Project Coordinator - Columbus, OH
Abbott
Summary
This position works out of our Columbus, OH in the Nutrition Division. As Project Coordinator you'll gain hands-on experience leading packaging projects that support the development, launch, and improvement of nutrition products used by consumers across the globe. You'll work alongside experienced project managers, engineers, manufacturing teams, and business partners to coordinate projects from concept through implementation, developing the leadership and technical skills needed for a successful career in project management. Responsible for supporting capital packaging initiatives, maintaining accurate packaging documentation, and leading moderate-scope projects that impact U.S. and international manufacturing sites. This role combines project management, packaging systems oversight, data accuracy, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure high-quality execution of packaging-related activities across the organization.
Job description
What You'll Do
Project Management
- Lead and coordinate low- to medium-complexity Packaging PIER projects from planning through execution.
- Assess project scope, timelines, resource requirements, and risks using established project management tools and best practices.
- Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and execution plans utilizing tools such as Microsoft Project.
- Drive project progress by coordinating cross-functional teams, tracking milestones, identifying risks, and implementing mitigation strategies.
- Partner with Packaging, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supplier Quality Assurance (SQA) teams to ensure successful project outcomes and high-quality deliverables.
- Communicate project status, key milestones, and challenges through regular updates and stakeholder meetings.
- Collaborate with internal teams and business partners to resolve project issues and support timely decision-making.
- Continuously build project management knowledge through training, professional development opportunities, and industry engagement.
Capital & Budget Management
- Manage Packaging Operations capital projects valued up to $500M, including preparing capital expenditure requests and supporting funding approvals.
- Monitor project budgets and coordinate and issue purchase orders for packaging equipment, tooling, mold refurbishments, engineering studies, testing activities, and related services.
- Support project scope management, change control processes, and project closeout activities under the guidance of the Project Management Manager.
- Partner with the PM Manager to develop project forecasts, track expenditures, and report key financial and project performance metrics.
- Ensure projects are delivered within approved budget, schedule, and business objectives.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Build strong relationships across Engineering, Operations, Packaging, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to achieve project goals.
- Lead moderate-scope project teams and facilitate alignment among cross-functional stakeholders.
- Apply sound judgment and effective prioritization skills to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines.
- Understand how project decisions impact timelines, resources, costs, and overall business objectives.
- Develop leadership skills by influencing team members, driving accountability, and fostering collaboration without direct authority.
- Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance project management processes and team effectiveness.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
- Minimum 2 years related work experience with a good understanding of project management or packaging engineering.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Interest in project management, manufacturing, packaging, or operations.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Desire to learn, collaborate, and grow within a global organization.
Benefits
- Free medical coverage
- Retirement savings plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Student debt program
- Education benefit
Company overview
Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare leader with a 135-year legacy of innovation, dedicated to helping people live healthier, fuller lives through life-changing technologies and products. Headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois, the company operates in more than 160 countries with a workforce of approximately 114,000 professionals. Abbott's diversified portfolio spans four core business segments: medical devices, diagnostics, nutrition products, and branded generic pharmaceuticals. The company is particularly renowned for its groundbreaking medical devices including cardiovascular technologies, diabetes management systems like the FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitor, neuromodulation devices for chronic pain, and the AVEIR DR dual chamber leadless pacemaker system. In diagnostics, Abbott has been instrumental in developing critical tests, including the first licensed HIV test in 1985 that helped secure blood supply safety. The company's nutrition division produces leading infant formulas like Similac, while its pharmaceutical business provides quality branded generic medicines. Abbott consistently ranks among Fortune's Most Admired Companies and maintains a strong commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility, making it a trusted partner in advancing global healthcare.