Senior Project Leader, Packaging Supplier Quality - Columbus, OH

Abbott • Columbus, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Abbott is a global healthcare leader with 115,000 colleagues serving people in over 160 countries. Their nutrition business develops science-based nutrition products for all ages. The primary function of Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) is to ensure a high-quality supply of materials through evaluation and development of Abbott Nutrition suppliers worldwide. Packaging SQA is specifically responsible for working and communicating with packaging suppliers as part of an ongoing supplier management process. This role supports supplier qualification, development & monitoring, corrective & preventative actions, continuous improvement of department & supplier performance, and regulatory documentation. Additionally, Packaging Supplier QA supports plant quality assurance, operations, and purchasing groups to ensure proper incoming material, effective Corrective & Preventative Actions (CAPA), testing and release of products, and compliance of acceptance plans and specifications to corporate and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, technical, or science field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in quality, packaging engineering, supplier quality assurance programs or related experience in operations, or quality assurance.
• Thorough knowledge of manufacturing processes and quality assurance principles; with the ability to operate to internal and federal regulations.
• Results-driven with ability to successfully interact and communicate with all organizational levels internally and externally (e.g. suppliers or external regulatory bodies); Demonstrated ability to manage several activities / projects at once, organize / prioritize work.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred experience within a Global, multi-cultural organization.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the representative of Abbott to the supplier for numerous technical departments while coordinating activity with the supplier on behalf of regulatory, R&D, procurement, package engineering, and many more internal stakeholders.
• Serve as a representative of the supplier in numerous meetings and exchanges internally within Abbott.
• Demonstrate ability to manage several activities and projects at once. Including the ability to organize and prioritize work, meet deadlines, prepare plans and reports.
• Possess a thorough knowledge of quality assurance principles and manufacturing processes (production, logistics, and engineering).
• Possess a technical understanding of different technologies, product quality systems, and supplier programs.
• Collaborate closely with key packaging suppliers to monitor, assess, and enhance their quality performance.
• Assist with, initiate, investigate, and/or plan correction activities, as required, when nonconformances are identified and lead or support the resolution and closure.
• Support and influence suppliers to drive to true root cause and implement effective corrective actions.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, and engage with supplier leadership to drive sustainable, long-term improvements.
• Own and manage supplier scorecards and KPIs; conduct weekly reviews to analyze performance trends and lead initiatives for continuous improvement.
• Lead investigations into quality issues using root cause analysis tools (e.g., 5-Why, Fishbone, statistical methods), ensuring effective corrective actions are identified, implemented, and validated.
• Communicate action plans and next steps internally and externally, ensuring accountability and escalating risks to leadership when necessary.
• Review and understand supplier Control Plans, FMEAs, and in-line equipment validations to ensure compliance and quality standards are met.
• Conduct or support supplier site assessments, audits, and qualification activities to ensure systems, processes, and facilities meet Abbott and regulatory requirements.
• Manage supplier CAPAs and improvement plans, including exception report resolution and ongoing performance monitoring.
• Support the development of supplier systems and processes to improve quality, process capability, and compliance.
• Coordinate with Abbott manufacturing sites on supplier corrective actions, sampling plans, and validation of improvements.
• Ensure appropriate sampling plans are in place for routine production and post-corrective action verification.
• Support Gage R&R studies during qualification and event management processes.
• Maintain and evaluate the approved supplier list and ensure proposed process changes are reviewed and compliant.

Benefits

• Training and career development, with onboarding programs for new employees and tuition assistance
• Financial security through competitive compensation, incentives and retirement plans
• Health care and well-being programs including medical, dental, vision, wellness and occupational health programs, Medical Benefits start day 1
• Vacation – 3 weeks accrued vacation (1st yr. is prorated) + vacation buy program + 3 personal days + 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) retirement savings with a generous company match of 5%
• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU 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 a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.
• The stability of a company with a record of strong financial performance and history of being actively involved in local communities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees