Jobs › Abbott

Lean and Flow Transformation Project Specialist

Abbott · Madison, WI · $78,000–$156,000 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 5, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a Lean project you led that delivered a measurable result. What was the before and after?

What they are checking: Whether they can show real, numbered improvements rather than describing events and workshops.

Tell me about a change that didn't stick. Why not, and what would you do differently?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that sustaining a change is harder than launching it.

What would you do

How do you gain sponsorship for an improvement idea from a leader who is busy and skeptical?

What they are checking: Whether they can build a business case and win support, as the posting asks.

A lab supervisor tells you the team is too busy to take part in your project. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can find ways to involve the people doing the work without adding to their burden.

About the work

How would you apply flow concepts to a clinical lab where samples arrive in uneven waves?

What they are checking: Whether they can adapt Lean ideas to lab work, where demand and turnaround time behave differently than in a factory.

Labs here follow CLIA and CAP. How do you change a process without creating a compliance problem?

What they are checking: Whether they know process changes in a regulated lab need validation and document control.

How do you design a KPI that people will actually use to run their work?

What they are checking: Whether they create simple, meaningful measures instead of dashboards no one looks at.

What change management tools have you used to help teams adopt a new way of working?

What they are checking: Whether they have practical methods to bring people along, not just a new process map.

How do you decide which problem to work on first when there are many to choose from?

What they are checking: Whether they prioritize by impact and effort using data rather than opinion.

How do you build a scorecard so leaders can see whether a project is still delivering after you've moved on?

What they are checking: Whether they plan for long-term ownership by the team once the project ends.

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The full job description

As published by 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 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. JOB DESCRIPTION: Position Overview The Lean and Flow Transformation Project Specialist will work with cross-functional teams to deliver sustainable, measurable changes based on Lean and Flow concepts. The position is responsible to work seamlessly with leaders and teams of all laboratories, other enabling functions, and commercial business units to maintain and improve Quality Systems in compliance with CLIA, CAP, and other applicable regulations while improving Operational performance. Essential Duties ( Include, but are not limited to): • Execute Lean or Flow transformation projects as assigned. Utilize change management tools and techniques to ensure sustainable adoption. • Identify, gain sponsorship for, and lead teams dedicated to process improvements with measurable results. Develop scorecards and other tracking mechanisms and ensure personal oversight and result attainment. • Build and maintain meaningful and sustainable Key Performance Indicator (KPI) programs that demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of initiatives, including representative data from Pre-analytical, Analytical, Post-analytical, and Operational areas of each lab. Oversee practices for reporting & interpreting metrics and identifying trends to define pathways for addressing undesirable findings. • Work with Clinical Laboratory leadership to introduce new product processes with Lean and Flow embedded. • Develop Analytical and Pre-Analytical Lean and Flow training that meets all quality and regulatory requirements and deliver via successful adult learning methods, using trainee feedback to determine training effectiveness and employee satisfaction. • Ensure adherence to CLIA/regulatory requirements and lab quality standard elements and ensure timeliness of actions in response to undesirable events. • Identify and creatively solve cross-functional and internal issues that get in the way of successful outcomes, managing priorities accordingly. • Develop or consult as necessary on development of standard operating procedures (SOP) required for introductions of Lean or Flow transformation improvements. Draft, edit, review, and approve SOPs as required or requested. • As needed, consult with stakeholders across the industry and inside Abbott Cancer Diagnostics cross-functionally to seek solutions for strategic and operational challenges. • Promote an open, collaborative environment built on trust to foster positive teamwork. • Serve as a resource to inform on laboratory performance metrics to achieve and sustain outstanding quality and patient service. • Communicate goals clearly to team members to ensure understanding and success in achieving them. • Motivate and inspire employees to do their best work through coaching. • Maintain morale and support employee engagement initiatives. • Demonstrate ability to manage multiple projects with successful follow-through and timely delivery. • Demonstrate strong communication, collaboration, financial acumen, business, professional judgment, and organizational development skills. • Demonstrate ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and initiatives with excellent project planning and execution skills. • Exemplify strong interpersonal and teamwork skills; including the ability to easily convey concepts and priorities to peers, customers, and cross-functional teams. • Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork. • Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures. • Regular and reliable attendance. • Ability to lift up to 10 pounds for approximately 5% of a typical working day. • Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for approximately 80% of a typical working day. • Ability and means to travel between Madison locations. • Ability to travel 40% of working time away from work location, may include overnight/weekend travel. • Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork. • Support and comply with the company’s Quality Management System policies and procedures. • Maintain regular and reliable attendance. • Ability to act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization. Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in scientific or related field; or high school degree/general education diploma and 8 years of Lean and Flow relevant experience in lieu of degree. • Deep understanding of Lean and Flow techniques and tools. • Experience building sustainable solutions. • Fast, adaptable learner. • Understanding of automation, process control and quality systems, including Six Sigma and Lean. • Demonstrated ability to: • Capture needed or use existing data. • Correctly interpret data. • Develop new or leverage existing measurements. • Deliver solutions to improve performance in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost or People (employee or patient) satisfaction. • Excellent communications across functions and with various Company stakeholders to achieve company goals. • Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. • Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship. Preferred Qualifications • MBA or advanced scientific/technical degree. • Prior experience in management of laboratory business, including areas as finance, operations, client services, specimen processing, total quality management, and technical service. • Lean, Flow, Six Sigma training and experience. Outstanding data driven communication and training skills. • Demonstrated servant leader, clear thinking, and mistake proofing/simplification mindset. The base pay for this position is $78,000.00 – $156,000.00 In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted. JOB FAMILY: Operations Quality DIVISION: ONCO Cancer Diagnostics LOCATION: United States > Madison : 1 Exact Lane ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS: WORK SHIFT: Standard TRAVEL: Yes, 10 % of the Time MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE: Not Applicable SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES: Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Continuous standing for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday) Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans. EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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