Operational Technology Leader

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country

Job Number #173159 – Clinton, Oklahoma, United States

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full‑time basis and must not require the Company’s sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.

Developing the future of digital manufacturing starts with you. As the Operational Technology Leader, you will architect the site’s digital transformation by bridging the gap between industrial automation and data‑driven performance. You will be the primary subject‑matter expert overseeing the convergence of plant‑floor systems and secure network infrastructure, leading high‑impact technology projects to ensure our operations deliver premium nutrition to pets worldwide while meeting global integration standards.

• Lead and execute manufacturing system projects across plant‑floor systems, PLC control, instrumentation, and networking from conception to completion, enforcing standards for global consistency.
• Apply technical skills in PLC/Archestra programming, HMI screen development, and data acquisition/analytics to integrate and improve automation and manufacturing system projects.
• Manage the configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of OT network infrastructure, ensuring cybersecurity integrity and reliable plant‑floor performance.
• Supervise OT resources and build strong relationships with plant leadership, engineering, and global Manufacturing System, Automation, and IT teams; participate in local plant meetings to provide project performance updates.
• Analyze system performance to identify automation, efficiency, and cost‑saving opportunities, utilizing Factory Performance & Reliability (FP&R) tools to deliver operational excellence.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in plant‑floor systems, integration, and automation controls within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in Allen‑Bradley PLCs, Wonderware (Archestra, MES, InTouch), and Microsoft SQL Server.
• Prior experience in people leadership or managing internal/external technical resources.

• Experience in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) or pet food manufacturing.
• Advanced knowledge of Aveva system platform or similar (MES, SCADA, ERP Integration).
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server.
• Advanced knowledge of IT/OT network design (Cisco, Industrial Ethernet).
• Familiarity with cybersecurity protocols specifically for industrial control systems.
• Strong understanding of Factory Performance & Reliability (FP&R) and Operational Excellence metrics.

Salary Range: $ – $ 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, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions (subject to eligibility). Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays. Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws.

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 if you require accommodation.