Job Opportunity: Manager of Manufacturing & Operational Excellence
We are seeking a collaborative and forward-thinking Manager of Manufacturing & Operational Excellence to lead our site’s manufacturing operations and drive continuous improvement. In this role, you will play a key part in shaping a high-performing, inclusive workplace where innovation and teamwork thrive. You will oversee day-to-day activities on the manufacturing floor, ensuring smooth operations and sustainable growth through process optimization and team empowerment.
Working closely with cross-functional leaders and teams—both on-site and across other Abbott locations—you will help bring new products to life, from concept through pilot production. As a people-first leader, you will guide and develop diverse teams, fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous learning. You will also lead the implementation of Operational Excellence strategies, using Lean Six Sigma principles to enhance quality, reduce costs, and drive long-term success.
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys solving complex challenges, building strong relationships, and making a meaningful impact—both on the team and in the lives of patients around the world.
Main Responsibilities:
- Spearhead three manufacturing teams (up to 30 employees) and promote a high-performance culture through cross-functional collaboration, employee engagement, and empowerment.
- Ensure and anticipate product line demands per customer needs.
- Enforce adherence to industry standards (ISO 13485, FDA, MDR) and EHS policies.
- Drive continuous improvement, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness by optimizing processes and implementing lean manufacturing strategies.
- Establish KPIs in alignment with business goals and utilize data-driven decision making to enhance productivity and quality.
- Own the budget planning (LBE) to forecast, control, and optimize financial performance.
- Lead the site’s operational excellence (OpEx) program, including an industrial engineer to embed Lean Six Sigma principles and structured problem-solving.
- Serve as Lean Six Sigma trainer and mentor by coaching engineers on DMAIC.
- Take an active role in the site’s strategic roadmap planning, project prioritization, and goal setting.
Required Qualifications/Technical Skills:
- MSC in Industrial Engineering or related field or equivalent experience; advanced degree preferred.
- 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience.
- Extensive training and coaching experience with Lean Tools.
- Medical device experience preferred.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities across multiple teams.
- Lean Six Sigma black belt or extensive lean certifications required.
- Ability to work within a team and as an individual contributor in a fast-paced, changing environment.
- Ability to leverage and engage others to accomplish projects.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate at multiple levels within the organization.
- Proficient in multitasking, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines in a timely manner.
- Strong organizational and follow-up skills, along with attention to detail.
- Willingness to travel occasionally, including internationally.
What We Offer:
- A workplace in a leading fortune 500 company and the world’s premier manufacturer of LVADs.
- A challenging position in a fast-growing, crisis-independent industry.
- The opportunity to join a dynamic, highly educated, skilled, and motivated team.
- Flat hierarchies, an open and appreciative mentality, and efficient, constructive communication.
- A multi-national environment fostering the development of our talents within the enterprise.
- Competitive compensation and benefits.
- A workplace in the heart of Zurich with R&D, manufacturing, and supply chain all under one roof.
If you are a highly motivated individual who is eager to join our passionate team and take on broad responsibilities, we encourage you to apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.