Processing Area Leader

Job Overview

Join Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a leading global provider of premium pet nutrition. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a global experience, constant challenge, and development opportunities in an environment that respects work/life effectiveness.

Travel required:

up to 10% of time.

Location:

Bowling Green, Kentucky, United States. On-site.

Processing Area Leader reporting to the Sr. Manager of Plant Operations, responsible for the strategic execution of all processing production and maintenance activities at the Bowling Green facility. Primary owner of continuous improvement initiatives and system reliability.

• Direct the operational strategy for the Processing department, ensuring alignment 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.
• 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 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.

• BA/BS degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or Business.
• 5+ years of 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.
• Proficiency in utilizing SAP for maintenance scheduling or production planning.

• Food related production experience.
• Technical proficiency in ROI, continuous improvement tools, training, conflict resolution, presentation skills, financial measures, SAP, Wonderware, AIB, FDA, USDA, and other regulatory agency design requirements.
• Proficiency in Statistical Process Control, CpK and Continuous Improvement Methodologies.

Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment, including bending, climbing, crawling, kneeling, working from heights, working in confined spaces and hazardous conditions, and lifting up to 50 lbs. Must be able 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 and wear required PPE and fall protection.

Ability to work from heights and routinely climb 3+ flights of stairs. Ability to work irregular shifts and on all shifts as needed.

Salary Range: $96,800.00 – $ USD. Salary determined by experience, qualifications, and location. Employees may be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit‑sharing, and long‑term incentives for executive‑level roles. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, 401(k) plan with company matching, minimum 15 vacation/PTO days for salaried employees (120 hours for hourly employees), 13 paid holidays, and paid sick leave per local laws.

We develop strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers worldwide and foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging.

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 the accommodation request form if you require accommodation.