Continuous Improvement Manager

Colgate-Palmolive Company Illinois, United States of America

Apply Now

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: Continuous Improvement Manager

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

Posting Start Date: 5/8/26

On-site

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country
Job Number #173000 - 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 Continuous Improvement Manager will spearhead the comprehensive success of the Factory Performance & Reliability (FP&R) Program, strategies, and performance across all designated areas within the site. This position is pivotal in the development, implementation, and execution of continuous improvement strategies within the FP&R framework, ensuring robust program governance and delivery, inter-category sharing, including key objectives, and targets in alignment with the Regional directives and the Company’s GSC Reimagined and

The role necessitates extensive technical comprehension of the categories' operations and proficiency in overseeing the implementation of standards. Furthermore, exceptional leadership, communication, and teamwork competencies are essential for effective collaboration throughout the site's operations. The Continuous Improvement Manager is accountable for driving the program's success at the site level, implementing global and divisional strategies, and advancing performance objectives in coordination with the Director of Manufacturing (DOM) and the site leadership team. This position is instrumental in cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring program compliance, and championing the GSC Reimagined and Operational Excellence Strategy across the site while simultaneously fostering an environment of collaboration and engagement.

Responsibilities

Architect and execute the site's multi-year Productivity Roadmap, utilizing Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and FP&R methodologies to systematically eliminate 'waste' and 'variability' that impact conversion costs.
Collaborate directly with the DoM, Plant Manager, Operations Manager, and the broader site leadership team to embed FP&R practices and drive site-wide engagement.
Lead FP&R assessments at the site, including scheduling, resource coordination, execution, reporting, and follow-up actions; ensure closure of findings from global and site self-assessments.
Monitor and report FP&R Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Activities Indicators ( KAIs) specific to the site; identify and pursue opportunities for performance improvements.
Partner with site teams to develop and deliver training in FP&R methodology, root cause analysis, and best-in-class operational practices.
Support site adoption and optimization of digital, data analytics, and automation tools to elevate reliability and performance.
Facilitate site-level workshops, campaigns, and initiatives targeting efficiency gains, risk mitigation, and directional needs.
Drive sustainability initiatives and ensure FP&R activities contribute to site environmental and operational goals.
Oversee onboarding processes for new FP&R team members, working with site HR and leadership to ensure a smooth transition and immediate impact.
Share best practices and learnings with other site FP&R leads and regional FP&R community; encourage cross-site collaboration.
Provide ongoing support and direction to DoM and Plant Manager regarding FP&R program compliance, issue resolution, and strategic challenges.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, Science or related field
8+ years of experience and knowledge of Factory Operations, Engineering, or Supply Chain
Proficiency in Manufacturing Continuous Improvement or Lean Six Sigma Programs and Standards
Experience in manufacturing facility sustainability

Preferred Qualifications

Lean Six Sigma Certified
Proven track record of using DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) to solve chronic throughput and safety and quality issues.
Experience leading CI in FMCG manufacturing sites
Experience as Operations Manager
Experience as Continuous Improvement Or FP&R Leader at strategic site
Direct the integration of Smart Maintenance and AI/ML predictive analytics into the CI framework to transition the site from reactive repairs to a data-driven, 'On-Demand' reliability model.

Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range $124,000.00 - $165,000.00 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.

#LI-On-site

FAQs
Colgate-Palmolive Website
Recruitment Security Warning
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Know Your Rights
Request an Application Accommodation