Processing Area Leader

Colgate-Palmolive Company Kentucky, United States of America

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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

Job Title: Processing Area Leader

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

Posting Start Date: 5/6/26

On-site

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country
Job Number #173062 - Bowling Green, Kentucky, 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.

At Hill’s we have a purpose to transform the lives of millions of pet families through pioneering innovation, science-led nutrition, and the best and brightest people. If you’re interested in work that matters, fueled by passion for pets, we invite you to apply.

Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill’s mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Our decades of science and research guide us in creating nutrition that’s a step ahead so pets and pet parents can enjoy every day together. As the US #1 Veterinarian recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with 220+ veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health.

Scope of Responsibility:

As the Processing Area Leader reporting to the Sr. Manager of Plant Operations, you will lead the strategic execution of all processing production and maintenance activities at the Bowling Green facility. You will be the primary owner of continuous improvement initiatives and system reliability, managing a team of Operations Focus Resources and Operations Coordinators to optimize plant quality and productivity. This is a critical leadership role designed to drive operational excellence through the implementation of FP&R standards and digital transformation across Raw, Batching, and Processing systems.

Core Responsibilities:

Direct the operational strategy for the Processing department, ensuring all activities across Raw, Batching, and Receiving align with safety, quality, and Factory Performance & Reliability (FP&R) standards
Lead and develop a high-performing technical team, providing coaching and mentorship to Focus Resources and Maintenance teams to enhance technical skills and site efficiencies
Own the implementation of Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Preventive Maintenance (PM) programs, leveraging SAP data to maximize asset utilization and reduce unplanned downtime
Drive data-driven continuous improvement by facilitating cross-functional reviews and ROI evaluations to optimize throughput, yield, and total delivered cost
Collaborate as a key stakeholder with Plant Leadership and Quality Assurance to identify defects, establish corrective actions, and ensure 100% adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Food Safety standards
Manage capital expenditure budgets and project timelines to deliver automation improvements and margin expansion within the processing area

Required Qualifications:

BA/BS degree in a related field such as Engineering, Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain management, or Business
5+ years work experience in manufacturing, production or operations.
3+ years of supervisory experience or management role leading technical/operational teams.
Ability to work irregular shifts and perform physical tasks including climbing 3+ flights of stairs and lifting up to 50 lbs.
Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing SAP for maintenance scheduling or production planning.

Preferred Experience:

Operations Team Leader experience
Food Related Production Experience
Technical proficiency including: Experience using ROI, Continuous Improvement Tools, Training others, Conflict resolution, Presentation skills, Understanding of financial measures, SAP, Wonderware working knowledge, AIB, FDA, USDA and other regulatory agency design requirements
Proficient in Statistical Process Control, CPk and Continuous Improvement Methodologies

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment, including bending, climbing, crawling, kneeling, working from heights relevant to the facility, working in confined spaces and hazardous conditions, and lifting up to 50 lbs
Ability to work in the raw minor ingredient area, plant floor, and warehouse during reconciliation, inventory, and project activities
Ability to work in an office environment
Ability to wear all required PPE and fall protection equipment
Ability to work from heights and to routinely climb 3+ flights of stairs
Ability to work irregular shifts and on all shifts as needed

Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range $96,800.00 - $137,000.00 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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