MES Program Manager
Abbott
Waukegan, Illinois
Full-Time
$129,300
RemoteManager
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.
Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: www.abbottbenefits.com
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.
The base pay for this position is
$129,300.00 – $258,700.00In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.