Sr. Manager, Creative Opereations

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Sr. Manager, Creative Operations

🔹 Company: Abbott Laboratories

🔹 Location: Abbott Park, Illinois, USA

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Healthcare

🔹 Date Posted: July 1, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Overseeing the day-to-day creative operations within the Creative Team
• Driving financial excellence and delivering business results within the Creative organization
• Planning and overseeing resourcing, budgeting, and business performance
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure business needs are met while staying within budget

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organizational skills, strong communication, and the ability to manage multiple projects and teams effectively.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Oversees the day-to-day creative operations, including resources (internal and freelance)

✅ Ensures business needs are being met while staying within budget through weekly utilization reports and monthly billing

✅ Drives the implementation of SOWs to establish competitive pricing for the internal team

✅ Provides financial and analytical support to Creative Network group on department costs, expenses, travel, and headcount

✅ Supports the annual strategic plan and goals development processes

✅ Outlines upcoming workstreams to appropriately plan and budget for talent needed to complete work on time

✅ Refines approval process and actively reconciles feedback from multiple stakeholders and executive leadership

✅ Ensures seamless collaboration between team members and stakeholders; engages with senior leadership on monthly/quarterly financial reporting, forecasting, and resources

✅ Partners with Creative PMO to document current operational workflows, processes, and procedures, and conducts regular evaluations to identify and address areas for improvement

✅ Supports the implementation of new tools or systems to streamline operations

✅ Oversees team of creative operational managers who own asset management, utilization, operational process, and POs; provides coaching and guidance to direct reports

✅ Synthesizes information from multiple sources, uses business knowledge and sound judgment to consolidate and streamline, and creates a high-quality, on-time finished work product

✅ Works to identify process and operational improvements across GMEA and shares lessons learned

✅ Works in a global, matrixed organization across multiple time zones

✅ Responsible for adhering to all company policies and procedures

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, the ability to work in a global matrixed organization, and a high level of attention to detail.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business, Marketing, or a related field

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of relevant operational management experience

Required Skills:

• Hands-on experience handling resource management, technology, and workflow processes
• Proven ability to communicate and build strong cross-functional relationships
• Experience reconciling diverse inputs and feedback to ensure the best creative outputs that meet business needs
• Expert in implementation and utilization of technologies that support creative teams
• Being a team player is a must, as this role will be a key partner to several cross-functional teams
• Highly organized, results-driven, and an expert at managing interdisciplinary creative workstreams and tracking many multi-faceted projects across teams
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and tasks and reliably meet deadlines
• Proficient in Microsoft Office/Excel

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the healthcare industry
• Fluency in multiple languages

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, experience in the healthcare industry and fluency in multiple languages may be beneficial for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $127,300.00 - $254,700.00 per year

Benefits:

• 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

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for overtime as needed

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. The benefits listed are based on the company's career page and may be subject to change.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Abbott Laboratories is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Their portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritional and branded generic medicines.

Company Size: Abbott Laboratories has 10,001+ employees globally, making it a large enterprise with significant resources and opportunities for career growth.

Founded: Abbott Laboratories was founded in 1888 and has since grown into a global healthcare leader with a strong reputation for innovation and quality.

Company Description:

• Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life
• Their portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritional and branded generic medicines
• Abbott serves people in more than 160 countries and has a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility

Company Specialties:

• Nutrition
• Diagnostics
• Medical Devices
• and Branded Generic Pharmaceuticals

Company Website: https://www.abbott.com

ASSUMPTION: Abbott Laboratories is a well-established company with a strong global presence and a commitment to improving lives through healthcare innovation.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior management position, requiring a high level of experience and expertise in creative operations and project management.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Manager, Creative Operations will oversee a team of creative operational managers and collaborate with senior leadership within the Creative Network group.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work for meetings or specific projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• As a senior management role, this position offers opportunities for career advancement within the Creative organization or across Abbott Laboratories
• The global nature of the company provides opportunities for international assignments or working with diverse teams across multiple time zones
• The company's commitment to employee development and growth offers numerous training and development opportunities

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within a large, global organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Abbott Laboratories has a global headquarters in Abbott Park, Illinois, USA, with additional offices and facilities worldwide.

