Operational Excellence Lead – Laboratory Operations

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Working at Abbott

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

• 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](https://www.abbott.com/corpnewsroom/strategy-and-strength/tackling-student-debt-for-our-employees.html) student debt program, and [FreeU](https://www.abbott.com/corpnewsroom/strategy-and-strength/college-degree-for-free-its-possible-with-freeu.html) 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.

The Opportunity

We have an opportunity for the role of Operational Excellence Lead, Laboratory Operations within our Abbott Rapid Diagnostics division based out of Gretna, Louisiana and this is an onsite role.

Divisional Information

Abbott Rapid Diagnostics is part of Abbott’s Diagnostics business, delivering innovative rapid diagnostic solutions that help healthcare professionals make timely, informed decisions and improve patient outcomes worldwide.

As the Operational Excellence Lead, Laboratory Operations, you’ll have the chance to drive large-scale operational improvement initiatives across a high-volume laboratory network. You will lead efforts focused on process optimization, automation, cost reduction, and scalable operational performance in a regulated environment.

What You’ll Work On

• Lead enterprise-wide operational excellence initiatives that improve laboratory performance, throughput, turnaround time, and cost efficiency.
• Translate strategic objectives into executable programs with defined scope, milestones, risks, budgets, and measurable outcomes.
• Apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to optimize laboratory workflows across accessioning, screening, confirmation, and reporting processes.
• Identify and eliminate process bottlenecks, waste, and redundancies to improve cycle times and operational capacity.
• Standardize and harmonize processes across laboratory locations to support consistency, quality, and scalability.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through labor optimization, improved reagent utilization, and enhanced equipment efficiency.
• Build business cases and financial analyses that support automation, process improvement, and operational investments.
• Measure, track, and communicate operational KPIs, cost savings, and performance improvement results.
• Identify and implement automation opportunities, including digital workflows, robotics, system integrations, and auto-verification solutions.
• Partner with IT and engineering teams to enhance Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and data workflows.
• Reduce manual processes while improving data accuracy, process reliability, and operational visibility.
• Utilize data analytics and reporting tools, including Power BI, to inform decision-making and monitor performance trends.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives involving laboratory operations, quality, IT, MRO, and external stakeholders.
• Manage complex projects across multiple sites, ensuring key milestones, timelines, and deliverables are achieved.
• Coach teams in continuous improvement methodologies and project execution practices.
• Support regulatory compliance and quality programs that maintain data integrity and chain-of-custody requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Medical Technology, Information Technology, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of experience in laboratory operations, manufacturing, quality, project management, continuous improvement, or operational excellence.
• Experience applying Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects and driving measurable operational improvements.
• Experience working in regulated operating environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related discipline.
• Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification.
• Experience in drug testing, toxicology, diagnostics, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or other regulated laboratory environments.
• Experience delivering measurable cost savings through process optimization and automation initiatives.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Experience using Power BI or similar analytics platforms to monitor operational performance and support business decisions.