Operational Excellence & PMO Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION:
About Us:
At Abbott, we're committed to helping people live their best possible life through the power of health. For more than 125 years, we've brought new products and technologies to the world - in nutrition, diagnostics, medical devices and branded generic pharmaceuticals - that create more possibilities for more people at all stages of life. Today, 99,000 of us are working to help people live not just longer, but better, in the more than 150 countries we serve.

About Abbott Diagnostics Medical Chiba Manufacturing Site (ADJ)
ADJ is a key manufacturing facility within Abbott's global Rapid Diagnostics network. Located in Matsudo, Chiba, the site manufactures rapid diagnostic products that are exported to more than 150 countries, helping expand access to accurate, reliable, and affordable diagnostic solutions that enable people to live healthier lives.
ADJ Chiba is known for its highly engaged, patient-focused culture, where cross-functional collaboration, operational excellence, and continuous improvement enable the delivery of high-quality products that improve health outcomes around the world.

Description
The OPEX & PMO Manager is a key member of the Site Leadership Team, reporting to the Site Director and leading the site's Operational Excellence (OPEX) and Project Management Office (PMO) functions. The role drives strategic execution, operational transformation, and a culture of continuous improvement and accountability across the organization.
As a trusted partner to the Site Director, the OPEX & PMO Manager translates strategy into action by overseeing the site portfolio of strategic initiatives, ensuring effective governance, cross-functional alignment, and delivery of business priorities. The role leads the deployment of Lean and Operational Excellence methodologies to improve safety, quality, service, productivity, and cost performance while building sustainable capabilities and ways of working.
The position manages a small team consisting of one Operational Excellence Specialist and one PMO Specialist, providing leadership, coaching, and direction to achieve site objectives and business results.

Responsibilities and Duties

- Partner with the Site Director and Leadership Team to translate strategy into execution, establish performance metrics, and drive organizational effectiveness.

- Shape the site's Operational Excellence agenda, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and data-driven decision-making while ensuring alignment with Global OPEX objectives.

- Oversee the site PMO, providing governance, prioritization, risk management, and visibility of the strategic project portfolio to ensure successful delivery of business objectives.

- Build organizational capability in Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies.

- Drive cross-functional alignment and collaboration to achieve strategic priorities and business results.

- Lead initiatives that improve safety, quality, service, productivity, and cost performance through data analysis, benchmarking, and best practices.

- Manage site Master Data governance, ensuring accurate, standardized, and reliable data to support operations, reporting, and decision-making.

- Develop and coach the OPEX and PMO team while strengthening continuous improvement and project management capabilities across the organization.

Required Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.

- 5+ years of experience in OPEX, Continuous Improvement, PMO, or operational leadership roles.

- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

- Strong knowledge of manufacturing and business processes.

- Proven experience leading cross-functional initiatives and delivering measurable business results.

- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.

- Experience with SAP or other ERP systems.

- Business-level proficiency in English and Japanese, both written and verbal.

Preferred Qualifications:

- End-to-end supply chain knowledge.

- Experience in healthcare, or other regulated manufacturing environments.

- Knowledge of Master Data governance and data quality principles.

Scope:

- Key local stakeholders: SCM, Manufacturing, Engineering, EHS, Procurement, Finance, Regulatory Affairs, Quality, and HR.

- Key global stakeholders: Operational Excellence (OPEX), PMO, Operations, and Finance.

- Direct leadership of two employees: 1 Operational Excellence Specialist and 1 PMO Specialist.

The base pay for this position is
N/A In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

JOB FAMILY:
Engineering
DIVISION:
ID Infectious Disease
LOCATION:
Japan > Matsudo : 357 Nakahara, Matsuhidai
ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:

WORK SHIFT:
Standard
TRAVEL:
Not specified
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:
Not Applicable
SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:
Not Applicable