About Abbott
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio includes diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Over 113,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
In Ireland, Abbott employs 6,000 people across ten sites, including manufacturing facilities in Clonmel, Cootehill, Donegal, Longford and Sligo, and commercial, shared services and support operations in Dublin and Galway. Abbott has been operating in Ireland since 1946.
About Abbott Nutrition – Cootehill, Cavan
Abbott Nutrition Cootehill produces a range of infant formula products under the Similac brand, as well as follow‑on formula under the Gain brand. The facility processes liquid skim milk combined with carbohydrates, vegetable oils, vitamins and minerals before blending, pasteurising, drying and packaging the final product.
Established in 1975, Cootehill is Abbott's largest powder manufacturing facility worldwide for infant formula. Approximately 1,000 dairy farms across Ireland and Northern Ireland supply high‑quality milk to the site, which processes 500,000 litres daily. Ireland's clean, sustainable agricultural environment provides a key strategic advantage for Abbott Nutrition globally.
We currently have a position for a Compliance Specialist
Purpose of the Role
This role provides leadership in Plant Compliance, Strategic Compliance Initiatives, cGMP and Food Safety within Manufacturing. The position is responsible for driving continuous improvement and ensuring all compliance and regulatory standards are met across the plant.
Key Responsibilities
Compliance & Quality Leadership
Play an active role in the Food Safety Management Team with responsibility for the HACCP Programme.
Review all SOPs relevant to job tasks to ensure full understanding and adherence.
Lead strategic quality initiatives in Compliance and related areas within Manufacturing.
Manage and oversee audit readiness activities across Manufacturing.
Develop, analyse, manage and communicate compliance matrices.
Ensure compliance with all regulations and legislation applicable to Manufacturing.
Develop and deliver compliance‑related training programmes based on business needs.
Ensure new equipment, processes and infrastructure comply with cGMP and regulatory standards.
Benchmark activities to ensure alignment with current cGMP standards in the infant formula and nutritional industry.
Audit & Inspection
Lead and participate in internal audit schedules, plant walk‑downs and external audits.
Manage and coordinate bi‑weekly compliance walk‑down activities.
Play a key role in ensuring the plant is audit‑ready for CRQS, Division, and regulatory audits.
Responsible for auditing the Manufacturing Department.
Sanitation & Janitorial Oversight
Manage Manufacturing Department janitorial requirements and staff.
Oversee the plant sanitation programme, working closely with third‑party cleaning contractors responsible for cleaning, sanitisation, the Environmental Monitoring Programme, and pest control.
Report sanitation programme performance at monthly management reviews and as required by management.
General
Ensure compliance with all Corporate and Division policies.
Maintain accountability for compliance with local and US federal regulations and all applicable food safety policies and procedures.
Recognise that job responsibilities may change due to updates in GMP, EHS, technical processes, new equipment, quality procedures, or SOPs.
Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability as plant needs evolve.
Education & Experience
Diploma/Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Quality, or a related discipline.
Proven experience (minimum 2 years) in a similar compliance role or within a regulated industry.
Key Skills
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes.
Strong knowledge and experience in auditing, analytical techniques and methods.
Excellent interpersonal and management skills.
Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively across all levels and cross‑functional teams.
Demonstrated ability to provide leadership in Manufacturing Compliance, Strategic Compliance initiatives, cGMP and Food Safety.
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.