Lead Calibration & Analytical Lab

     

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.

Abbott in Ireland

Abbott has been operating in Ireland since 1946 and serves the Irish market with a diverse range of healthcare products including diagnostics, diabetes care, medical devices and nutritional products. In Ireland, Abbott currently employs about 6,000 people across ten sites located in Dublin, Donegal, Clonmel, Cootehill, Galway, Kilkenny, Longford and Sligo.

Please note any offer of employment for this position is conditional upon the successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination, including drug and alcohol screening, conducted by a medical practitioner designated by the Company.

Abbott Diabetes Care Kilkenny

Abbott Diabetes Care has opened  a new site, in Kilkenny, that is  at the forefront of Diabetes care with the latest technology, to manufacture FreeStyle blood glucose test strips and FreeStyle Sensors for use in diabetes management. Among Abbott Diabetes Care leading brands are the FreeStyle Precision, FreeStyle Lite and FreeStyle Libre systems.

Purpose of the Role

The Lead, Calibration & Analytical Lab is responsible for leading and overseeing analytical laboratory setup and calibration activities, ensuring full compliance with GMP, regulatory requirements, and internal quality standards. This role manages the analytical and calibration functions and associated personnel to achieve departmental and site objectives, while providing strong technical leadership, operational oversight, and continuous improvement across services that support ADC and its customers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee analytical laboratory setup activities, ensuring adherence to GMP, regulatory, and internal quality standards.

• Manage the Analytical and Calibration departments, including personnel, systems, and daily operations, in alignment with site and departmental goals.

• Act as the site Subject Matter Expert (SME) for analytical laboratories, calibration systems, and Maximo, supporting internal and external audits.

• Manage the site Maintenance and Calibration Management System (Maximo) and associated assets, including authorisation of system changes.

• Provide technical leadership for analytical test method transfers and the setup of new analytical laboratory spaces.

• Ensure compliant control of production, inspection, measuring, and test equipment across the site.

• Liaise cross‑functionally and divisionally as technical lead for site projects, ensuring alignment with timelines and strategic objectives.

• Procure laboratory equipment and consumables based on forecasted requirements, site needs, and budget constraints.

• Negotiate, manage, and maintain contracts and relationships with external calibration and analytical service providers.

• Ensure quality and compliance issues are promptly identified, investigated, and addressed through effective corrective and preventive actions.

• Lead and manage departmental activities during audits and represent the site as SME where required.

• Oversee periodic review of procedures to ensure ongoing compliance and alignment with business needs.

• Manage departmental budgets, approve purchases and invoices, and control expenditure within defined limits.

• Support onboarding, training, performance management, and career development of team members, fostering a strong culture of quality and continuous improvement.

• Promote and manage Health & Safety within the department, proactively reducing risk and reinforcing shared accountability.

• Ensure accurate, timely, and reliable data reporting to Site, Division, and Corporate management to support quality and business decisions.

Education and Experience

• NFQ Level 7 qualification or higher in Engineering, Science, or a related discipline.

• Minimum of 4 years’ experience managing calibration system requirements within the medical device and/or pharmaceutical industry.

• Proven experience operating in a regulated GMP environment, including audit participation and quality system management.

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage complex technical operations, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

What we Offer

Attractive compensation package that includes competitive pay, as well as benefits such as

• Family health insurance,

• Excellent pension scheme

• Life assurance

• Career Development

• Fantastic new facility

• Growing business plus access to many more benefits.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com or https://www.ie.abbott/, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews.

Abbott is an equal opportunities employer.

     

The base pay for this position is

N/A

In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

     

JOB FAMILY:

Facilities & Maintenance

     

DIVISION:

ADC Diabetes Care

        

LOCATION:

Ireland > Kilkenny : Kilkenny Business and Technology Park

     

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:

     

WORK SHIFT:

Ie - Kkyflx (Ireland)

     

TRAVEL:

Yes, 10 % of the Time

     

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:

Not Applicable

     

SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:

Not Applicable