Planning Team Leader

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 Diagnostic Division – Longford:
The Longford facility plays a key role in helping Abbott to meet the increasing global demand for diagnostic testing in areas such as infectious disease, cancer, thyroid, and cardiovascular diseases.

Longford is based in the midlands of Ireland surrounded by water with the River Shannon, Lough Ree and the Royal Canal. It has a vibrant collection of communities with a rich historical background. The County has plenty to offer to both visitors and citizens in sport, culture, literature, amenities, festivals, events, retail and dining.

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.

We have an exciting opportunity as a Planning Team Leader working in our Supply Chain Department and this role will involve the following

Primary Purpose

The Planning Team Leader is responsible for leading and coordinating all planning activities at the Longford site to ensure uninterrupted product availability, optimal inventory management, and excellent customer service. This role oversees the effective operation of the SAP Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system, while driving supply chain efficiency, capacity planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and develop the Planning Team to ensure achievement of site objectives relating to product availability, inventory management, cost control, and capacity optimisation.
• Foster a high-performance culture through coaching, mentoring, and effective people management.
• Identify training and development opportunities to maximise team capability and succession planning.
• Maintain employee training records and ensure completion of all required learning activities.

Planning & Supply Chain Management

• Oversee the effective management of the SAP Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system.
• Ensure robust planning processes are in place to support customer demand and business objectives.
• Coordinate planning activities to ensure project deliverables and timelines are achieved without impacting customer supply.
• Monitor and manage planning performance metrics, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Act as the primary liaison between the site and Demand Planning teams, facilitating critical decision-making and cross-functional alignment.
• Support capacity planning and inventory management activities to optimise operational performance and cost effectiveness.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Operations, Quality, Technical Support, Finance, Supply Chain, and Value Stream teams to meet customer and business requirements.
• Drive effective communication and collaboration across functions to ensure operational efficiency and alignment.
• Maintain a strong customer-focused approach, ensuring both internal and external customer expectations are consistently met.

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

• Identify, initiate, and lead continuous improvement initiatives within the planning function to support changing business needs.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable Quality, Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS), and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct all activities in accordance with Abbott's values, policies, global standards, and ethical business practices.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement throughout the team.

Education & Experience

Applicants should possess:

• A third-level qualification in Business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related discipline.

• APICS, IIPMM, or equivalent Supply Chain/Planning certification would be an advantage.
• Candidates actively pursuing a relevant professional qualification will also be considered.

• 3 to 5 years' experience in Supply Chain, Planning, or Materials Management within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience working with ERP/MRP systems, preferably SAP.
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.

• Experience within a regulated industry such as Medical Devices, Pharmaceuticals, or Healthcare manufacturing.
• Previous people management or team leadership experience would be an advantage.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team development capabilities.
• Excellent planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyse data and make informed decisions under pressure.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• High attention to detail and a proactive approach to issue resolution.
• Ability to anticipate challenges, prioritise effectively, and escalate issues when appropriate.
• Strong customer focus and commitment to operational excellence.

Accountability

The Planning Team Leader is accountable for:

• The effective operation and optimisation of the Material Requirements Planning (MRP) process.
• Ensuring product availability while balancing inventory, capacity, and cost objectives.
• Delivery of planning activities in compliance with Abbott Quality, EHS, and regulatory standards.
• Acting as a key decision-maker for critical planning and demand management activities.
• Developing and maintaining a high-performing planning team aligned with the Longford site's strategic goals and vision.

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

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