Operational Technology Leader

Job Title

Operational Technology Leader

Topeka, Kansas, United States. Travel: up to 10% of time.

Develop the digital transformation of manufacturing by integrating plant floor systems and secure network infrastructure. Lead high‑impact technology projects, ensuring operations deliver premium nutrition to pets while meeting global integration standards.

• Lead and execute manufacturing system projects across plant floor systems, PLC control, devices and instrumentation, and networking, from conception to completion.
• Use PLC/Archestra programming, HMI screen development, and data acquisition/analytics to improve automation.
• Manage OT network configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting, ensuring cybersecurity integrity and reliable performance.
• Supervise OT resources and collaborate with plant leadership, engineering, and global Manufacturing Systems, Automation, and IT teams; provide project updates.
• Analyze system performance to identify automation, efficiency, and cost‑saving opportunities; utilize Factory Performance & Reliability tools.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Information Technology, or related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience in plant floor systems, integration, and automation controls within manufacturing.
• Expertise in Allen‑Bradley PLCs, Wonderware (Archestra, MES, InTouch), and Microsoft SQL Server.
• Experience managing internal or 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 for industrial control systems.
• Strong understanding of Factory Performance & Reliability and Operational Excellence metrics.

Salary range: $ – $ USD. Pay is determined by experience, qualifications, and location.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in 401(k) with company match. Additional benefits: 15 vacation/PTO days for salaried employees, 120 hours PTO for hourly employees, 13 paid holidays, and sick leave per local laws.

We foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging and can contribute meaningfully.

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.

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.