Planning Manager
Abbott Laboratories · Kilkenny
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 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Abbott in Ireland
Abbott has been operating in Ireland since 1946 and serves the Irish market with a diverse range of healthcare products including diagnostics, diabetes care, medical devices and nutritional products. In Ireland, Abbott currently employs about 6,000 people across ten sites located in Dublin, Donegal, Clonmel, Cootehill, Galway, Kilkenny, Longford and Sligo.
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.
Abbott Diabetes Care Kilkenny
Abbott Diabetes Care has opened a new site, in Kilkenny, that is at the forefront of Diabetes care with the latest technology, to manufacture FreeStyle blood glucose test strips and FreeStyle Sensors for use in diabetes management. Among Abbott Diabetes Care leading brands are the FreeStyle Precision, FreeStyle Lite and FreeStyle Libre systems.
MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE
We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Planning Manager to lead and optimize our end-to-end supply chain planning operations. This role is responsible for planning, directing, and monitoring all supply chain planning activities to ensure the efficient, reliable, and cost-effective flow of materials and products from suppliers to customers.
The successful candidate will play a key role in driving operational excellence, strengthening supplier relationships, improving service levels, and leading a high-performing team of Supply Chain professionals.
Key Responsibilities
Supply Chain Planning Operations
- Manage the day-to-day production planning, material planning and Supply Chain project activities to maximize efficiency, reliability, timeliness, and cost effectiveness.
- Oversee the development and execution of production and supply plans aligned with global demand forecasts, inventory policies, and business objectives.
- Analyse production schedules, demand forecasts, inventory levels, and manufacturing capacity to ensure optimized material flow and supply continuity.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement improvements to enhance operational performance.
- Lead forecasting, budgeting, and financial performance tracking against material spend, inventory, and working capital targets.
- Manage new product and material introductions (NPI), ensuring supply chain readiness, continuity of supply, and minimal disruption to operations.
Planning & Resource Management
- Allocate resources effectively to achieve business objectives and performance targets.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve quality, efficiency, and cost performance.
- Coordinate production and material planning execution to optimize warehouse utilization, maintain storage limits, and support balanced delivery schedules.
Stakeholder & Supplier Management
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Global Demand Planning, Operations, Logistics, Finance, Procurement, and Quality to ensure alignment across the end-to-end supply chain.
- Ensure supply chain planning activities are fully integrated with broader business objectives.
- Develop, manage, and maintain strong relationships with suppliers.
- Monitor and manage supplier performance to ensure quality, service, cost, and on-time delivery targets are achieved.
Leadership & People Management
- Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing team of Supply Chain professionals.
- Set clear objectives and performance expectations.
- Coach and mentor team members to support professional growth and succession planning.
- Ensure efficient utilization of resources while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.
- Build organizational capability through talent development, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and compliance.
Education & Experience
- Associate Degree (or equivalent qualification) in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, Operations Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7 years' experience in Supply Chain, Logistics, Procurement, Operations, or a related environment.
- Proven experience managing end-to-end supply chain activities.
- Demonstrated experience leading teams and driving operational improvements.
- Experience managing supplier and vendor relationships in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong leadership and people management capabilities.
- Excellent organizational and planning skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Effective stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Commercial awareness with a focus on cost management and operational efficiency.
- Ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions and influence key stakeholders.
- Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on delivering measurable business results.
What we Offer
Attractive compensation package that includes competitive pay, as well as benefits such as
- Family health insurance,
- Excellent pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Career Development
- Fantastic new facility
- Growing business plus access to many more benefits.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Abbott is an equal opportunities employer.
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