Plant Systems Specialist

Hill's Pet Nutrition; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 70,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive is seeking a Plant Systems Specialist to drive the strategic integration and management of manufacturing IT infrastructure on the plant floor. You will oversee SQL databases, MES configurations, and quality reporting systems while partnering with local leadership and regional IT teams to implement next-generation capabilities.

This role focuses on operational efficiency, global standards, and system integrity, with opportunities for advanced troubleshooting and site capability

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Operations, Informatics, or Information Technology.
• 3+ years of experience working directly within manufacturing operations or core supply chain processes.
• Strong functional proficiency in AVEVA and SQL database systems.
• Proven ability to configure, test, and maintain network databases that bridge manufacturing equipment control systems and enterprise IT infrastructure.
• Demonstrated track record of successful project management and leading technical training initiatives for operational teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution and change management of all plant-floor integration projects, aligning workforce readiness, operational processes, and IT assets to ensure seamless deployments.
• Provide strategic technical expertise to configure, test, and optimize critical site computerized systems including SAP (WMS, QM, PM/EAM), SPC software, and localized manufacturing quality databases.
• Partner with local plant leadership, engineering networks, and regional IT teams to define, standardize, and scale highly efficient manufacturing process capabilities.
• Enforce rigorous global standards that safeguard manufacturing consistency, cross-functional system integration, and strict compliance with EHS and Food Safety regulations.
• Deliver advanced troubleshooting and tailored technical guidance to plant operations teams, building long-term site capability and fostering cross-functional utilization of systems.

Skills

IT in manufacturing

Project management

Training initiatives

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

SAP

Wonderware

Opera/MES

Allen Bradley PLC

SQL databases

Job description

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.

Role Summary

Colgate-Palmolive is looking for an enthusiastic Plant Systems Specialist to drive the strategic integration and management of our manufacturing IT infrastructure. Sitting within our site operations team, this critical role connects people, processes, and technology by overseeing SQL database management, MES configurations, and quality reporting systems. You will champion digital transformation on the plant floor, collaborating closely with local leadership and regional IT teams to implement next-generation capabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to directly influence operational efficiency, enforce global manufacturing standards, and ensure the highest levels of system integrity.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution and change management of all plant-floor integration projects, aligning workforce readiness, operational processes, and IT assets to ensure seamless deployments.
• Provide strategic technical expertise to configure, test, and optimize critical site computerized systems including SAP (WMS, QM, PM/EAM), SPC software, and localized manufacturing quality databases.
• Partner with local plant leadership, engineering networks, and regional IT teams to define, standardize, and scale highly efficient manufacturing process capabilities.
• Enforce rigorous global standards that safeguard manufacturing consistency, cross-functional system integration, and strict compliance with EHS and Food Safety regulations.
• Deliver advanced troubleshooting and tailored technical guidance to plant operations teams, building long-term site capability and fostering cross-functional utilization of systems.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Operations, Informatics, or Information Technology.
• 3+ years of experience working directly within manufacturing operations or core supply chain processes.
• Strong functional proficiency in AVEVA and SQL database systems
• Proven technical capability to configure, test, and maintain network databases that bridge manufacturing equipment control systems and enterprise IT infrastructure.
• Demonstrated track record of successful project management and leading technical training initiatives for operational teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong functional proficiency in SAP transactions, including Production Orders, Material Movements, Quality Notifications, and Production Confirmations.
• Advanced technical experience with Wonderware (Archestra, InBatch), SQL database systems, Opera/MES platforms, and PLC programming (Allen Bradley, RSLogix).
• Prior experience in direct operations management or plant control and automation systems maintenance.
• Strong alignment with business LIFT principles, featuring transferable competencies in collaborative problem-solving and cross-functional leadership.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range $70,000.00 - $96,000.00 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.