Colgate Palmolive

Operations Team Lead

Colgate Palmolive • $95K — $105K *
Topeka, KS 66614In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Minimum Associate's degree related to animal care or veterinary technology.
  • 5+ years of experience in regulated environments such as research or clinical operations.
  • 2+ years in management and leadership roles.
  • Proficient in Google Applications and Microsoft Office.
  • Flexibility to support a year-round operational schedule, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the Colony Operations Team while maintaining open communication with all staff.
  • Plan resources and ensure coverage for effective animal care schedules.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards and animal welfare policies.
  • Analyze performance data and identify improvement opportunities.
  • Train and develop staff in animal handling and research protocols.
  • Liaise with cross-functional teams to evaluate new research methodologies.
  • Oversee daily operational activities related to animal care and research.
  • Facilitate problem-solving and optimize resource allocation for research needs.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Paid parental leave and disability coverage.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
  • Minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days plus 13 paid holidays.
  • Adjustments to sick leave based on local laws and role requirements.
Full Job Description
No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #173305 - Topeka, Kansas, United States

Job Summary

The Colony Operations Team Leader provides operational oversight and direction throughout the canine and feline animal colonies. This role takes ownership of performance management and development for animal care personnel, as well as ongoing allocation of human resources to efficiently achieve research objectives. They take responsibility for working with Site Services and outside contractors to maintain facilities and equipment to meet federal and state regulations and Hill's Global Animal Welfare Standards. The Operations Team Leaders also interface with other departments including Product Development and Research and Innovation in order to actively facilitate efficient execution of organizational research priorities.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Team Leadership: Serves as the primary leadership partner for the Colony Team Coordinator while maintaining an "open-door" presence for the ACRT team; provides overarching direction to ensure shift productivity and research protocol adherence while acting as a direct resource for staff at all levels to resolve complex issues.
  • Resource Planning: Plans and allocates resources and ensures staffing coverage to achieve daily animal care schedules and deliver area KPIs.
  • Safety and Compliance: Establishes a safe work environment and ensures strict compliance with facility policies, Hill's Global Animal Welfare Policy, and Animal Colony Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Performance Analysis: Analyzes and reports shift performance data (KPIs, data integrity, sanitation schedules), identifies opportunities for improvement, and conducts shift meetings to communicate goals.
  • Training and Development: Empowers the team through training, coaching, and feedback to ensure the development of technical skills in animal handling, health assessments, and research data collection, while also coaching technicians and team coordinators to work through interpersonal challenges and strengthen their leadership capabilities.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration & Research Strategy: Acts as the primary liaison between the colony and key partners-including Scientists, Test Schedulers, IT, Wearables, and Maintenance-to serve as the "point person" for study feasibility; evaluates new methodologies and data collection technologies to determine what works for the colony, ensuring that new processes are efficient, sustainable, and balance research goals with operational excellence.
  • Operational Oversight: Works with the Team Coordinators to maintain an active presence on the floor at all times to oversee cleaning, sanitation, feeding, and enrichment activities, ensuring all tasks meet high-quality standards.
  • Problem Solving: Facilitates strategic problem-solving, including implementation of complex or novel research protocols, scheduling to maintain adequate coverage 365 days a year, and allocation of human resources to allow for research data collection, animal health care, and adequate hygiene.
  • Process Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, address ergonomic issues, reduce waste, improve operational efficiency and promote animal overall well-being.
  • Technical Integration: Utilizes technology (e.g., FMS, PAWS, PAWS mobile app) to coordinate effective daily feeding and data collection.
  • People Management & Development: Conduct 1-on-1s and performance reviews; create individual development plans (IDPs); manage conflict resolution; lead the search, selection, and onboarding of new talent.
  • Workforce & Attendance Management: Oversees the timekeeping and vacation request systems to ensure all hours and leave are recorded accurately and approved on time; monitors attendance patterns to ensure the attendance policy guidelines are applied consistently and fairly while maintaining necessary shift coverage.
  • Other job functions as assigned


Qualifications

Required:
  • Minimum Associate's degree (Associates of Science, Registered Veterinary Technician, or similar).
  • 5+ years of experience in a regulated, high-standard environment such as animal care, research facilities, medical/clinical operations, or manufacturing/operations.
  • 2+ years' experience in managing and leading teams
  • Proficiency with Google Applications (Docs, Sheets, Drive) and Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule supporting a 365-day operation, including routine weekend/holiday rotations.

