Processing Area Leader

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country Job Number #173062 - Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States Scope of Responsibility As the Processing Area Leader reporting to the Sr. Manager of Plant Operations, you will lead the strategic execution of all processing production and maintenance activities at the Bowling Green facility. You will be the primary owner of continuous improvement initiatives and system reliability, managing a team of Operations Focus Resources and Operations Coordinators to optimize plant quality and productivity. This is a critical leadership role designed to drive operational excellence through the implementation of FP&R standards and digital transformation across Raw, Batching, and Processing systems. Core Responsibilities Direct the operational strategy for the Processing department, ensuring all activities across Raw, Batching, and Receiving align with safety, quality, and Factory Performance & Reliability (FP&R) standards Lead and develop a high-performing technical team, providing coaching and mentorship to Focus Resources and Maintenance teams to enhance technical skills and site efficiencies Own the implementation of Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Preventive Maintenance (PM) programs, leveraging SAP data to maximize asset utilization and reduce unplanned downtime Drive data-driven continuous improvement by facilitating cross-functional reviews and ROI evaluations to optimize throughput, yield, and total delivered cost Collaborate as a key stakeholder with Plant Leadership and Quality Assurance to identify defects, establish corrective actions, and ensure 100% adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Food Safety standards Manage capital expenditure budgets and project timelines to deliver automation improvements and margin expansion within the processing area Required Qualifications BA/BS degree in a related field such as Engineering, Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain management, or Business 5+ years work experience in manufacturing, production or operations 3+ years of supervisory experience or management role leading technical/operational teams Ability to work irregular shifts and perform physical tasks including climbing 3+ flights of stairs and lifting up to 50 lbs Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing SAP for maintenance scheduling or production planning Preferred Experience Operations Team Leader experience Food related production experience Technical proficiency including: experience using ROI, continuous improvement tools, training others, conflict resolution, presentation skills, understanding of financial measures, SAP, Wonderware, AIB, FDA, USDA and other regulatory agency design requirements Proficient in Statistical Process Control, CPk and continuous improvement methodologies Physical Requirements Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment, including bending, climbing, crawling, kneeling, working from heights, confined spaces, hazardous conditions, and lifting up to 50 lbs Ability to work in the raw minor ingredient area, plant floor, and warehouse during reconciliation, inventory, and project activities Ability to work in an office environment Ability to wear all required PPE and fall protection equipment Ability to work from heights and routinely climb 3+ flights of stairs Ability to work irregular shifts and on all shifts as needed Compensation and Benefits Salary Range: $96,800.00 - $137,000.00 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, participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements, minimum 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours), 13 paid holidays, and paid sick leave adjusted per role and location. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr