Plant Operations Manager

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: Plant Operations Manager

Travel Required?: Travel - up to 10% of time

Posting Start Date: 11/5/26

On-site

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country

Job Number #177205 - 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.

The (Senior) Plant Operations Manager is responsible for the holistic management of all production operations within the facility, including packaging, filling, and vertical integration. This role serves as a critical bridge between site leadership and shop-floor execution. The successful candidate will drive world-class manufacturing standards through the development of high-performing work teams, strategic resource utilization, and a relentless focus on continuous improvement and safety.

Responsibilities

• Leading all plant operations to achieve and exceed KPIs in EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety), Quality, Productivity and Efficiency.

• Developing and executing strategic procedures to increase facility-wide productivity and on-time delivery to customers.

• Facilitating strategic change management and developing robust contingency plans to ensure business continuity in volatile environments.

• Developing and implementing sustainability processes based on lean manufacturing principles for long term plant success.

• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to reduce conversion costs, optimizing capital/inventory, reduce scrap cost and improve overall factory cash flow.

• Implementing and sustaining FP&R (Factory Performance & Reliability) standards, with a specific focus on Autonomous Maintenance, Visual Workplace, and 5S.

• Developing and mentoring future leaders of the company.

• Recommending and implementing organizational structure changes based on technology and business changes.

• Cultivate a 'Lean-First' environment where front-line autonomy is driven by data-based decision-making and a shared commitment to standardized work and operational excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Chemical or Mechanical preferred), Chemistry, or a related technical field.

• 8+ years of progressive experience in Supply Chain/Manufacturing, with at least 8 years in a management role.

• 5+ years of experience with SAP or similar Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Familiarity with Wonderware, Opera, or similar SCADA/MES systems.

• Deep understanding of EHS standards and experience working in regulated environments (FDA, EPA, OSHA).

• Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication, with the ability to simplify complex operational data for key stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or a Master's in an Engineering or Technical field

• Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean Manufacturing certification

• Experience in P&L management and/or working within a unionized manufacturing environment

• Mastery of ISO 9000 and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range $124,000.00 - $155,000.00 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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