At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a three-year rotation programme to gain hands-on experience in operations.
- Company: Abbott, a leading healthcare company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship, and opportunities for international experience.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with excellent growth potential and diverse assignments.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in operations while making a real impact globally.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s or Master’s in relevant fields with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Our Operations Professional Development Program (OPDP) is an entry-level, three-year rotation program designed to offer hands-on experience while promoting personal and professional growth. As a participant from the UK, you will begin the program and first two rotations in your home country at our Witney site, then you will complete your final-year rotation abroad.
Upon completion, PDP participants graduate into their next full-time position in their home country, continuing to grow their career and contributing as an Abbott professional using the foundation of skills, experience and network developed during their time in the program.
As a OPDP participant you will:
- Be a regular full-time employee of Abbott and qualify for the same competitive salary and benefits as other Abbott employees.
- Assume full responsibility and contribute as a functional operations professional.
- Rotate through three challenging, demanding, and diverse assignments.
- Develop a well-rounded skill set through assignments in the established learning tracks for the program.
- Relocate abroad for the final assignment to experience diversity and operations.
- Work within multiple business units during your rotational program at Abbott.
- Have the opportunity to explore possible crossover assignments within other Operation Programs (i.e. Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Operational Excellence).
- Be paired with a mentor to assist in the development of your operations career.
- Create a personalized growth plan to serve as a step-by-step guide towards the experiences, knowledge, and resources necessary to achieve your career goals.
- Obtain training customized to support your individual growth and development.
- Report to a department manager in each assignment who will oversee your day-to-day responsibilities.
OPDP rotation overview: In the UK, the OPDP rotation is based on annual rotations over the three year Program. Your career with us will commence working directly with the FreeStyle Libre sensor product, learning the manufacturing process. A series of rotations across functions will follow in Technical, Operations Planning, Quality Assurance, Project Management or Engineering. No assignment is repeated; each is with a different Assignment Manager. OPDP participants starting the program in Summer 2026 will complete a three-year program with the final international (overseas) rotation ending in June 2029.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree/Master’s in Engineering (Automation/Mechanical/Electrical), Automation, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Food Science, or related disciplines (grade 2:1 or higher).
- Interest in pursuing a career in Operations – Production, Engineering, Plant Quality, etc.
- Track record of outstanding academic performance and co-curricular activities.
- Has the capacity to apply skills and knowledge to address operational challenges and add value to the business.
- Has strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Possess strong interpersonal, leadership & communication skills.
- Eager to learn and has the flexibility and willingness to work on different projects.
- Previous work experience in internship or co-op work experience.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
- YOUR OWN RIGHT TO WORK IN THE UK: We welcome applications from candidates already eligible to work in the UK or those that can apply for a visa granting permission to work in the UK (e.g. dependent visas, ancestry etc.) that do not require sponsorship from Abbott. You will be asked to share proof of this prior to receiving any offer of employment.
- We would like to make you aware that if you are made an offer of employment with Abbott you will need to remain on your current visa / permit. If for any reason your visa status changes, we will be unable to offer you sponsorship in the future.
- In addition, the Company would not fund any subsequent non-sponsored visa applications - you will be solely responsible for paying and maintaining your own right to work in the UK.
- In some instances we may not be able to offer you a permanent contract.
- Any employment offer made by Abbott is contingent upon you obtaining and maintaining the right to work and reside legally in the UK. You are required to notify us immediately if your immigration status changes after you have submitted your application.
GRADUATES BASED IN THE UK: If you are on a Graduate visa, we cannot guarantee you sponsorship from within the UK upon its expiry. Abbott only has a set number of Certificate of Sponsorship applications that can be made each year, which are utilised for highly skilled workers transferring internally. If this limit is reached and other Home Office requirements cannot be met, it will prevent us from being able to sponsor and therefore employ you, unless you are able to secure your own right to work in the UK following the expiry of a Graduate visa.
The base pay for this position is N/A. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
JOB FAMILY: Administrative Support
DIVISION: CHR Corporate Human Resources
LOCATION: United Kingdom > Witney : Production Facility
WORK SHIFT: Standard
TRAVEL: Yes, 10 % of the Time
MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE: Yes
SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES: Not Applicable
Operations Professional Development Program (PDP) - STEM Graduate Scheme - Summer 2026 start in Witney employer: Abbott
Abbott is an exceptional employer that prioritises the personal and professional growth of its employees through the Operations Professional Development Program. Located in Witney, this programme offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience across diverse assignments while being supported by mentorship and tailored training. With a strong focus on career development and a collaborative work culture, Abbott empowers its employees to thrive in their operations careers both locally and internationally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Professional Development Program (PDP) - STEM Graduate Scheme - Summer 2026 start in Witney
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Abbott on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences in the Operations Professional Development Program and any tips they might have for you. Personal connections can really give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common interview questions for operations roles and practice your answers. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for operations! During interviews, share specific examples of projects or experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Let them see your enthusiasm and how it aligns with the goals of the OPDP.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the program and what we’re looking for in candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Professional Development Program (PDP) - STEM Graduate Scheme - Summer 2026 start in Witney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Operations Professional Development Program. Highlight relevant experiences, skills, and academic achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can add value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for operations and why you’re excited about this opportunity at Abbott. Be genuine and let us know what makes you a great fit for the PDP.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you've tackled challenges or improved processes. We love candidates who can think critically and bring innovative solutions to the table!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the program there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abbott
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the Operations Professional Development Program inside out. Familiarise yourself with the rotation structure, the skills you'll develop, and how your background in Engineering or related fields fits into the programme. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your academic or internship experiences where you've tackled operational challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will demonstrate your analytical abilities and how you can add value to the business.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the programme, the company culture, or potential projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if Abbott is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers want to see who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for operations and your eagerness to learn and grow within the company.