Quality Systems Team Leader

Location: Tonganoxie

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country

Job Number #173692 - Tonganoxie, Kansas, United States

** Who We Are*
* 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.

Required Qualifications

+ 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.

** Preferred qualifications include:*
* + Prior supervisory or team‑lead experience in a Quality Lab or quality systems function.

+ Knowledge of HACCP, Food Safety, FSMA, Statistical Process Control, and Colgate Quality Standards.

+

Experience with SAP or similar ERP and electronic Quality/ Lab systems.

+ Advanced problem-solving skills with a data-driven mindset for decision-making.(e.g. Looker Studio, Domo, etc)

+ Excellent communication skills with a focus on collaborative problem-solving

** Compensation and Benefits*
* Salary Range $86,000.00 - $ 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…