Operational Technology Leader

FlagshipKansas.Tech; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 115,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) with company matching

15 vacation/PTO days

13 paid holidays

Job summary

FlagshipKansas.Tech is seeking an Operational Technology Leader in Topeka, Kansas, to architect the site’s digital transformation. You will bridge the gap between industrial automation and data-driven performance, ensuring operations deliver premium nutrition to pets while upholding global standards.

The ideal candidate will lead high-impact technology projects, overseeing plant floor systems and enhancing automation with strong expertise in PLC systems. This role offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, contributing to the success of our manufacturing vision.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in plant floor systems, integration, and automation controls within a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in automating and integrating complex manufacturing systems.
• Experience in people leadership or managing internal/external technical resources.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute manufacturing system projects across plant floor systems.
• Manage configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of OT network infrastructure.
• Supervise OT resources and establish strong relationships with plant leadership.

Skills

PLC/Archestra programming

HMI screen development

Data acquisition/analytics

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Microsoft SQL Server

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical field

Job description

Operational Technology Leader

Topeka, Kansas, United States

Job Number #173151 – Topeka, Kansas, United States

Role Summary

Developing the future of digital manufacturing starts with you. As the Operational Technology Leader, you will architect the site’s digital transformation by bridging the gap between industrial automation and data‑driven performance. You are the primary subject matter expert overseeing the convergence of plant floor systems and secure network infrastructure. By leading high‑impact technology projects, you ensure our operations deliver premium nutrition to pets everywhere while meeting global integration standards.

Responsibilities

• Strategic OT Management: Lead and execute manufacturing system projects across plant floor systems, PLC control, devices and instrumentation, and networking, from conception to completion. Enforce standards that ensure global consistency of manufacturing and integration systems.
• Automation & Controls Execution: Use technical skills including PLC/Archestra programming, HMI screen development, and data acquisition/analytics to integrate and improve automation and manufacturing system projects.
• Infrastructure & Security: Manage the configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of OT network infrastructure, ensuring cybersecurity integrity and reliable performance of plant floor control systems.
• Leadership & Partnership: Supervise OT resources and establish strong relationships with plant leadership, engineering, and global Manufacturing System, Automation, and IT teams. Participate in local plant meetings to provide updates on project performance.
• Continuous Improvement: Analyze system performance to identify opportunities for automation, efficiency improvements, and cost savings. Utilize Factory Performance & Reliability (FP&R) tools to deliver operational excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical field
• 5 years of experience in plant floor systems, integration, and automation controls within a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated expertise in Allen‑Bradley PLCs, Wonderware (Archestra, MES, InTouch), and Microsoft SQL Server
• Previous experience in people leadership or managing internal/external technical resources

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) or pet food manufacturing
• Advanced knowledge of Aveva system platform or similar (MES, SCADA, ERP Integration)
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server
• Advanced knowledge of IT/OT network design (Cisco, Industrial Ethernet)
• Familiarity with cybersecurity protocols specifically for industrial control systems
• Strong understanding of Factory Performance & Reliability (FP&R) and Operational Excellence metrics

Compensation And Benefits

Salary Range: $115,000.00 – $150,000.00 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: 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. Employees enjoy a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays. Paid sick leave is adjusted per role and location per local laws.

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 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaxk_eF4utznQoVHlxmL9jVFJbOkM4Oe5CAdKOg-h9EPdLfg/viewform if you require accommodation.