Production Department Manager - Dryer Operations - Nutrition Manufacturing - Casa Grande, AZ

Production Department Manager – Dryer - Nutrition Manufacturing.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Manufacturing Senior Front Line Leader.

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.

• Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.

• An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution

• Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.

• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune. 

• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists. 

The Opportunity 

This position works out of our Casa Grande, Arizona location in the Abbott Nutrition division. Our Nutrition business develops science-based nutrition products for people of all ages, from helping babies and children grow to keeping adult bodies strong and active. Millions of people around the world count on our leading brands – including Similac®, PediaSure®, Pedialyte®, Ensure®, and Glucerna® – to help them get the nutrients they need to live their healthiest lives.

Casa Grande, AZ., is one of Abbott’s leading nutrition manufacturing plants in the U.S., reflecting our commitment to innovation and excellence. But we’re more than just a company, we’re a family. Working here you’ll be part of a family that works together to make a difference and enhance the lives of millions worldwide.

What You’ll Work On 

• Lead Manufacturing Performance

  • Own end‑to‑end results for a multi‑shift manufacturing line, ensuring safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets are consistently met
  • Coach, mentor, and develop Front Line Leaders responsible for shift execution and performance
  • Build accountability by ensuring leaders understand how their shift‑level results impact overall line and site performance

  Champion Quality, Safety & Compliance

  • Model and promote behaviors that ensure high‑quality products for customers
  • Champion compliance with company policies, local statutory requirements, and global regulatory standards

  Drive Continuous Improvement & Cost Management

  • Establish, monitor, trend, and improve key performance indicators such as OEE, labor efficiency, downtime, units per hour, CIP, and material usage
  • Set financial and operational performance goals and lead improvement initiatives to achieve them
  • Train and engage teams on cost awareness and operator‑level ownership

  Financial & Operational Accountability

  • Manage manufacturing budgets up to $12MM USD, including labor and operating expenses
  • Develop and interpret financial statements and performance reports to guide decision‑making
  • Lead escalation and problem‑solving processes with the authority to act quickly when needed

  Build & Develop High‑Performing Teams

  • Directly supervise leaders and oversee staffing and workforce planning
  • Ensure teams are well trained, understand expectations, and perform against defined standards
  • Provide timely coaching, feedback, and performance management
  • Create a strong learning culture by supporting employee development and career growth

  Lead Change & Influence Across the Site

  • Lead and execute effective change management initiatives within operations and across cross‑functional teams
  • Partner closely with peer leaders and site leadership to drive alignment and results
  • Represent operations during audits, site visits, and leadership presentations
  • Step in for the manager as needed to ensure continuity of operations and leadership

Required Qualifications

• • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Science, Food Technology, Technical, or Engineering discipline
  • 7+ years of manufacturing leadership experience, including managing other Production Supervisors
  • Proven success in coaching and developing leaders
  • Strong oral and written communication, presentation, and influencing skills
  • Demonstrated change management leadership capability
  • Advanced problem‑solving and project management skills
  • Financial acumen with budgetary ownership and accountability
  • Strategic planning experience with the ability to translate strategy into execution

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a regulated manufacturing work environment.

• Experience utilizing project planning and execution tools.

• Knowledge of FDA – 21 CFR and other regulatory requirements for Infant Formula

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Pre-Employment Inquiries and Citizenship | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov) 

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 and Military/Veteran friendly Employer, committed to employee diversity. 

Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott, and on Twitter @AbbottNews.