Senior Manager, R&D Excellence

Abbott Laboratories; Galway; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global healthcare leader in Galway is looking for a Sr Manager R&D Excellence to drive R&D initiatives within the Infectious Diseases Business Unit. This role requires a strategic mindset and 8+ years of experience in R&D leadership, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. The successful candidate will implement operational excellence programs and lead cross-functional teams to elevate R&D performance. Ideal for someone skilled in Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, with strong communication capabilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in R&D leadership roles.
• Practical knowledge of operational excellence tools.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive change.

Responsibilities

• Implement Global R&D Excellence initiatives.
• Support structured R&D innovation processes.
• Conduct benchmarking to measure program success.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Project leadership

R&D Excellence principles

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Change management

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in relevant field

Tools

DMAIC

Sprint Planning

Visual Program Management (VPM)

Kaizen

Job description

## **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, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.**MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE*** Reporting to the R&D Excellence Director, the Sr Manager R&D Excellence will be a key driver for R&D Excellence (RDEx) within the Infectious Diseases Business Unit (ID BU). This role is responsible for implementing RDEx principles and practices across international teams, enhancing process maturity, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement for Lateral Flow Programs and Galway CoE (Center of Excellence). The role requires a strategic mindset, strong project leadership, and the ability to influence without authority in a highly matrixed, global environment. The ideal candidate will lead cross-functional initiatives that elevate performance, compliance, and innovation across the R&D lifecycle.**MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES*** **Strategic Leadership:** Serve on the R&D LF CoE Leadership Team, spearheading effective implementation of Global R&D Excellence initiatives.* **Implementation:** Partner with the Global RD Excellence Director to support the implementation of standardized training programs, including DMAIC, Sprint Planning, Daily Management, 5S, Visual Program Management (VPM), and Kaizen.* **Support the implementation of structured R&D innovation processes** in alignment with global R&D strategy. Collaborate with the Global RD Excellence Director to facilitate the development and execution of the Innovation Roadmap for Lateral Flow Programs.* **Project Leadership:** Identify key projects, teams, and champions to implement RDEx modules. Enhance problem-solving capabilities within the R&D organization and foster a culture of on-time delivery.* **Transform culture:** Drive transformational change by engaging personnel in the use of R&D Excellence tools and methodologies, utilizing change management strategies.* **Performance Metrics:** Conduct benchmarking and identify key performance indicators to measure the success of the RDEx Lateral Flow program, and pinpoint improvement opportunities. Lead benchmarking efforts and develop dashboards to track RDEx program success for Lateral Flow Programs.* **Stakeholder Collaboration:** Partner with cross-functional teams and site leaders to streamline processes, embedding the RDEx mindset and fostering a culture of critical thinking and efficiency.**QUALIFICATIONS****Education*** Bachelors Degree in relevant field**Experience/Background*** Minimum 8 years of experience* Ability to translate strategies into practical goals.* Practical knowledge of modern operational excellence tools and programs such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Toyota Production Systems, Danaher Business Systems, and similar methodologies.* Proven experience in R&D leadership roles, preferably within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries.* Strong knowledge of R&D Excellence principles and methodologies.* Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive organizational change.* Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.* Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.* Experience in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.* Experience with change management and continuous improvement initiatives preferred.* Certification in relevant methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean) preferred.**The base pay for this position is**N/AIn specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.## **JOB FAMILY:**Product Development## **DIVISION:**ID Infectious Disease## **LOCATION:**Ireland > Galway : Parkmore East Business Park## **ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:**## **WORK SHIFT:**Ie - Shftpre0 (Ireland)## **TRAVEL:**Not specified## **MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:**No## **SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:**Not Applicable