Sr. Manager, Distribution Operations - Diagnostics

Abbott Laboratories • North Chicago, IL

11d • Onsite

About The Position

We’re empowering smarter medical and economic decision-making to help transform the way people manage their health at all stages of life. Every day, more than 10 million tests are run on Abbott’s diagnostics instruments, providing lab results for millions of people. Our Diagnostics division is hiring a Sr Manager, Distribution Operations at our North Chicago, IL site. They will be responsible for overseeing the efficient and cost-effective operation of distribution centers, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of products to customers. This role involves managing warehouse operations, inventory control, transportation, and staff leadership to meet organizational goals and service-level agreements. A strong focus on compliance, safety, and people leadership with fostering a culture of Quality, Safety, employee engagement and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 4+ years of experience in distribution or warehouse management, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS), inventory control, and transportation logistics.
• Strong knowledge of healthcare regulatory & Transportation requirements (FDA, GMP, GDP, IATA, DOT)
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and drive cost-saving initiatives.
• Proven track record in safety leadership and people development.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and team-building skills.

Nice To Haves

• Lean Six Sigma or similar process improvement certification.
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced analytics tools.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance in distribution (OSHA, DOT, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership:
• Direct and manage daily distribution center operations, including receiving, storage, order fulfillment, and shipping.
• Maintain cold chain integrity and proper handling of Product.
• Safety & Compliance:
• Champion a zero-injury culture by enforcing OSHA standards, company safety policies, and healthcare-specific handling protocols.
• Conduct regular safety audits, risk assessments, and emergency preparedness drills.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, DEA, GMP, GDP, and other healthcare regulations.
• Strategic Planning:
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize distribution processes, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align distribution goals with organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with supply chain, procurement, and logistics teams to align distribution goals with overall business objectives.
• Inventory & Quality Control:
• Monitor order entry, inventory accuracy and implement best practices
• Ensure quality standards are maintained throughout the distribution process.
• People Leadership & Development:
• Lead, coach, and mentor supervisors and associates to achieve operational excellence.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement.
• Promote diversity, inclusion, and a positive work environment.
• Performance & Reporting:
• Track KPIs such as order accuracy, on-time delivery, and cost efficiency. Safety, employee engagement, and compliance.
• Prepare and present operational reports to senior leadership.
• Prepare reports for senior leadership and regulatory audits.

Benefits

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
• 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 - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.
• 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: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees