Area Leader

Colgate-Palmolive; Cambridge (OH); On-site; USD 96,800 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive in Cambridge, Ohio seeks an Area Leader to manage production for a specific plant area, drive reliability, and ensure safety and quality while delivering commitments.

You will lead daily scheduling, oversee budgets, and coach technical staff in a 24/7 operation, collaborating across functions to improve process performance.

Ideal candidates hold a B.S. degree, 4+ years of plant experience, 3+ years supervising, and familiarity with TPM/Lean/Six Sigma and SAP.

Qualifications

• B.A./B.S. degree and 4+ years of plant experience.
• 3+ years of supervisory experience in production.
• Ability to work flexible hours for a 24/7 operation.
• Able to work in a manufacturing environment and wear PPE.

Responsibilities

• Manage production activities for a specific area of the Plant.
• Drive TPM-based continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Track variances in materials, labor, and finished products.
• Lead daily production scheduling and oversee new technology implementation.
• Oversee area budgets and long-term technical health.
• Ensure compliance with EHS, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Coach and develop technical staff and manage labor relations.
• Perform talent calibration and appraisals to develop capabilities.
• Maintain high-trust manufacturing environment through effective labor relations.

Skills

B.A./B.S. Degree

Supervisory experience

Flexible hours

PPE experience

24/7 operations

TPM/Lean/Six Sigma

SAP

Digital manufacturing tools

Education

B.A./B.S. Degree

Tools

SAP

Digital manufacturing tools

Job description

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.

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.