Office Location(s): 100 Abbott Park Road, Abbott Park, Illinois 60064-3500, US

Geographic Context:

• Abbott Park, Illinois, is a suburb of Chicago, offering a mix of urban and suburban living with access to cultural attractions, entertainment, and outdoor recreation
• The area has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters
• The cost of living in the Chicago area is relatively high compared to other US cities, with higher-than-average housing costs and taxes

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is Monday through Friday, with the possibility of occasional weekend or evening work as needed.

ASSUMPTION: The location of this role offers a mix of urban and suburban living with access to cultural attractions and outdoor recreation, but may have a higher cost of living compared to other US cities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
• On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or other team members
• Final interview with senior leadership
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Leadership and team management skills
• Industry knowledge and experience

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with resource management, budgeting, and project management
• Demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a global, matrixed organization
• Showcase your strong communication and collaboration skills

ATS Keywords: Creative Operations, Resource Management, Budgeting, Project Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Global Matrixed Organization, Healthcare Industry

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, and applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills throughout the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Jira, Trello)
• Creative operations software (e.g., Workfront, Smartsheet, Monday.com)
• Budgeting and financial analysis tools (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the team's preferences and the organization's standards.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation
• Caring
• Integrity
• Quality
• Collaboration

Work Style:

• Results-driven and focused on delivering business results
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively in a global, matrixed organization
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I have a proven track record of driving financial excellence and delivering business results in a creative operations role?
• Am I comfortable working in a global, matrixed organization and collaborating with cross-functional teams?
• Do I have strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and teams effectively?
• Am I results-driven and focused on delivering business results?

ASSUMPTION: Abbott Laboratories values a strong work ethic, collaboration, and a commitment to innovation and quality in all aspects of its operations.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a global, matrixed organization with multiple time zones and diverse teams
• Balancing the need to meet business goals with staying within budget and managing resources effectively
• Navigating a large organization with multiple stakeholders and approval processes
• Keeping up with industry trends and technological advancements in creative operations and project management

ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges related to managing a global, matrixed organization, balancing business goals with budget constraints, and keeping up with industry trends.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to similar roles in other industries, this role may have a stronger focus on healthcare-specific creative operations and project management
• The global nature of Abbott Laboratories may offer more opportunities for international assignments or working with diverse teams compared to smaller, more localized organizations
• As a senior management role, this position may offer more opportunities for career advancement within the Creative organization or across Abbott Laboratories compared to entry-level or mid-level roles

ASSUMPTION: This role may differ from similar roles in other industries or organizations in its focus on healthcare-specific creative operations and project management, as well as its global nature and opportunities for career advancement.

📝 Sample Projects

• Managing a large-scale creative project for a global product launch, involving multiple teams and stakeholders across multiple time zones
• Developing and implementing a new resource management system to improve efficiency and effectiveness within the Creative organization
• Conducting a comprehensive review of the Creative organization's budgeting and forecasting processes to identify areas for improvement and optimization

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of responsibilities and challenges that may be encountered in this role, but may not be representative of all aspects of the position.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and reporting relationships within the Creative organization?
• How does the Creative organization collaborate with other departments and functions within Abbott Laboratories?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does Abbott Laboratories support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the most challenging aspects of working in a global, matrixed organization, and how does Abbott Laboratories support its employees in navigating these challenges?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions are intended to help applicants better understand the role, the team, and the organization, and to demonstrate their interest and engagement in the interview process.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the job posting
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for your interview by researching Abbott Laboratories and the Creative organization, and by practicing common interview questions and your responses
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative after your interview to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role
• If you are offered the position, carefully review the offer letter and benefits package, and negotiate any terms as needed

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.