Operations Team Leader

Colgate-Palmolive Company; Richmond (IN); On-site; USD 88,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Health insurance

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive Company in Richmond, Indiana, is hiring an Operations Team Leader to drive daily production on the shop floor. You will oversee technicians, manage performance metrics, and champion Lean and AM/OPEX programs to maximize OEE and yield.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, data-driven decision making, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to meet safety, quality, and production goals in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 2+ years manufacturing experience.
• Ability to work in a physically demanding production environment.
• Experience leading teams and coaching staff.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate shop floor activities to meet production goals.
• Lead, coach, and develop technicians to maximize OEE.
• Implement Autonomous Maintenance and Operational Excellence programs.
• Monitor KPI data and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate training and ensure safety, quality, and GMP compliance.
• Schedule management and cross-department coordination.

Skills

Team leadership

Strategic planning

Performance management

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

SAP

FP&R standards

Google Suite

Job description

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country
Job Number#175852 - Richmond, Indiana, 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.

At Hill’s we have a purpose to transform the lives of millions of pet families through pioneering innovation, science-led nutrition, and the best and brightest people. If you’re interested in work that matters, fueled by passion for pets, we invite you to apply.

Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill’s mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Our decades of science and research guide us in creating nutrition that’s a step ahead so pets and pet parents can enjoy every day together. As the US #1 Veterinarian recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with 220+ veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health.

Job Summary

As an Operations Team Leader you will be responsible for managing shop floor employees, daily production, and ensuring the achievement of key performance indicators and daily performance goals.

In this role, you will be the frontline driver of technical performance, team engagement, and engineering execution. You will lead, coach, and develop an exceptional team of technicians while spearheading key operational programs including Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Operational Excellence (OPEX) to maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and optimize yield. This is a role for a hands on, technically minded leader who thrives at the intersection of people leadership, data driven performance, and advanced automation assets.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate the activities of Operation Technicians engaged in production
• Responsible for planning and establishing work schedules, assignments, and production sequences to meet production goals
• Confer with other supervisors and facility leaders to coordinate operations and activities within or between departments
• Utilize continuous improvement methodologies to drive performance
• Coordinate training for team members as required
• Provide ongoing coaching and feedback to all team members

• Ensure adherence to safety standards
• Ensure adherence to quality, Food Safety and GMPs in daily operations
• Assess and provide direction for safety and quality issues
• Manage daily attendance tasks
• Maintain effective KPI measurement, tracking, and reporting
• Ensure completion of all production related transactions and paperwork

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 2+ years experience in manufacturing
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment, including bending, climbing, crawling, kneeling, working in confined spaces and hazardous conditions, and lifting up to 50 lbs and the Ability to wear all required PPE and fall protection equipment.
• Ability to work irregular shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and be on call during off hours.

Preferred qualifications:

• 2+ years supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of SAP systems and FP&R standards
• Proficiency with Google Suite applications
• Ability to manage production activities, resource allocation, shift coordination, and schedule management to meet production goals
• Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Quality Assurance, Food Safety initiatives, safety policies, and environmental health standards
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly, listen to others, and promote efficient information flow
• Ability to manage conflict, seeking mutually beneficial solutions, and effectively handling labor relations issues
• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners, communicate effectively with leadership, and facilitate the transfer of best practices
• Demonstrate leadership values inherently aligned with our company’s Leadership Principles

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range $87,500.00 - $121,000.00 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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