Technical Program Manager - Quality Systems - Columbus, OH

Abbott • Columbus, OH

2d • $113,300 - $226,700 • Onsite

About The Position

This position is based in Columbus, Ohio, in Abbott’s Nutrition Division and is part of the Global Engineering, Manufacturing Technology & Innovation (MT&I) team. The Technical Program Manager - Quality Systems leads the global governance, strategic direction, and continuous improvement of enterprise Quality Management System (QMS) programs supporting Abbott Nutrition’s manufacturing, engineering, and innovation network.

The role is responsible for the effectiveness, sustainability, and regulatory compliance of technical Quality System elements related to buildings, facilities, utilities, and equipment. It aligns quality strategies with engineering requirements and business objectives, advises leadership, drives enterprise-wide improvements, and collaborates with manufacturing, quality, engineering, and regulatory stakeholders to strengthen Abbott Nutrition’s quality framework. The role includes global cross-functional leadership, site support, metrics and performance monitoring, audit and corrective-action consultation, change implementation, and coaching and mentoring. Travel may be up to 25% of the time.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Microbiology, Quality Assurance, Life Sciences, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 10 years of experience in quality systems, quality assurance, manufacturing, engineering, regulatory compliance, or related technical leadership roles.
• Demonstrated expertise in Quality Management Systems, GMPs, quality risk management, audit programs, corrective and preventive action systems, and regulatory compliance in regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements and quality standards for infant formula, nutritional products, food manufacturing, or comparable regulated industries.
• Experience leading complex cross-functional programs and initiatives in a global organization.
• Ability to monitor Quality System performance, identify risk trends, drive continuous improvement, and implement effective preventive and corrective actions.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills, balancing quality, compliance, business, and operational objectives.
• Demonstrated success influencing stakeholders and aligning multiple functions and leadership levels.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, facilitation, and project management skills.
• Experience supporting regulatory inspections, third-party audits, and enterprise-level quality transformation initiatives.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including communicating complex technical concepts to diverse audiences and executive leadership.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, highly matrixed global environment.
• Self-directed and results-oriented, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Knowledge of digital quality systems, data analytics, and quality performance dashboards.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

Nice To Haves

• Technical background or subject matter expertise in the design, commissioning, and validation of buildings, facilities, utilities, equipment, and/or production processes for nutritional products or similar industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, development, execution, and continuous improvement of global equipment- and facility-based Quality System programs.
• Serve as the subject matter expert and strategic owner for technical QMS subsystems, ensuring their effectiveness, sustainability, performance, and alignment with business and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to manufacturing sites, quality organizations, engineering teams, and project teams on Quality System requirements and implementation strategies.
• Own assigned Quality System documents and maintain policies, procedures, standards, and processes in alignment with regulatory expectations and Abbott Quality Requirements (AQR).
• Support global sites in aligning local procedures and practices with enterprise quality requirements and expectations.
• Develop and maintain Quality System metrics and reporting tools to provide leadership visibility and support decision-making.
• Monitor technical Quality System health and performance using data-driven methods to identify trends, emerging risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Identify tactical and strategic risks, understand business challenges, and develop mitigation plans.
• Evaluate the impact of regulatory changes, industry trends, and emerging best practices on assigned Quality Systems, and implement necessary changes.
• Consult on resolution of audit observations, investigations, and corrective actions, including evaluating and replicating improvements across the Abbott Nutrition network.
• Provide Quality System impact assessments and technical recommendations for significant projects, regulatory changes, remediation activities, and business initiatives.
• Represent Abbott Nutrition with AQR, external auditors, industry organizations, and other Abbott divisions as appropriate.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement, governance activities, and cross-functional alignment for Quality System programs and initiatives.
• Benchmark internal and external practices and use cross-functional and cross-divisional learnings to improve Quality System effectiveness.
• Build the case for change for technical Quality System elements and support adoption of new processes, technologies, and business practices.
• Develop and maintain business continuity plans, including training programs, playbooks, and knowledge-transfer resources.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring to quality, manufacturing, and engineering personnel.

Benefits

• Employees may qualify for free medical coverage in the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
• Retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Freedom 2 Save student debt program.
• FreeU education benefit, offering an affordable and convenient path to earning a bachelor’s degree.
• Career development opportunities with an international company.

What This Job Offers

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