IT Program Director

Abbott•Waukegan, IL

About The Position

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. JOB DESCRIPTION: Primary Job Function Abbott is seeking a visionary and results-driven IT Program Director who has experience with ERP & Manufacturing Programs to lead the strategic planning, execution, and delivery of SAP related initiatives for Abbott Nutrition. This role is responsible for driving transformation, ensuring operational excellence, and aligning technology solutions with business objectives. The ideal candidate will bring deep SAP and Manufacturing functional, technical and delivery expertise as well as strong leadership capabilities, and a proven track record of managing complex, cross-functional programs in a global enterprise environment.

Requirements

Proven leadership in delivering large-scale SAP ERP solutions across global enterprises.
Deep understanding of cross-functional business processes including commercial, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, legal, procurement, and supply chain.
Strong functional process experience in OTC, PTP, RTR and MFG
Experience implementing SAP S/4HANA.
Expertise in software delivery methodologies, tools, and governance within complex ERP landscapes.
Strong organizational and change management capabilities, with a track record of driving enterprise transformation.
Financial Scope Accountable for managing program budgets of $20MM, with a projected $100MM total spend over five years for large scale programs.
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Business, or a related field required.
Over 15 years of progressive leadership in Information Technology, with a proven track record of delivering large-scale business transformation programs.
10+ years of experience managing globally distributed teams within complex, multinational enterprises.
10+ years of hands-on leadership in SAP ERP transformation initiatives across large organizations.
ERP & Program Leadership Demonstrated success in leading high-performing ERP teams, integrating functional and technical teams across global operations.
Deep expertise in cross-functional business processes including finance, supply chain, manufacturing, and quality.
Extensive experience in integrating SAP platforms with other Manufacturing Execution systems, Warehouse Management System, and other non-SAP systems.
Financial & Vendor Management Proven financial stewardship managing portfolios exceeding $20MM annually.
Strategic & Operational Excellence Recognized for bringing insight, innovation, and best practices to strategic planning and enterprise discussions.
Expert in program management for complex, global initiatives involving multi-functional and multi-technology integration.
Leadership & Communication Exceptional executive presence with strong communication, negotiation, and collaboration skills.
Adept at translating technical and business concepts across all organizational levels.
Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
Governance & Compliance Advanced knowledge of business office operations including financial governance, procurement, and contract management.
Strong organizational agility with the ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities and strategic demands.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (MBA or Master’s) strongly preferred.
Skilled in vendor and supplier engagement, contract negotiation, and managed services oversight.

Responsibilities

Serve as the global leader for ERP and Manufacturing program, enabling business and technology transformation.
Oversee the full lifecycle of SAP ERP and Manufacturing programs, including planning, budgeting, execution, and post-implementation support.
Implement the global SAP template to multiple Abbott Nutrition sites.
Partner with business leaders across Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Finance, and Procurement to align SAP initiatives with Abbott Nutrition goals.
Lead a high-performing program cross functional team of program managers, solution architects, and functional analysts.
Serve as the primary liaison between IT and business stakeholders, ensuring transparency, alignment, and timely decision-making.
Ensure programs adhere to internal governance frameworks, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
Manage relationships with SAP, system integrators, and other third-party vendors to ensure successful delivery and support.
ERP Solution Delivery and Global Support Lead the global delivery for SAP and Manufacturing for Abbott Nutrition global templates across multiple sites, ensuring seamless implementations and continuous expansion of the ERP landscape.
Partner across all IT functions to drive robust solution architecture, design, resource alignment, and capability development.
Strategic Business Partnership Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on IT solutions for complex SAP and MFG initiatives.
Collaborate cross-functionally to translate business requirements into actionable technology strategies.
Champion innovation to enable strategic initiatives such as greenfield manufacturing and margin improvement programs.
Enterprise Program Management Oversee the global design across business divisions and contribute to the evolution of next-generation ERP technologies.
Coordinate with BTS functions including Business Relationship managers, Business, Infrastructure, Digital, and Cybersecurity to design and build throughput without any disruption.
Global Budget Oversight Manage a global IT budget of ~$20MM annually for ERP program delivery contributing to a broader strategic investment portfolio of ~$100MM. Ensure fiscal discipline and alignment with enterprise priorities.
Regulatory & Policy Compliance Ensure full adherence to corporate and divisional policies, as well as internal and external regulatory requirements. Maintain a strong compliance posture across all ERP-related operations.
Cybersecurity Governance Provide oversight and enforcement of cybersecurity policies and regulatory mandates across ERP functions. Safeguard enterprise systems and data through proactive risk management and security controls.
Stakeholder Relationship Management Strengthen relationships with internal customers and external suppliers. Foster trust and collaboration to enhance service delivery and business outcomes.
High-Performance Team Leadership Lead a cross functional team of professionals to drive excellence in service delivery through standardized processes, tools, and performance metrics. Negotiate strategic contracts with alliance partners to ensure scalable and cost-effective operations.
Enterprise Strategy & Transformation Define and execute the ERP strategy to enable digital transformation across commercial, manufacturing, procurement, finance, quality, logistics, distribution, and supply chain functions.
Deliver integrated technology solutions that support both divisional operations and corporate functions including Treasury, Accounts Receivable, Disbursements, Tax, Customs, Internal Audit, and Expense Reporting.
Change Enablement & Business Continuity Ensure successful implementation of organizational changes across all business functions, enabling transformation without disruption to business goals.
Leadership & Governance Report directly to the Senior Director – ERP COE within IT Organization. Operate with strong executive presence and strategic acumen, engaging with Directors, DVPs, and General Managers across divisions.
Lead cross-functional, cross-divisional, and global teams to deliver enterprise-scale solutions.
Next-Gen ERP Strategy Develop and lead the strategy for implementing global design and template for Abbott Nutrition and implement for multiple sites.
Portfolio Oversight Manage a portfolio of high-visibility projects, products, and processes simultaneously. Balance strategic initiatives with dynamic operational demands, ensuring timely delivery of project management solutions across the enterprise.
External Engagement Collaborate with external suppliers and agencies to support program delivery and innovation.