Area Leader

Colgate-Palmolive Company Illinois, United States of America

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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

Job Title: Area Leader

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

Posting Start Date: 5/5/26

On-site

No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #173037 - 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 Area Leader is responsible for effectively managing production activities for a specific area of the Plant and developing collaborative partnerships with CP colleagues. This role demands a high technical focus, driving equipment reliability and process stability while maintaining positive employee relations and delivering agreed-upon business results.

The role includes daily production schedule adherence, customer service, and area financial performance. High technical proficiency is required to manage Quality, EHS, Labor Relations, and the systematic development of people and team technical capabilities.

Responsibilities

Technical Management: Manages people, materials, and equipment to deliver area performance objectives as measured by Plant KPIs.
Systemic Reliability: Identifies, recommends, and implements continuous improvement initiatives and manufacturing cost reduction programs, managing strictly according to TPM Principles.
Financial & Data Analysis: Tracks and analyzes variances associated with materials, labor cost, or finished products.
Advanced Troubleshooting: Leads the execution of new technology within the production area and oversees the technical implementation of the daily production schedule.
Budgetary Oversight: Makes recommendations on both capital and operating budgets to ensure long-term technical health of the area.
Compliance Leadership: Accountable for adhering to Colgate-Palmolive, state, local, and federal guidelines related to EHS, Quality, and Regulatory standards.
Coaching & People Development: Empowers team members through continuous technical coaching, structured training, information sharing, and real-time feedback.
Talent Calibration: Conducts appraisals and delegation to ensure the rapid development of organizational and technical capabilities.
Labor Relations: Ensures effective communication and resolves labor relations issues within the area to maintain a high-trust manufacturing environment.

Required Qualifications

B.A./B.S. Degree
4+ years of plant experience or equivalent academic experience
3+ years of supervisory experience with a focus on promoting teamwork and managing production
Ability to work flexible hours to meet the technical and business needs of a 24/7 operation
Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment (climbing, kneeling, lifting up to 50 lbs) and wear all required PPE

Preferred Qualifications

Degree in a technical field such as Industrial, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Previous experience and high proficiency with SAP and digital manufacturing tools.
Practical experience applying TPM, Lean, or Six Sigma methodologies to complex equipment.
Demonstrated ability in relationship building, managing materials/services, and intensive coaching of technical staff.

Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range $96,800.00 - $115,000.00 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.

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.

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