Director, US Quality Operations

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.

Job Title:

Director, US Quality Operations

Travel Required?:
Travel - 25% of time

Posting

Start Date:

10/16/25

Hybrid

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country

Job Number#169864 - 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.

The Director, Regional Quality Operations is responsible for leading the execution and continuous improvement of Corporate Quality Assurance and Food Safety programs at designated U.S. manufacturing sites. This role involves building strong relationships with Plant Quality Managers, Plant Managers, Science & Technology (S&T) Managers, and other cross-functional leaders. The Director oversees U.S. Technology Transfer and/or Quality Excellence programs, and ensures compliance with Hill’s/Colgate Quality Standards through various initiatives, including regulatory compliance, technology transfer, supplier management, contract manufacturing, product and ingredient non-conformance, microbiology & food safety, training, and product and process quality.

Furthermore, the position reviews and helps resolve consumer and pre-consumer complaints related to products manufactured at these sites.

• Help create and drive the execution of the Colgate Quality Standards, Hill’s Food Safety Programs and Regulatory requirements in countries of product use.
• Oversees select US Sites as well as co-lead Technology Transfer process and/or Hill’s Quality Excellence program.
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement for product quality across manufacturing sites.
• Monitor and improve Plant Quality Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) by providing regular feedback and guidance to manufacturing facilities.
• Collaborate with S&T, Supply Chain, and other cross-functional teams to ensure Right First Time (RFT) design and execution in new and existing processes.
• Lead and implement quality improvement initiatives, aligning global standards with regional needs.
• Execute audits of Hill’s facilities and ensures 3rd party compliance readiness at each site.
• Develops employee skills in support of succession planning.
• Manage investigative process for consumer complaints, ensure completion of and report back to management on corrective and preventative actions concerning sensitive issues, production run alerts and trend alerts.
• Build strong cross-functional collaborative relationships with key stakeholders such as operations, procurement, and R&D.

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific or related field.
• 10+ years experience in quality, manufacturing, regulatory, or food safety within the food or pet food industry.
• 7+ years experience managing teams across various disciplines.
• Thorough understanding of regulatory environment in the region (FDA and USDA).