Quality Systems Team Leader

Hill's Pet Nutrition; Tonganoxie (KS); On-site; USD 86,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

15 vacation days

Job summary

Hill's Pet Nutrition in Tonganoxie, Kansas, is seeking a Quality Systems (Laboratory) Team Leader to oversee the quality laboratory and ensure compliance with quality and regulatory standards. The candidate will lead lab operations, ensure accurate testing, and drive continuous improvement in product quality.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field, at least 3 years of relevant experience, and strong knowledge of quality systems like HACCP and FSMA. A comprehensive benefits package is offered along with a competitive salary range.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in Manufacturing Quality or Laboratory role.
• Experience in quality systems like HACCP, cGMP, FSMA.
• Supervisory experience in a quality lab preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality lab operations for accurate testing and documentation.
• Maintain lab procedures and ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Manage documentation and drive corrective actions for nonconformances.

Skills

Laboratory Quality Systems

HACCP knowledge

Excellent Communication

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry/Biology/Food Science

Tools

SAP

Job description

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country

Job Number #173692 - Tonganoxie, Kansas, United States

The Quality Systems (Laboratory) Team Leader oversees the plant’s quality laboratory and related quality systems. The role ensures that all testing, documentation, and release activities support Hill’s/Colgate Quality Standards, HACCP, cGMP, FSMA, and other regulatory requirements, while leading and developing the lab team and driving continuous improvement in product and process quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day operation of the quality lab to ensure accurate, timely testing of raw materials, in‑process samples, and finished products.
• Ensure lab methods, equipment, and sampling plans are followed, current, and properly documented.
• Review and approve test results, ensuring that nonconformances are identified, escalated, and managed.
• Maintain laboratory procedures, work instructions, and records in line with Hill’s/Colgate Quality Standards, cGMP, FSMA, and other applicable regulations.
• Support and/or lead site programs such as HACCP, environmental monitoring, validation, calibration, and internal audits from the lab perspective.
• Ensure all lab activities support product release criteria and are aligned with site food safety and quality programs.
• Manage lab‑related documentation within the site document control system, ensuring version control and effective implementation.
• Lead and support investigations (nonconformances, out‑of‑spec results, customer complaints) and drive effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Use data and quality tools to monitor trends, identify risks, and drive continuous improvement in testing, processes, and methods.
• Prepare and present laboratory and quality systems evidence for internal, corporate, customer, and regulatory audits.
• Coordinate follow‑up actions and verify timely closure of audit findings related to lab and quality systems.
• Direct and schedule work for lab personnel; provide coaching, feedback, and performance reviews.
• Ensure appropriate onboarding, qualification, and ongoing training for all lab staff on methods, safety, and quality systems.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, ethics, and teamwork consistent with Hill’s/Colgate values.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field (Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or related scientific discipline).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a Manufacturing Quality or Laboratory role (food, pet food, pharmaceutical, or other GMP-regulated environment).
• Experience working within formal quality systems (HACCP, cGMP, FSMA, or similar) and supporting audits.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior supervisory or team‑lead experience in a Quality Lab or quality systems function.
• Knowledge of HACCP, Food Safety, FSMA, Statistical Process Control, and Colgate Quality Standards.
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP and electronic Quality/ Lab systems.
• Advanced problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven mindset for decision‑making.(e.g. Looker Studio, Domo, etc)
• Excellent communication skills with a focus on collaborative problem‑solving.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range $86,000.00 - $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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.