Alanna Moran
Operations Leader, Abbott
For Alanna Moran, an operations leader at Abbott, curiosity has been the driving force behind every step of her career.
“Curiosity has always guided me,” she says. “I love understanding how systems work, how people collaborate and how ideas evolve into action.” That mindset fuels her deeper purpose: helping people live their fullest, healthiest lives.
From student intern to operations leader
Curiosity and purpose first led Alanna to study microbiology at the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) and later to apply for a student internship at Abbott. There, her analytical problem‑solving skills aligned with work that directly improved people’s lives.
After completing her degree and internship, she returned to Abbott through the Operations Professional Development Program (OPDP), a three‑year rotational graduate programme designed to develop future leaders. Working across diverse roles, she gained first‑hand experience in building healthcare products at scale – from diagnostic tests that provide fast, reliable results to medical devices that support cardiovascular, neuromodulation and diabetes care.
The experience was fast‑paced and immersive. “I gained a deep appreciation for strategy, responsiveness and quality,” she says. Rotations across different divisions and sites – including diagnostic manufacturing in Longford, vascular products in Clonmel and later an assignment in Dallas – broadened her technical knowledge and strengthened her leadership capabilities. During this period, she also completed a master’s degree in supply chain management with Abbott’s support.
Today, Alanna leads a team focused on strategic projects that support manufacturing operations. Working for a global healthcare leader with strong development pathways has helped her carve out a career with purpose and direction. “I’ve seen the power of harnessing new technologies to shape products that help people live healthier lives,” she explains.
Digital transformation has introduced new tools and techniques, but she notes that analytical thinking, collaboration and problem‑solving remain foundational. “I’m proud to use innovation in a way that strengthens Abbott’s manufacturing capabilities and ultimately supports patients’ needs.”
Alanna credits her development to the trust, opportunity and purpose that define Abbott in Ireland
A culture that develops people
One aspect that defines Abbott in Ireland is its emphasis on continuous learning. “Abbott enables people to grow by treating development as broad and experience‑based,” Alanna says. Her journey through multiple roles has shaped her leadership style. “Working in different divisions taught me to challenge assumptions and find new ways of solving tricky problems,” she reflects.
“Abbott has consistently given me roles that stretch my capabilities while offering strong support. From my early-career development program to leading employee engagement initiatives today, I’ve always been empowered to make a meaningful impact.” This mix of opportunity, mentorship and purpose-driven work has strengthened her confidence as a leader.
Purpose-fuelled innovation
Alanna is deeply motivated by the impact her work has on real people. “Every improvement in process or advance in technology supports a better outcome for someone who depends on what we make,” she explains.
Innovation is embedded in how teams collaborate, solve challenges and deliver improvements. Across its 10 sites in Ireland, Abbott demonstrates the power of modern manufacturing – where advanced technology, skilled teams and cutting-edge processes work together to meet evolving healthcare needs.
A career shaped by possibility
Reflecting on her journey from intern to postgraduate student to operations leader, Alanna credits her development to the trust, opportunity and purpose that define Abbott in Ireland.
“It’s the kind of environment where you grow because you’re encouraged to try, explore and contribute,” she says. For those seeking a place where curiosity can fuel a meaningful career, her story offers a clear message: there is room to grow here, and an opportunity to make an impact that matters.
If her journey resonates with you, we invite you to explore opportunities at Abbott in Ireland. Your next step could begin at one of our ten sites located in Dublin, Donegal, Clonmel, Cootehill, Galway, Kilkenny, Longford and Sligo.
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