Preferred:
  • Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) in Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, Biology, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
  • Working knowledge of regulatory requirements such as USDA, KDA, FDA, AAFCO, or AALAS standards
  • Experience with animal health, behavior, and research protocols, as well as continuous improvement methodologies


Expected Areas of Skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) for coaching staff and communicating upwards about data collection anomalies or technical problems
  • Excellent ability to multi-task and prioritize duties
  • Proficient Computer skills including; Google and Microsoft Office applications. Aptitude for learning BI reporting.
  • Excellent at identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts for analysis
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Excellent at using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with regulations, policies, or standards
  • Teamwork orientation


Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to work comfortably with both cats and dogs.
  • Ability to stand, bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 lbs repetitively to assist with animal transfers or equipment operation.
  • Must be able to tolerate working conditions including loud noise (barking), heat, humidity, and animal odors for extended periods.
  • Ability to work safely with industrial chemicals and detergents required for maintaining colony hygiene.


Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range $95,000.00 - $105,000.00 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.

#LI-On-site

About Colgate Palmolive

Colgate-Palmolive Company (Colgate) is a consumer products company whose products are marketed in over 200 countries and territories throughout the world. It operates in two segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Oral Care business products include Colgate Total, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, Colgate Max Fresh, Colgate Optic White, and Colgate Luminous White toothpastes, Colgate 360° manual toothbrushes and Colgate and Colgate Plax mouth rinses. Colgate's Oral Care business also includes dental floss and pharmaceutical products for dentists and oral health professionals. Its Personal Care products also include Palmolive, Softsoap and Sanex brand shower gels, Palmolive, Irish Spring, and Protex bar soaps and Speed Stick, Lady Speed Stick and Sanex deodorants and antiperspirants. It sells liquid hand soap under the Palmolive, Protex and Softsoap brands. Colgate, through its Hill's Pet Nutrition segment (Hill's), manufactures pet nutrition products for dogs and cats.

Colgate-Palmolive Careers

Join the vibrant team at Colgate-Palmolive, a global leader in oral care, personal care, and pet nutrition, where innovation, leadership, and care converge to create outstanding job opportunities. At Colgate-Palmolive, we are committed to offering more than just employment; we are dedicated to providing a platform where careers flourish and talents shine.

Work You’ll Do

At Colgate-Palmolive, every position is a chance to enhance global health and well-being. Whether you're involved in product development, marketing, finance, or technology, you'll contribute to projects that touch lives worldwide. Our team's diversity and commitment to inclusive leadership help foster an environment where new ideas and perspectives lead to dynamic solutions.

Innovate and Grow

Join a company renowned for innovation and set your career on a trajectory of growth and discovery. Colgate-Palmolive is the perfect place to challenge your skills and expand your horizons. Here, innovation isn't just another buzzword—it's a practical part of how we approach solutions and processes to improve the lives of our consumers.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our culture is all about collaboration and teamwork. At Colgate-Palmolive, you’ll work alongside professionals who are leaders in their fields, united by a common goal to make every day better for people around the globe. Our team is supported by robust diversity training programs that enhance understanding and drive innovation.

Future-Proof Your Career

With a multitude of career paths and job opportunities at all levels, Colgate-Palmolive empowers you to tailor your career journey. From internships to leadership roles, every career stage at Colgate-Palmolive is supported by extensive training and professional development opportunities, ensuring that your career aspirations have no limits.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Colgate-Palmolive offers a range of opportunities. Explore positions that match your skills and interests through our job portal. We are continuously hiring and looking for curious, creative, and driven individuals to join our team.

Networking and Professional Development

At Colgate-Palmolive, career growth is complemented by opportunities for networking and professional development. Engage with leaders and peers at all levels and take advantage of our comprehensive benefits and programs designed to enhance your life both inside and outside of work.

Prepare for Your Interview

Ready to join us? Polish your resume, prepare for your interview, and show us why you are a perfect fit for our team. At Colgate-Palmolive, we value a straightforward and insightful interview process that seeks out individuals eager to contribute and grow.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Colgate-Palmolive: - **Career Tips**: Get insider perspectives and industry-leading insights you can use today—all from the people who work here. - **Job Alert Emails**: Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Colgate-Palmolive. Join Colgate-Palmolive and be part of a company that believes in growth, innovation, and the power of a diverse team to lead the industry forward. Explore our careers page and find out how your skills and passions can make a difference at one of the most respected companies in the world.
Learn more about Colgate Palmolive
Size
33,800 employees
Market Cap
$66.6 billion
Industry
Food & Beverages
Net Income
$2.6 billion
Founded
1806
5 Year Trend
+2.8%
Revenue
$16.4 billion
NASDAQ
CL
* Ladders Estimates

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