Quality Excellence & Food Safety Specialist

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 122,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. Abbott in Ireland Abbott has maintained a strong presence in Ireland since 1946 and celebrates its 80th anniversary in the country in 2026. The company supports the Irish healthcare sector with a broad portfolio spanning diagnostics, diabetes care, medical devices and nutritional products. Today, Abbott employs more than 6,200 people across ten sites located in Dublin, Donegal, Clonmel, Cootehill, Galway, Kilkenny, Longford and Sligo. Abbott Ireland Nutrition Division Cootehill Cavan Abbott Nutrition produces a range of infant formulae in all pack sizes under the brand name “Similac”. To complement the range of “Similac” infant formulae, the facility also manufactures a range of follow on formulae under the brand name of “Gain”. The essential ingredient is liquid skim milk and this is combined with carbohydrate, vegetable oils, vitamins and minerals. The product is blended, pasteurised, dried and packaged at the site and once packaged, is distributed to Europe, South East Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Canada. Established in 1975, Abbott Nutrition in Ireland is the largest powder manufacturing facility for the production of infant formulae within the Abbott Corporation worldwide. Approximately 1,000 dairy farms in Ireland and Northern Ireland supply quality milk to the Cootehill facility which processes 500,000 litres per day. This secure supply together with Ireland’s reputation as a green, clean environment is of significant strategic importance to Abbott Nutrition. 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. The role of Quality Excellence & PoP Site Lead will involve the following: Role Overview Reporting to the CAPA & Validation Manager, the Quality Excellence & PoP Site Lead is responsible for driving quality performance, governance, food safety initiatives, continuous improvement, and operational excellence across the site. This role plays a key part in monitoring quality metrics, leading management review processes, supporting compliance activities, and promoting a culture of quality and reliability. Key Responsibilities Quality Excellence & Governance Lead and coordinate site Quality Excellence (QualEx) metrics, ensuring performance is tracked against targets and milestones. Prepare and present quality performance updates to site leadership and Tier 3 meetings. Coordinate Executive Management Review and Quality Management Review processes, ensuring accurate reporting, presentation of metrics, and timely documentation. Manage QA visual management boards and communicate key quality updates across the site. Food Safety & PoP Serve as a member of the Food Safety Board and coordinate Product of Process (PoP) activities. Analyse quality and food safety trends, support investigations, and drive corrective and preventive actions. Prepare and present monthly PoP and Food Safety updates, highlighting performance, risks, and opportunities for improvement. Collaborate with other sites to identify and implement best practices. Continuous Improvement & Human Reliability Lead the Human Reliability Program (HRP) from a Quality perspective. Drive Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence (OpEx), and Cost of Quality initiatives within the QA function. Support cross-functional improvement projects and promote a culture of quality excellence. Compliance & Support Ensure compliance with all safety, quality, and SOP requirements. Participate in internal and external audits, including preparation and follow-up activities. Support QA financial planning activities, including budgeting, forecasting, and monthly reporting. Provide support across the wider QA team as required. Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in food science, Dairy Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Engineering, or a related discipline. Qualifications or experience in Food Microbiology or Food Chemistry would be an advantage. Minimum of 3yrs experience in a similar role Key Skills Strong project management and organisational skills. Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management abilities. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office and data reporting tools. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment. Experience with Human Reliability Programmes (HRP), CAPA systems, or quality management processes. Knowledge of food manufacturing, nutrition, dairy, or pharmaceutical environments. Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: Abbott in Ireland | Benefits Connect with us at and on LinkedIn , Facebook , Instagram , X and YouTube . The base pay for this position is N/A In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted. JOB FAMILY: Operations Quality DIVISION: ANSC Nutrition Supply Chain LOCATION: Ireland > Cootehill : Dromore West ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS: WORK SHIFT: Ie - Chsal39 (Ireland) TRAVEL: No MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE: Yes SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES: Not Applicable