Project Management Specialist

at Abbott in Lake Forest, Illinois, United States

Job Description

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.

About Abbott

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.

Working at Abbott

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

+ Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.

+ Free medical coverage for employees* via the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO

+ An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution

+ Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save (https://www.abbott.com/corpnewsroom/strategy-and-strength/tackling-student-debt-for-our-employees.html) student debt program, and FreeU (https://www.abbott.com/corpnewsroom/strategy-and-strength/college-degree-for-free-its-possible-with-freeu.html) 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 the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

This position works out of our Lake Forest, IL location in the Core Diagnostics Division. Our diagnostic solutions are used in hospitals, laboratories, and clinics around the globe. The crucial information derived from our tests, instruments, and informatics systems is often the first step in patient care decision-making for hundreds of health conditions from heart attacks to blood disorders to infectious diseases and cancers.

The Project Management Specialist manages the development and implementation process of the company’s products and services, involving departmental or cross-functional teams, in support of the delivery of new or existing products, and leveraging scientific knowledge and strength in ISO requirements.

What You’ll Work On

+ Develop, lead & manage Division Engineering product and process projects as assigned.

+ Draw on scientific knowledge & experience supporting initiatives based on product and manufacturing process requirements.

+ Estimate project levels of effort and resource requirements by using standard estimating techniques and tools, and by working with appropriate staff to understand the scope of effort.

+ Prepare project plans, schedules, and budgets by using project management tools such as Microsoft Project and by working with appropriate staff to understand tasks necessary to complete the project.

+ Drive project execution by assigning tasks, tracking project schedules, identifying risks, and developing and executing contingency plans.

+ Assure project quality by using standard development methodologies and by working with SQA to develop and execute project quality plans.

+ Communicate project status by preparing standard status reports, and by participating in departmental and customer project status update meetings. Resolve project issues by working with team members, project customers, and others as appropriate. Consult with internal project groups by sharing project management knowledge and assisting or mentoring more junior project leaders in project management processes and techniques.

+ Participate in external project management organizations, conferences, and seminars to keep current with industry best practices in project management by joining professional associations and implementing a professional development plan with a focus on project management. Understand the business environment and incorporate it into decision-making. Relate extensive knowledge of internal and external technological activities to trends.

+ Interface with leadership on significant matters, often requiring the coordination of activity across organizational units. Provide technical support to business units. Exercise judgment, and consult with leadership. Initiate and maintain a schedule for projects and project milestones. Establish priorities for individual or project assignments. Select methods and techniques to lead a project to completion.

+ Manage data integrity and generate reporting that enables portfolio management and decision-making for the business. Evaluate business processes, anticipate requirements, uncover areas for improvement, and develop and implement solutions. Develop reports and analytics. Communicate to end-user requirements, data needs, and available reporting. Provide training on processes and user requirements. Drive continuous improvement to improve data quality, system use, and adoption.

+ Erroneous decisions or recommendations would typically fail to achieve major organizational objectives.

+ This may include preparing designs and work specifications, developing project schedules, budgets, and forecasts, and selecting materials, equipment, project staff, and external contractors.

+ Set priorities, allocate tasks, and coordinate project staff to meet project targets and milestones.

+ Interface with UDI (unique device identifier) & Regulatory organizations to drive UDI program-related activities that align with the Global Abbott initiative.

+ Evaluate and progress the timely completion of CAPA system activities, including effectiveness checks, raised for non-conformances, and potential non-conformances.

+ Facilitates the investigation process to ensure that root/potential causes are appropriate and implement effective actions to reduce the occurrence/recurrence of the nonconformance.

+ Maintains the effectiveness of the CAPA system records to ensure audit readiness for internal and external quality system audits within the area.

+ Ensures all CAPA-related documentation is managed in a complete, clear, concise, and controlled manner.

Required Qualifications

+ Associates Degree.

+ Minimum 1-year experience.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field (engineering, biology, chemistry, microbiology, immunology, medical technology); Advanced degree preferred.

+ 2-4 years of project management experience (or equivalent) with at least 3 years experience leading projects involving the application of general business principles.

+ Knowledge of regulations and standards affecting IVDs and Biologics.

+ Demonstrated success in leading complex projects, PMP certification desired, experience with Microsoft Project.

+ Critical thinking/problem-solving skills.

+ Time management and organizational skills.

+ Experience working in an FDA-regulated industry.

+ Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt; Lean experience.

+ Technical, process, and/or product design change management, manufacturing, quality, and or operations experience, in a health care/medical company is considered a plus.

• 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 (http://www.abbottbenefits.com/pages/candidate.aspx)

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 diversi