MES Program Manager

Abbott • Waukegan, IL

1d • $129,300 - $258,700 • Onsite

About The Position

Abbott is seeking an experienced MES Program Manager to lead the delivery of complex manufacturing technology programs across its global manufacturing network. This role requires a hands-on leader who has successfully delivered MES or manufacturing system implementations, not just managed project plans. The Program Manager will be accountable for end-to-end program delivery, working across IT, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Operations to drive measurable business outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or MBA is required.
• 10+ years leading complex IT or digital programs, including direct responsibility for delivery outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience implementing or leading MES or manufacturing systems.
• Experience working directly with manufacturing or plant operations teams.
• Proven ability to manage programs in regulated or highly structured environments.
• Strong track record of driving decisions, not just facilitating meetings.
• Experience leading cross-functional programs in large, matrixed organizations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with MES platforms (e.g., POMS Aquila).
• Healthcare, life sciences, or regulated industry experience.
• PMP or equivalent program management certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end MES and manufacturing system programs, from business case through deployment and stabilization.
• Own delivery outcomes including scope, schedule, budget, and value realization—not just coordination.
• Drive execution across cross-functional teams (IT, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering) with clear accountability.
• Identify and actively manage risks, dependencies, and tradeoffs in complex, regulated environments.
• Ensure programs deliver measurable improvements (e.g., throughput, compliance, data visibility, or cycle time).
• Partner with plant stakeholders to align MES solutions with real manufacturing workflows and constraints.
• Translate business needs into practical system implementation plans.
• Ensure MES deployments are scalable, standardized, and aligned to enterprise strategy.
• Drive decisions around process standardization vs site-specific requirements.
• Engage and influence senior leaders and plant stakeholders, especially in high-change environments.
• Navigate competing priorities and drive decision-making with incomplete information.
• Build strong partnerships with business and technical teams to ensure alignment and adoption.
• Lead, mentor, and hold accountable project managers and analysts supporting the program.
• Establish clear execution rigor (planning, milestones, governance, reporting).
• Drive a culture of ownership, transparency, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
• An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit.
• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior