness, participation, follow-up actions, and ongoing compliance.
• Promote and uphold a strong quality culture within the process area.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and safety standards at all times.
• Maintain effective communication and collaboration with employees, customers, contractors, and vendors.

Operations & People Leadership

• Drive a high-performance culture through strong engagement, coaching, and performance management.
• Foster a respectful and inclusive work environment by actively listening, using facts to inform decisions, and addressing unacceptable behaviour.
• Provide clear performance feedback and development support to help employees succeed and grow.

Production & Performance

• Ensure achievement of production schedules, quality standards, and cost targets.
• Review production performance regularly to identify issues and implement corrective actions.
• Promote standard work, training to quality requirements, and best-practice inspection and operational techniques.
• Maintain time, attendance, and production records in line with site requirements.

Continuous Improvement & Change

• Champion continuous improvement and lean principles by encouraging teams to challenge existing processes and implement sustainable solutions.
• Lead and support initiatives focused on 5S, housekeeping, work centre organisation, and operational efficiency.
• Provide visible change leadership as new processes, systems, or initiatives are introduced.

Qualifications / Experience

• Minimum Level 7 NFQ qualification.
• 3+ years' experience leading and developing teams.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing or regulated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Strong communication, coaching, and organisational skills.
• Experience supporting hiring activities and cross-functional collaboration is desirable.

What we Offer

Attractive compensation package that includes competitive pay, as well as benefits such as

• Family health insurance,
• Excellent pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Career Development
• Fantastic new facility
• Growing business plus access to many more benefits.

Important Information

Please note that any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination, including drug and alcohol screening, conducted by a Company-designated medical practitioner.

Connect with us

at www.abbott.com or https://www.ie.abbott/, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews.

Abbott is an equal opportunities employer.

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:
ADC Diabetes Care

LOCATION:
Ireland > Kilkenny : Kilkenny Business and Technology Park

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:

WORK SHIFT:
Ie - Kkyflx (Ireland)

TRAVEL:
Not specified

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:
Not Applicable

SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:
Not Applicable