Quality Systems Team Leader

A part of Colgate-Palmolive since 1976, Hill's Pet Nutrition offers the highest-quality pet nutrition available through product lines Prescription Diet® and Science Diet®. Veterinarians worldwide recommend and feed their own pets Hill's products more than any other brand of pet food.

Available in approximately 80 countries around the world, our extensive line of products includes more than 60 Prescription Diet brand pet foods and more than 50 Science Diet brand pet foods.

We believe all animals should be loved and cared for during their lifetimes. That is why we are proud our pet foods can make a difference in your pet's life.

A career at Hill’s Pet Nutrition or Colgate-Palmolive is an excellent opportunity if you seek a global experience, constant challenge, and development opportunities in an environment that respects work/life effectiveness.

Travel Required:

up to 10% of time

Posting

Start Date:

6/24/26

On-site

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country

Job Number#173692 - Tonganoxie, Kansas, United States

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name! Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet.

Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

The Quality Systems (Laboratory) Team Leader oversees the plant’s quality laboratory and related quality systems. The role ensures that all testing, documentation, and release activities support Hill’s/Colgate Quality Standards, HACCP, cGMP, FSMA, and other regulatory requirements, while leading and developing the lab team and driving continuous improvement in product and process quality.

• Lead day‑to‑day operation of the quality lab to ensure accurate, timely testing of raw materials, in‑process samples, and finished products.
• Ensure lab methods, equipment, and sampling plans are followed, current, and properly documented.
• Review and approve test results, ensuring that nonconformances are identified, escalated, and managed.
• Maintain laboratory procedures, work instructions, and records in line with Hill’s/Colgate Quality Standards, cGMP, FSMA, and other applicable regulations.
• Support and/or lead site programs such as HACCP, environmental monitoring, validation, calibration, and internal audits from the lab perspective.
• Ensure all lab activities support product release criteria and are aligned with site food safety and quality programs.
• Manage lab‑related documentation within the site document control system, ensuring version control and effective implementation.
• Lead and support investigations (nonconformances, out‑of‑spec results, customer complaints) and drive effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Use data and quality tools to monitor trends, identify risks, and drive continuous improvement in testing, processes, and methods.
• Prepare and present laboratory and quality systems evidence for internal, corporate, customer, and regulatory audits.
• Coordinate follow‑up actions and verify timely closure of audit findings related to lab and quality systems.
• Direct and schedule work for lab personnel; provide coaching, feedback, and performance reviews.
• Ensure appropriate onboarding, qualification, and ongoing training for all lab staff on methods, safety, and quality systems.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, ethics, and teamwork consistent with Hill’s/Colgate values.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field (Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or related scientific discipline).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a Manufacturing Quality or Laboratory role (food, pet food, pharmaceutical, or other GMP-regulated environment).
• Experience working within formal quality systems (HACCP, cGMP, FSMA, or similar) and supporting audits.