Manager, Plant Operations

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Colgate-Palmolive seeks an Operations Manager for the Emporia plant to lead manufacturing, report to Plant Manager, and drive operational excellence by integrating people, materials and equipment while ensuring safety and quality compliance. You will steer site performance, own the budget, and partner with HR to shape labor strategy. Requirements: bachelor’s degree in engineering, business or related field; 5+ years in production or manufacturing management; 2+ years supervisory; budget management experience. MBA preferred; quality function experience and analytics valued. Relocation assistance available within the U.S., onsite in Emporia, salary range $124,000 to $174,000 USD, comprehensive benefits. Apply with a targeted resume showing measurable safety and efficiency improvements, cross functional leadership, data driven decisions, and alignment with Colgate’s Caring, Inclusive and Courageous values.

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country
Job Number #173964 - Emporia, Kansas, 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.
 

Role Summary:

As the Operations Manager reporting to the Plant Manager, you will lead all manufacturing activities to deliver world-class business results and positive employee relations. This role is exciting for a strategic leader who wants to guide and empower team leaders to implement plant strategy and align operations with corporate goals. Your single most important mission is to drive operational excellence and plant performance through the integration of people, materials, and equipment while maintaining 100% compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities:

• Drive Strategic Site Operations and Performance: Lead the people, materials, and manufacturing processes to deliver plant performance objectives and ensure high service levels for internal and external customers.

• Lead Financial and Resource Management: Own the development and supervision of plant operating budgets while implementing manufacturing cost reduction and productivity programs.

• Champion Continuous Improvement and FP&R: Drive the effective implementation of new technology and Factory Performance & Reliability (FP&R) programs to identify and resolve performance gaps.

• Foster Organizational Capability and Labor Strategy: Partner with HR and Plant leadership to develop site labor strategies and empower teams through coaching, appraisals, and professional development.

• Ensure Regulatory and Business Integrity: Maintain accountability for adherence to EOHS, Quality, and Regulatory guidelines while ensuring the integrity of finished goods replenishment and new product introductions.

• Facilitate Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with the site leadership team and direct reports—including Operations Engineers and Area Leaders—to ensure seamless execution of the production schedule.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain Management or related field.

• 5+ years of Supply Chain experience in Production or Manufacturing Management.

• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing supervisory role.

• Proven experience in budget management and cost reduction initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA or a Supply Chain-related post-graduate degree.

• Demonstrated understanding of the Quality function within a manufacturing environment.

• Strong functional competency in Technology Innovation and Consumer/Competitive Insight.

• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make critical decisions under pressure.

Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range $124,000.00 - $174,000.00 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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