Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION: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 Nutrition Division Cootehill Cavan Abbott Nutrition produces a range of infant formulae in all pack sizes under the brand name “Similac”. To complement the range of “Similac” infant formulae, the facility also manufactures a range of follow on formulae under the brand name of “Gain”. The essential ingredient is liquid skim milk and this is combined with carbohydrate, vegetable oils, vitamins and minerals. The product is blended, pasteurised, dried and packaged at the site and once packaged, is distributed to Europe, South East Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Canada. Established in 1975, Abbott Nutrition in Ireland is the largest powder manufacturing facility for the production of infant formulae within the Abbott Corporation worldwide. Approximately 1,000 dairy farms in Ireland and Northern Ireland supply quality milk to the Cootehill facility which processes 500,000 litres per day. This secure supply together with Ireland’s reputation as a green, clean environment is of significant strategic importance to Abbott Nutrition. 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. Ready to take the next step in your leadership career? We have an exciting opportunity for a proactive and experienced Microbiology Laboratory Supervisor to lead our microbiology team in supporting product quality, regulatory compliance, and batch release activities within a regulated manufacturing environment. This is an excellent opportunity for a microbiology professional with strong leadership capabilities, a passion for quality and continuous improvement, and a commitment to developing high-performing teams. In this role, you will be involved: Team Leadership Lead, coach, and develop a team of Microbiology Technicians. Manage laboratory resources, scheduling, and workload priorities. Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management. Laboratory Operations Oversee microbiological testing for batch release, environmental monitoring, raw materials, and finished products. Review and approve laboratory documentation, data, and test results. Ensure testing activities are completed accurately and on time. Quality & Compliance Ensure compliance with GMP, GLP, quality systems, and regulatory requirements. Support internal and external audits and maintain inspection readiness. Lead laboratory investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions. Maintain and improve laboratory SOPs, test methods, and documentation. Continuous Improvement Drive improvements in laboratory processes, microbiological control programmes, and testing efficiency. Support equipment validation, test method transfers, and laboratory projects. Analyse microbiological trends and communicate key metrics to site leadership. Health & Safety Champion a strong culture of safety, compliance, and good laboratory practices. Ensure adherence to all Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) requirements and laboratory procedures. Education & Experience Degree in Microbiology or a related scientific discipline While previous line management experience is desirable, we are equally interested in candidates who can demonstrate leadership potential, influence, and the ability to lead others as they progress into their first people management position. Experience working in a microbiology laboratory within a regulated environment is essential for this role Key Skills Strong understanding of GMP, quality systems, and microbiological testing techniques. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Experience in the food, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device industry. Knowledge of FDA requirements and laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Why Join Us? This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by leading a critical quality function, developing a talented team, and contributing to the delivery of safe, high-quality products in a collaborative and fast-paced environment. 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 Connect with us at www.abbott.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube. The base pay for this position is N/AIn specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted. JOB FAMILY:Operations Quality DIVISION:ANSC Nutrition Supply Chain LOCATION:Ireland > Cootehill : Dromore West ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS: WORK SHIFT:Ie - Chnotsw8 (Ireland) TRAVEL:No MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:Yes SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:Not Applicable