Job Title
DirectorSiteQuality Assurance
The Opportunity
Abbott has entered into an agreement to purchase Synlait’s North Island assets in New Zealand, including the Pōkeno manufacturing facility. Acquiring this facility supports Abbott’s anticipated growth in the Pacific Asia region across our adult and pediatric nutrition products. The pending close of the agreement is April 1, 2026.
Abbott Nutrition is seeking a dynamicQAleader for the role ofDirector, Site Quality Assuranceat our New Zealand site. We are also open for a 2-3 year international expat assignment at our New Zealand site. This position is based at our Pokeno facility within Abbott Nutrition and will play a critical role in driving quality excellence and supporting the successful integration of Synlait into Abbott’s global operations.
The Director of Quality Assurance (QA)is responsible forleading and coordinating all Quality Assurance activities at the Abbott NutritionNew Zealandsite. This role ensures the implementation and continuous improvement of comprehensive QA systems, processes, and programs aligned with the company’s quality standards to consistently deliver high-quality products and exceed customer expectations.
The Director will define and execute strategies thatoptimizecompliance, enhance organizational efficiency, and manage costs through the adoption ofnew technologies, evaluation of current practices, knowledge sharing, and the application of Business Excellence tools. In partnership with the Site Director, this position holds accountability for plant compliance and serves as a key advisor to Division leadership on critical matters, including product quality, safety, and regulatory issues.
Additionally, the Director plays a pivotal role in supporting thetimelyand compliant introduction of new products tomarket. This position requires close collaboration and strategic alignment with site leadership teams and peers across Global Manufacturing, Materials Management, Engineering, R&D, Commercial Operations, Regulatory Affairs, and Legal. The role also involves direct engagement with external business partners and regulatory authorities to uphold quality and compliance standards.
WhatYou’llWork On
- Integration Leadership: Manage the end-to-end integration ofSynlait, ensuring operational, cultural, and strategic alignment.
- Directs the Plant Quality Assurance Operations Organization to ensure positive compliance outcomes at the site.
- Develops the site quality strategy to achieve business objectives at the plant level while ensuring operationsisin compliance with global regulatory requirements, making key decisions on product quality and regulatory conformance issues.
- Directs and implements programs at the site tocomply withall regulatory requirements to ensure products and services meet customer expectations.
- Supports the resolution of product quality issue resolutions with Division Quality Assurance, Medical, Regulatory Affairs, Legal, Operations, Materials Management,Purchasingand Engineering.
- Assure line of communication with Senior Leaders on critical quality issues that may result in potential business interruption.
- Provide oversight to disposition ofhigh riskproduct non-conformance situations, assure adequate investigation and corrective actions are in place to prevent future occurrences. -
- Assure staffing and leadership continuity through talentmanagementsuccession planning and developmental moves. Create a diverse organization and encourage diversity within the organization.
- In conjunction with Division Quality,monitorconsumer complaint trends,identify,communicateand address adverse trends that mayimpactfuture business.
- Ensure corrective and preventative actions are taken to prevent recurrence. - Assure successful launch of new and revised products by incorporating theappropriate qualityassurance programs/systems into plant operations. -
- Directly responsiblewith interface with outside regulators( FDA, Ministries of Health, Notified Bodies) and other government regulatory bodies. Responsible for site compliance and is the primary interface during audits and interactions with regulators.
- This position is accountable to the DVP QA, Site Operations head and divisional and Corporate Quality for achieving mutually agreedobjectivesona timelybasis.
- Decisions and recommendations made by this position have a direct impact on products for domestic and international sales.
- Must effectively communicate, prepare,and negotiate both internally with site and divisional personnel and externally with various regulatory agencies.
- Position impacts operations through GMP compliance requirements and activities such as audits, training,etc.
- Failure tomaintaina Quality System compliancetothe QSR can lead to warningletteror more severe regulatory actions resulting in multi-year impact.
- Control budget and quality costs. Authorize cost efficiency projects thatmaintaincompliance and alignment with QS requirements while contributing to Division margin improvement initiatives.-
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administrations, Life Science, Engineering, IndustrialTechnologyor related field.
- 7+ years in Quality or compliance discipline in an FDA regulated Industry
- 7+ years Supervisory/Management experience
APPLY NOW:
Participants who complete a short wellness assessment qualify for FREE coverage in our HIP PPO medical plan. Free coverage applies in the next calendar year.
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.
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The base pay for this position is $163,000.00 – $326,000.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
