Job Description

A part of Colgate-Palmolive since 1976, Hill's Pet Nutrition offers the highest-quality pet nutrition available through product lines Prescription Diet® and Science Diet®. Veterinarians worldwide recommend and feed their own pets Hill's products more than any other brand of pet food.

Available in approximately 80 countries around the world, our extensive line of products includes more than 60 Prescription Diet brand pet foods and more than 50 Science Diet brand pet foods.

We believe all animals should be loved and cared for during their lifetimes. That is why we are proud our pet foods can make a difference in your pet's life.

A career at Hill’s Pet Nutrition or Colgate-Palmolive is an excellent opportunity if you seek a global experience, constant challenge, and development opportunities in an environment that respects work/life effectiveness.
Information at a Glance
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Job Title:  Manager/Sr. Manager, Plant Operations
Travel Required?:  Travel - up to 10% of time
Posting Start Date:  6/26/25
On-site

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country
Job Number #167392 - Topeka, Kansas, United States

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.
 

The Manager/ Sr Manager of Plant Operations is responsible for providing effective leadership of all aspects of the production operations for the plant.  The primary accountabilities include daily production reliability, customer service, quality and food safety, area financial performance, EHS, organization development and people development. In addition, this role will lead and guide operations leaders in the development and implementation of plant strategy. 

 

Main Responsibilities

  • Functions as a member of the Strategic Leadership Team which provides resources to achieve plant strategy and ensures decision making processes are consistent with guiding principles.

  • Leads and supports change.

  • Provides effective career development and planning for direct reports

  • Lead Operations Team to deliver targeted Factory Performance & Reliability goals including: customer service, efficiency, financial performance, quality and food safety standards and EHS key performance indicators.

  • Responsible for all material receiving and finished goods warehouse operations.

  • Develop and implement strategies for continuous improvement initiatives to improve all plant critical metrics.

  • Prepare and manage operating budgets for variable and fixed overheads for the Operations Team.

  • Responsible for the daily production operations of the plant and all its components.

  • Ensures development of people, teams, and organization capabilities.

  • Accountable for ensuring compliance with Colgate-Palmolive, Hills, local, state, and federal standards and guidelines related to EHS, Quality, and Regulatory.

  • Drive the Colgate values and principles of managing with respect in all daily business affairs.

  • Oversees and is responsible for the Maintenance team within the facility.

  • Other job functions that may be assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent technical field

  • 8+ years of experience of dynamic supply chain management experience in production/operation management, planning, purchasing, or customer service and logistics

  • 5+ years of demonstrated plant operations, plant quality or plant engineering management

  • AI, Digital and Analytics experience is strongly preferred 

Preferred Qualifications

  • MBA

  • Prior food processing (human or pet) experience


Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range $120,000 - $168,500 USD

Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.

Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

Our Commitment to Inclusion
Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives  to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here.

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