Area Leader

Colgate; Hodges (SC); On-site; USD 97,000 - 137,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off and holidays

401(k) with company matching

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive in Hodges, SC is seeking an Area Leader in Operations. You will lead frontline teams, drive safety, quality, and efficiency across critical manufacturing areas, and partner with Engineering, Quality and Supply Chain to deliver continuous improvement initiatives.

The role requires 7+ years of manufacturing leadership and a strong background in mechanical, electrical and chemical plant systems. Competitive pay, benefits, and career growth opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 7+ years manufacturing experience or Master’s with 5+ years.
• Supervisory experience managing teams in an industrial environment.
• Hands-on knowledge of mechanical, electrical and chemical plant equipment.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP) and WMS.

Responsibilities

• Lead and Develop High-Performing Teams: Direct daily operations through frontline supervisors and technicians, coaching talent and fostering accountability.
• Drive Operational Excellence: Lead continuous improvement and reliability programs to optimize asset utilization and OEE.
• Champion Safety & Environmental Standards: Ensure compliance with EHS regulations and promote a zero-incident culture.
• Ensure Product Quality & Regulatory Compliance: Oversee GMP adherence and root-cause investigations for non-conformances.
• Manage Operational Budgets & Cost Optimization: Own budgets, labor efficiency, and material utilization to deliver savings.
• Deliver Technology Transfers & Product Launches: Collaborate to commission new equipment and formulations.

Skills

Team leadership

Manufacturing operations

Data-driven decisions

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Master’s degree

Tools

SAP

WMS

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

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.

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

Posting Start Date: 10/24/26

On-site

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country
Job Number#176780 - Hodges, South Carolina, 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.

Are you ready to shape operational excellence and lead high-performing teams in a state-of-the-art manufacturing environment? As an Area Leader in Operations, you will champion end-to-end production performance, driving safety, quality, and operational efficiency across critical manufacturing areas . You will cultivate an inclusive, high-accountability culture by coaching frontline supervisors and technicians while partnering cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain . In this role, you will own continuous improvement initiatives and technological advancements that bring essential personal care products to millions of homes daily .

Responsibilities

• Lead and Develop High-Performing Teams: Direct daily operations through frontline team leaders and technicians, coaching talent, setting clear accountability, and fostering an inclusive, high-trust team environment .
• Drive Operational Excellence: Lead continuous improvement and reliability programs across production areas to optimize asset utilization, boost overall equipment effectiveness, and eliminate waste .
• Champion Safety & Environmental Standards: Ensure strict compliance with environmental, health, and occupational safety regulations, actively eliminating workplace hazards and promoting a zero-incident safety culture .
• Ensure Product Quality & Regulatory Compliance: Oversee production adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory standards, directing root-cause investigations and corrective action plans for any non-conformances .
• Manage Operational Budgets & Cost Optimization: Maintain operational ownership of area budgets, labor efficiency, and material utilization, delivering continuous cost-savings and productivity goals .
• Deliver Technology Transfers & Product Launches: Collaborate with cross-functional partners in Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to seamlessly commission new equipment, packaging designs, and product formulations .

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field with a minimum of 7 years of manufacturing experience, OR a Master’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of manufacturing experience .
• Supervisory experience managing teams in an industrial or manufacturing environment .
• Hands-on technical knowledge of of mechanical, electrical and chemical fields as well as plant equipment required.
• Demonstrated experience utilizing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (such as SAP) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) .
• Proficiency in digital productivity suites (Google Workspace or Microsoft Office) .

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading operations within high-speed, highly automated Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), personal care, food, or pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities .
• Demonstrated success applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Autonomous Maintenance methodologies to deliver measurable operational gains .
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management skills across Quality, Engineering, and Human Resources .
• Data-driven decision-maker with proven ability to lead through change and ambiguity .

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.
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.

#LI-On-site