Operational Technology Leader

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country

Job Number #173151 - Topeka, 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.

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.

At Hill’s we have a purpose to transform the lives of millions of pet families through pioneering innovation, science‑led nutrition, and the best and brightest people. If you’re interested in work that matters, fueled by passion for pets, we invite you to apply.

Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill’s mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Our decades of science and research guide us in creating nutrition that’s a step ahead so pets and pet parents can enjoy every day together. As the US #1 Veterinarian‑recommended pet food brand, knowledge is our first ingredient with 220+ veterinarians, PhD nutritionists and food scientists working to develop breakthrough innovations in pet health.

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 are the primary subject matter expert overseeing the convergence of plant floor systems and secure network infrastructure. By leading high‑impact technology projects, you ensure our operations deliver premium nutrition to pets everywhere while meeting global integration standards.

• Strategic OT Management:
  Lead and execute manufacturing system projects across areas of plant floor systems, PLC control, devices and instrumentation, and networking, from conception to completion. Enforce standards that ensure global consistency of manufacturing and integration systems.
• Automation & Controls Execution:
  Use technical skills including PLC/Archestra programming, HMI screen development, and data acquisition/analytics to integrate and improve automation and manufacturing system projects.
• Infrastructure & Security:
  Manage the configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of OT network infrastructure, ensuring cybersecurity integrity and reliable performance of plant floor control systems.
• Leadership & Partnership:
  Supervise OT resources and establish strong relationships with plant leadership, engineering, and global Manufacturing System, Automation, and IT teams. Participate in local plant meetings to provide updates on project performance.
• Continuous Improvement:
  Analyze system performance to identify opportunities for automation, efficiency improvements, and cost savings. Utilize 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
• Demonstrated expertise in Allen‑Bradley PLCs, Wonderware (Archestra, MES, InTouch), and Microsoft SQL Server
• Previous 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…