Job Description

Established in 1806 as a small soap and candle business in New York City, Colgate-Palmolive is now a truly global company with products sold in over 200 countries and territories under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, elmex, Tom's of Maine, Sanex, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, Haci Sakir, Suavitel, PCA SKIN, EltaMD, Filorga and Hello as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet.

Colgate-Palmolive is a leading consumer products company that serves hundreds of millions of consumers worldwide with brands and products across four core businesses – Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. We are committed to offering products that make lives healthier and more enjoyable, and programs that enrich communities around the world.

Every day millions of people trust our products to care for themselves and the ones they love. Our goal is to use our technology to create products that will continue to improve the quality of life for our consumers wherever they live.

A career at 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:  Chemist
Travel Required?:  Travel - up to 10% of time
Posting Start Date:  7/17/26
On-site

No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #174643 - Cambridge, Ohio, 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.
 

Role Summary

The Chemist ensures the highest quality standards of household consumer products by performing precise analytical, physical, and microbiological testing on raw materials, in-process batches, and finished goods (including fabric softeners and liquid cleaners). Reporting to the Quality Assurance Manager, this role operates within a dynamic manufacturing environment to review test data, trend process capabilities, and execute critical product release or hold transactions within SAP. The Chemist serves as a key technical resource for the plant, driving root-cause investigations for nonconformances and collaborating with engineering to support Process Safety Management (PSM) policies, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

  • Execute Quality Control Testing: Perform physical, chemical, and microbiological evaluations of raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products in strict accordance with the Quality Plan and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to determine material disposition.

  • Manage Plant Monitoring & Compliance: Conduct control point monitoring by preparing and swabbing samples across the manufacturing facility and outgoing transportation tankers; compile and review Antibacterial Batch Release Records to ensure total documentation accuracy.

  • Drive Inventory Dispositions & SAP Transactions: Execute timely product release or hold notifications within the Colgate distribution system and process mandatory inventory transactions utilizing SAP software.

  • Lead Technical Troubleshooting & Calibration: Calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation to ensure continuous operational readiness; maintain meticulous, up-to-date, and legally compliant laboratory notebooks and records.

  • Support Process Safety Management (PSM): Operate PSM-covered processes safely, author maintenance notifications in SAP EAM, assist engineering teams during Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), and review operating procedures annually.

  • Resolve Nonconformances & Support Continuous Improvement: Partner with cross-functional facility teams to investigate manufacturing nonconformance issues, identify definitive root causes, implement corrective actions, and coordinate sample logistics for stability testing.

Required Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.

  • Technical Skills: Proven knowledge of foundational analytical chemistry testing, laboratory standard operating procedures, and experience managing production batch records or technical paperwork.

  • Physical & Sensory Capabilities: Documented ability to distinguish odors and differentiate colors to successfully execute sensory appearance testing; ability to stand for 8 to 12 hours per shift, climb ladders/stairs, and lift or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

  • Software Proficiency: Competency utilizing standard word processing and spreadsheet software applications (e.g., Microsoft Office or Google Suite).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience: Minimum of 2 years of practical experience working within an analytical laboratory environment.

  • Systems Exposure: Experience executing transactions within SAP or SAP EAM (Enterprise Asset Management) modules.

  • Industry Experience: Background working within a fast-paced Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) or regulated chemical manufacturing facility.

  • Core Competencies: Strong organizational, multi-tasking, and time-management skills with a demonstrated desire to master new laboratory methodologies.

Physical Requirements & Shift Schedule

  • Shift Structure: This position transitions to a 12-hour, rotating night shift schedule (4 days on / 4 days off, PM shift) following completion of the initial onboarding and training period. Candidates must maintain flexibility to work weekends and mandatory overtime as production needs dictate.

  • Environment: Regular requirements include standing for extended durations (8–12 hours), stooping, bending, crawling, reaching, ascending/descending ladders or stairs, and lifting, moving, or carrying boxes, totes, and bags weighing up to 50 pounds.

  • Safety: Must consistently wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).


Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range $52,800.00 - $80,000.00 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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