Colgate Palmolive

Quality Food Safety Team Leader

Colgate Palmolive$86K — $121K *
Food & Beverages
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, Chemical/Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
  • At least 3 years of food safety experience in manufacturing with HACCP and FDA/USDA knowledge.
  • Experience with Cleaning and Sanitation programs.

Responsibilities

  • Direct plant food safety programs compliance including HACCP and FDA regulations.
  • Lead investigations of food safety issues and root-cause analysis.
  • Manage readiness for GMP audits and regulatory inspections.
  • Oversee microbial sampling plans based on Quality SOPs.
  • Conduct internal GMP audits to identify operational risks.
  • Collaborate with engineering on sanitary design in projects.
  • Deliver food safety training for onboarding and skill enhancement.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Basic life insurance and disability coverage.
  • Paid parental leave.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
  • Minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days and 13 paid holidays.
Full Job Description
No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #175474 - Topeka, Kansas, United States

Quality Food Safety Team Leader

Are you ready to lead plant-wide food safety standards and drive quality excellence in a dynamic manufacturing environment? As the Quality Food Safety Team Leader, you will spearhead our food safety programs, ensuring total compliance with regulatory standards and continuous improvement across factory operations. In this role, you will empower plant operational teams through targeted training, rigorous auditing, and data-driven root cause analyses to safeguard product integrity. You will also collaborate cross-functionally with plant engineering to shape hygienic design and elevate our safety culture.

Responsibilities:
  • Direct the execution and daily compliance of plant food safety programs, including HACCP, Food Safety Plans, Pest Control, Environmental Monitoring, and FDA regulatory standards.
  • Lead non-conformance investigations for food safety and micro deviations, driving root-cause analysis through the Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) process.
  • Lead internal GMP audits and manage facility readiness for external regulatory and third-party inspections, including FDA, USDA, and SQF audits.
  • Manage the environmental swabbing and microbial sampling plans in strict alignment with Quality Standard Operating Procedures.
  • Oversee internal GMP and quality system audits to proactively identify operational risks and track Quality Key Performance Indicators.
  • Partner with Plant Engineering to integrate sanitary equipment design into new capital projects and production enhancements.
  • Design and deliver targeted food safety training programs to onboard new personnel and upskill operational teams.


Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Biology, Chemical/Mechanical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
  • Minimum of 3 years of hands-on food safety experience in a manufacturing environment with HACCP and FDA/USDA regulatory systems.
  • Experience in Cleaning and Sanitation programs.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Active HACCP Certification and PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual) certification.
  • ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) or Certified Quality Technician (CQT) designation.
  • Proven track record of managing comprehensive sanitation validation and allergen control programs.
  • Strong cross-functional leadership skills with the ability to influence cross-departmental teams and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Data-driven decision-making mindset with experience synthesizing audit data into actionable process improvements.


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.

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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
Net Income
$2.6 billion
Founded
1806
5 Year Trend
+2.8%
Revenue
$16.4 billion
NASDAQ

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