Technical and Process Engineering Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Abbott is a global healthcare leader, creating breakthrough science to improve people’s health. We’re always looking towards the future, anticipating changes in medical science and technology.

Our nutrition business develops science-based nutrition products for people of all ages, from helping babies and children grow, to keeping adult bodies strong and active. Millions of people around the world count on our leading brands – including Similac®, PediaSure®, Pedialyte®, Ensure® and Glucerna® – to help get the nutrients they need to live their healthiest life.

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You will have access to:

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.
• Benefits that support you and your family to stay healthy, financially secure, and supported throughout life's journey - including comprehensive medical insurance coverage, wellbeing support, and competitive rewards that recognize your contributions.
• 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.

The Opportunity

As the Technical and Process Engineering Manager, you will lead and support a team of Process, Packaging Engineers, and Process Technologists/Scientists, providing technical expertise to manufacturing operations and product commercialization activities. The role works closely with Operations, Operational Excellence, R&D, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to resolve process and product issues and drive continuous improvement. Responsibilities include supporting process engineering projects and equipment upgrades, improving manufacturing efficiency and product quality, reducing waste, coordinating plant trials, and contributing to food safety and regulatory compliance.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and support a team of Process Engineers and Process Technologists/Scientists in Nutritional Powder/Dairy Manufacturing Operations.
• Provide technical support and troubleshooting for process and product issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and reduce waste.
• Support plant trials for new products, process improvements, and material changes.
• Support process engineering projects, equipment upgrades, and continuous improvement activities.
• Work with Operations, R&D, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to deliver successful product launches.
• Contribute to food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Lead, develop and manage an effective, engaged and motivated team.
• Maintain a supportive, collaborative working environment in line with Abbott core values.
• Address any conflict or potential issues sensitively and as they arise and in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Coordinate and oversee employee training and development and equipping with the resources available at Abbott to support their career.
• Review, assess and action requests such as leave approvals and expense management, ensuring company policy is adhered to.
• Attend regular departmental meetings with relevant manager/supervisor to build in continuous feedback mechanisms.
• Meet the requirements of ISO by complying with all relevant Quality policies and procedures to ensure the Quality objectives of the business are met.
• Comply with all relevant company Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental policies, procedures, and work practices with the intent of preventing or minimising accidental exposures to self, colleagues and/or the environment.
• Ensure any PPE provided by Abbott is worn.
• Report any accidents or incidents within 24 hours and notify your manager.
• Ensure all activities carried out by self and others are in accordance with legislative employment policies, health & safety requirements and global policy.
• Promote a standard of excellence for quality and customer focus at Abbott.
• Uphold the Abbott Code of Business Conduct.
• Live our Abbott Values – Pioneering, Achieving, Caring, Enduring.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Abbott standard operating procedures and policies and always ensure compliance.
• Ensure your Company related activities comply with relevant Acts, legal demands and ethical standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, technical, food science or similar.
• Good understanding of Spray Drying, Blending and Canning Operations and technology aspects is essential for this role.
• Master’s degree in applicable field preferred.
• Continuous improvement mindset.
• Strategy and systems thinking.
• Programme and project leadership.
• Process excellence and quality focus.
• Problem solving and analytical capability.
• Ability to influence stakeholders.

Location

This position is based in Pokeno, Waikato.

Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.

The base pay for this position is

N/A

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

JOB FAMILY:

Engineering

DIVISION:

ANSC Nutrition Supply Chain

LOCATION:

New Zealand > Waikato: Pokeno Plant

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:

WORK SHIFT:

Standard

TRAVEL:

Not specified

MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:

Not Applicable

SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:

Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day)