Area Leader

Colgate; South Carolina; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive is hiring an Area Leader in Operations in Hodges, South Carolina. The role leads frontline teams to improve safety, quality, and efficiency across critical production areas.

You will drive continuous improvement programs, manage budgets and labor efficiency, and partner with Engineering and Quality to implement new equipment and product launches. A strong background in manufacturing with supervision is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field plus manufacturing experience.
• Master’s degree with manufacturing experience is acceptable.
• Supervisory experience in an industrial setting is required.
• Hands-on technical knowledge across mechanical, electrical, and chemical plant equipment.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP) and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) desired.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations through frontline teams and technicians with clear accountability.
• Drive continuous improvement and reliability programs to optimize asset use and OEE.
• Ensure safety, environmental, and GMP regulatory compliance across shifts.
• Manage area budgets, labor efficiency, and material utilization for cost savings.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain on technology transfers and launches.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Mechanical knowledge

Electrical knowledge

Chemical knowledge

Manufacturing operations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related

Master’s degree (optional)

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