MES Program Manager

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 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. 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 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. The Opportunity Abbott is seeking an experienced MES Program Manager to lead delivery of complex manufacturing technology programs across our global manufacturing network. This role requires a hands-on leader who has successfully delivered MES or manufacturing system implementations, not just managed project plans. You will be accountable for end-to-end program delivery, working across IT, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Operations to drive measurable business outcomes. What You’ll Work On Program Leadership & Delivery Lead end-to-end MES and manufacturing system programs, from business case through deployment and stabilization Own delivery outcomes including scope, schedule, budget, and value realization—not just coordination Drive execution across cross-functional teams (IT, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering) with clear accountability Identify and actively manage risks, dependencies, and tradeoffs in complex, regulated environments Ensure programs deliver measurable improvements (e.g., throughput, compliance, data visibility, or cycle time) MES & Manufacturing Focus Partner with plant stakeholders to align MES solutions with real manufacturing workflows and constraints Translate business needs into practical system implementation plans Ensure MES deployments are scalable, standardized, and aligned to enterprise strategy Drive decisions around process standardization vs site-specific requirements Stakeholder Management Engage and influence senior leaders and plant stakeholders, especially in high-change environments Navigate competing priorities and drive decision-making with incomplete information Build strong partnerships with business and technical teams to ensure alignment and adoption Team Leadership & Execution Discipline Lead, mentor, and hold accountable project managers and analysts supporting the program Establish clear execution rigor (planning, milestones, governance, reporting) Drive a culture of ownership, transparency, and continuous improvement What Success Looks Like MES programs delivered on time and producing measurable manufacturing value Strong adoption of solutions by manufacturing sites Clear visibility into program health, risks, and outcomes Teams that are accountable, aligned, and high performing Minimum Experience/Education Required Bachelor’s degree or MBA is required Required Experience 10+ years leading complex IT or digital programs, including direct responsibility for delivery outcomes Demonstrated experience implementing or leading MES or manufacturing systems Experience working directly with manufacturing or plant operations teams Proven ability to manage programs in regulated or highly structured environments Strong track record of driving decisions, not just facilitating meetings Experience leading cross-functional programs in large, matrixed organizations Preferred Qualifications Experience with MES platforms (e.g., POMS Aquila) Healthcare, life sciences, or regulated industry experience PMP or equivalent program management certification Other Requirements Ability to travel (20%) Misc: This is an onsite role at Abbott location in IL This is not a remote role/opportunity. Apply Now Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: 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 on Facebook at and on Twitter @AbbottNews. The base pay for this position is $129,300.00 – $258,700.00 In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted. JOB FAMILY: IT Services & Solutions Delivery DIVISION: BTS Business Technology Services LOCATION: United States > Waukegan : J46 ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS: WORK SHIFT: Standard TRAVEL: Yes, 20 % of the Time MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE: Not Applicable SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES: Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday) Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans. EEO is the Law link - English: EEO is the Law link - Espanol: Abbott is about the power of health. For more than 135 years, Abbott has been helping people reach their potential — because better health allows people and communities to achieve more. With a diverse, global network serving customers in more than 160 countries, we create new solutions — across the spectrum of health, around the world, for all stages of life. Whether it’s next-generation diagnostics, life-changing devices, science-based nutrition, or novel reformulations, we are advancing some of the most innovative and revolutionary technologies in healthcare, helping people live their best lives through better health. The people of Abbott come to work each day with relentless energy, enthusiasm and a promise to enhance the health and well-being of millions of people. They push the boundaries to help manage and treat some of life’s greatest health challenges. We invite you to explore opportunities at Abbott, to see if your talents and career aspirations may fit with our openings. An equal opportunity employer, Abbott welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce. Follow Us: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Twitter