Area Leader (176780)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Travel up to 10%

On-site

Job summary

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

The role requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field and 5–7+ years in manufacturing with supervisory experience; SAP/WMS experience and strong data-driven

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field.
• 7+ years manufacturing experience (5+ years with a Master’s).
• Supervisory experience in manufacturing environment.

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 environment.
• Drive Operational Excellence: Lead continuous improvement and reliability programs to optimize asset utilization, boost OEE, and reduce waste.
• Champion Safety & Environmental Standards: Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations and promote a zero-incident culture.
• Ensure Product Quality & Regulatory Compliance: Oversee GMP adherence and regulatory standards; direct root-cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Manage Operational Budgets & Cost Optimization: Own area budgets, labor efficiency, and material utilization with cost-savings goals.
• Deliver Technology Transfers & Product Launches: Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain for equipment, packaging, and formulations.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

ERP SAP

WMS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Operations/Business

Master’s degree in Engineering/Operations/Business

Tools

SAP ERP

WMS

Job description

Career Opportunities: Area Leader (176780)

Requisition ID176780-Posted10/24/2026-Supply Chain/Manufacturing-United States-South Carolina-Hodges-Colgate-Palmolive-Travel - up to 10% of time-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.
For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here .
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