Quality Assurance Manager
About Abbott
Abbott is a global healthcare leader dedicated to helping people live healthier, fuller lives at every stage of life. With a portfolio that includes diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals, and branded generic medicines, Abbott’s 115,000 employees make a difference in more than 160 countries.
In Ireland, Abbott employs over 6,000 people across ten locations, including six manufacturing facilities and multiple commercial and support sites.
About Abbott Ireland Diagnostic Division – Longford
The Longford facility plays a vital role in meeting global demand for diagnostic tests in areas such as infectious disease, oncology, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
Located in Ireland’s welcoming midlands region, Longford offers a vibrant blend of culture, outdoor activities, heritage, sport, and community life, making it an ideal place to work and live.
Opportunity Summary
We are pleased to invite applications for the position of within our department. This role offers the opportunity to lead a talented team, shape quality strategy, and contribute meaningfully to Abbott’s mission of improving lives through high‑quality diagnostics.
Primary Function
As Quality Assurance Manager, you will provide inspiring leadership to the ADD Longford Quality team and ensure strong, proactive quality oversight across all assigned areas. You will guide and support site operations with expert Quality Assurance (QA) leadership, helping to maintain and continually improve the AIDD Longford Quality Management System in alignment with Abbott’s global standards and applicable regulatory requirements.
This role offers the opportunity to lead meaningful work while shaping a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
Quality Leadership & Strategy- Lead and develop the Longford Quality team, fostering a supportive, collaborative, and high‑performance environment where diverse perspectives are valued.
- Provide strategic QA direction to operations, engineering, and cross‑functional teams, ensuring quality is embedded in every decision.
- Manage and prioritise the site ETMS To‑Do List to ensure timely and compliant actions.
- Ensure all activities align with EHS regulations and Abbott Global and Technical Standards to protect the wellbeing of colleagues, our community, and the environment.
- Maintain awareness of evolving regulatory expectations, quality trends, and best practices to keep the site at the forefront of compliance and innovation.
- Oversee key QA functions such as:
- Validation & Projects
- Design Quality
- Quality Systems
- Change Control
- Operational Quality Support (e.g., MQA/IQA)
- Lead key CAPA governance activities, including CRB and CAPA Review meetings, ensuring thorough decision-making and effective follow‑through.
- Escalate potential risks promptly and proactively to the Site Quality Head to safeguard product quality, operational reliability, and compliance.
- Influence and support site Quality Improvement Plans, encouraging fresh thinking and new approaches to strengthening processes.
- Contribute to planning and managing resources and budgets needed for Quality Assurance success.
- Represent the Quality function in key site initiatives and cross-functional projects, helping to shape a forward‑looking quality strategy.
- Provide coaching, mentorship, and development opportunities that empower team members to grow their skills and careers.
- Create an inclusive environment where individuals feel respected, valued, and equipped to contribute fully.
- Champion open communication and strong collaboration within the team and across the site.
Education Requirements
A primary degree in Quality, Life Sciences, or a related field is required, providing the foundation for success in this role.
We welcome candidates from a variety of academic pathways that demonstrate the ability to perform effectively in a regulated quality environment.
Experience Requirements- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a regulated industry.
- Minimum of 3 years’ experience leading people or teams.
We welcome applicants whose leadership experience may have been gained through formal management roles or through leading teams, projects, or initiatives.
Accountabilities- Champion product excellence by ensuring all products meet customer, regulatory, and divisional quality standards—directly contributing to better health outcomes for people worldwide.
- Safeguard product integrity through strong oversight of product quality status, ensuring only safe and compliant products reach the field.
- Lead thoughtful, data-informed investigations, guiding teams in implementing effective corrective and preventive actions that strengthen quality performance.
- Empower and align the QA team, ensuring clarity of purpose, shared goals, and a supportive environment where everyone can contribute and grow.
- Act as a trusted Quality leader, fulfilling PRRC delegate responsibilities where applicable and providing steady, reliable guidance to the wider organisation.
- Collaborate across functions to embed quality into every stage of the product lifecycle, building strong partnerships that deliver results.
- Promote continuous improvement, championing initiatives that enhance processes, strengthen compliance, and improve the way we work.