Project Leader

Colgate; Gebze; On-site; TRY 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive seeks a Project Leader to oversee and drive capital expenditure projects at the Gebze plant in Turkey. You will manage CapEx/CEB, drive utility improvements, and lead continuous improvement initiatives in close collaboration with Operations, EOHS, Quality, and Maintenance teams.

The role emphasizes ISO 50001 energy management, digital transformation, and reliable commissioning of new lines within Colgate’s global standards. On-site, with travel up to 10%.

Qualifications

• Experience in project management within FMCG/CPG environments.
• Strong command of written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of plant utility systems (steam, HVAC, compressed air).
• Experience with CapEx budgeting and project execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end CapEx project execution from feasibility to commissioning.
• Oversee plant utilities and facility operations for efficiency and reliability.
• Apply Lean/WCM/TPM methodologies to reduce waste and losses.
• Coordinate with maintenance for preventive/predictive maintenance planning.
• Lead digital and automation initiatives (Industry 4.0) and AI-driven manufacturing solutions.

Skills

Project management

English fluency

Lean/WCM/TPM

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Project

SAP PM/PS

OPERA

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 recognised 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 programmes 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.

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

Posting Start Date: 07/10/2026

On-site

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number#176452 - Gebze - Kocaeli, Turkey, Turkey

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specialising 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.

Job Summary

The Project Leader oversees and drives capital expenditure (CapEx) projects, plant utility systems, and technical infrastructure optimization across manufacturing facilities at the Gebze Plant. Reporting directly to the Engineering Manager, this professional engineering role provides complete technical ownership, engineering rigor, and project lifecycle execution from concept feasibility to final commissioning. Working closely with Operations, EOHS, Quality, Maintenance teams, and global Colgate experts across different countries and factories, driving ISO 50001 energy efficiency targets, upgrading automated plant utilities and processing machinery, and leading key technical workstreams under the Gebze 2030 5 yr strategic investment plan.

Key Responsibilities

• Capital Project Execution & CapEx Management: Lead end-to-end execution of capital expenditures (CapEx/CEB), including feasibility studies, ROI analyses, Scope of Work (SOW) drafting, Request for Proposals (RFP), vendor negotiations, machinery installation, commissioning, and qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ). Direct 5 yr strategic investment plan capital investments focusing on line throughput boosts. Track CEB investment budgets and utility expenses using the e-Cash database in close alignment with Finance.
• Plant Utilities & Facility Operations: Oversee and optimize site utility infrastructure, ensuring safe, continuous, and efficient operation of HVAC, high-pressure steam generation, compressed air, industrial water treatment, chilled water, and electrical power distribution systems.
• Loss Elimination & Continuous Improvement (WCM/TPM): Apply World Class Manufacturing (WCM) and Lean methodologies (Kaizen, 5S, Root Cause Analysis / RCA, FMEA) to technically eliminate manufacturing waste, chronic minor stoppages, and Non-Value-Added Activities (NVAA) across production lines.
• Maintenance Strategy & Reliability Interface (FP&R): Collaborate with Maintenance teams to establish preventiv e and predictive maintenance routines under Factory Performance & Reliability (FP&R) standards. Optimize critical spare parts and consumables inventory to maintain optimal stock levels while minimizing inventory costs. Acting as gate keeper for the plant related technical indirect procurement processes.
• Layout, Line Optimization & Material Handling Automation: Develop and lead improvement projects to enhance line performance, reduce changeover times (SMED), minimize variance and waste, and optimize packaging line ergonomics. Spearhead warehouse and logistics automation initiatives, including AMR/AGV material transport, automated bottle/cap feeding, automated case packers, and end-to-end automation. Apply working knowledge of PLCs and engineering drawings to manage technical projects.
• ISO 50001, Sustainability & Net Zero Leadership: Serve as an active core member of the ISO 50001 Energy Management Team. Identify, plan, and execute energy-saving initiatives (VAP), water conservation projects, and carbon footprint reduction programs aligned with Colgate-Palmolive corporate sustainability goals and site strategic targets (100% renewable energy and Net Zero Water).
• Commissioning, Trials & Technology Transfer: Partner with Global Engineering, R&D, and Quality Assurance during new line installations, equipment modifications, process validation, and new product/raw material technology transfers to achieve rapid vertical ramp-ups.
• Quality, EOHS & Global Standards Compliance: Enforce strict adherence to EOHS regulations, Machine Safety standards, and Colgate Global Quality Standards (Water, Steam, HVAC, Compressed Air, and Calibration). Conduct Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) and execute Corrective and Preventive Actions (DÖF/CAPA).
• Digital Transformation & Industry 4.0 / AI Integration: Implement smart factory technologies including AI/ML-powered control rooms, IIoT vibration sensors, automated visual inspection (ML/CNNs), predictive maintenance diagnostics, digital paperless processes, and real-time OEE/KPI visualization via Domo. Lead digital QA/QC controls such as No-Touch QA, QR Code digital inspection.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Chemical or closely related technical discipline) from an accredited university.
• Minimum of +5 years of proven engineering experience in project management, manufacturing, or technical operations within FMCG, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Packaging, or automated industrial environments.
• Excellent command of both written and spoken English is required. Capability to author technical reports, manage vendor specifications, and communicate effectively within a global working environment across different time zones.
• Strong technical exposure to plant utility systems (steam, HVAC, compressed air, water treatment), automated processing/packaging equipment, machine safety regulations, and CapEx budget management. Hands-on experience or deep knowledge in AMR/AGV systems, automated material handling, and smart factory / AI-driven manufacturing solutions.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for layout drafting, MS Project, MS Office Suite (advanced Excel), and experience with ERP/MES software (SAP PM/PS module and OPERA system).
• Solid knowledge and practical application of Lean/WCM/TPM principles (5S, Kaizen, SMED, Autonomous Maintenance, Predictive Maintenance, Level Up FP&R, and PFMEA) to eliminate manufacturing losses and Non-Value-Added Activities.
• Strong problem-solving, time management, analytical thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and project management skills with a high sense of ownership. Exceptional soft skills including multicultural communication, stakeholder management, adaptability, and the ability to navigate global working dynamics.

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, colour, 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.