Job Information
Colgate-Palmolive Operations Technician (Pilot Plant) in Topeka, Kansas
No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #172141 - Topeka, 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.
Operations Technician – Pilot Plant (Experimental Food Lab)
Location: Hill’s Pet Nutrition Research & Development Center (Pet Nutrition Center)
Job Summary
Are you passionate about the science behind pet health? Hill’s Pet Nutrition is looking for a dedicated Operations Technician to join our Experimental Food Lab (EFL). In this role, you will provide vital support to our process technicians, ensuring the seamless development of new products and cutting-edge process technologies. From staging raw materials to packaging finished products, your work will directly contribute to the nutrition that helps pets live longer, healthier lives.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
You will be responsible for the following core tasks:
Production Support: Stage, weigh, and blend raw ingredients according to precise formula specifications.
Facility Care: Maintain a pristine work area and equipment using both wash-down and dry-cleaning techniques.
Packaging & Logistics: Package and label wet and dry test products for transfer; move equipment and materials to assist in set-up and clean-up for test runs.
Quality & Compliance: * Assist in evaluating raw ingredients for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and specification compliance.
Perform “in-process” analysis of intermediate and finished products.
Innovation: Assist EFL technicians in testing new equipment and processes; remain receptive to new ideas and emerging technologies.
Safety First: Promote and adhere to all industry/corporate safety standards and GMP guidelines.
Requirements & Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
Education: High School Diploma or GED.
Experience: Previous experience in manufacturing, maintenance, machining operations, or equipment handling.
Technical Literacy: Ability to read and interpret safety rules, GMPs, and general instructions.
Availability: Must be able to work shifts up to 12 hours.
Physical Readiness: Must successfully meet the minimum requirements of the PNC-EFL Pre-work Screen/RTW Assessment.
Preferred Qualifications:
1+ years of experience in manufacturing, maintenance/machining, or equipment operations.
Experience working with quality control systems.
Experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or manufacturing software (e.g., SAP, PAWS, or similar inventory management systems).
Proficiency with Google Workspace (Gmail, Sheets, Gemini, etc.).
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
This is a physically active role within a dynamic R&D environment. Candidates must be able to:
Walk and remain on their feet for at least 80% of a scheduled shift, including climbing multiple stairs and ladders.
Work at heights up to 30 ft. and navigate various physical positions (bending 90°, flexing knees 120°, crawling, and kneeling).
Operate in varied environments, ranging from standard office settings to areas with significant dust, noise, and temperature extremes (cold, hot, and humid).
Maintain corrected vision to a minimum of 20/40 with full peripheral vision for forklift operation.
Wear all required PPE, including hearing, eye, foot, dust, and fall protection.
Core Competencies
As a part of the Colgate-Palmolive family, we look for leaders who embody:
Leadership: Delivering outstanding results, fostering teamwork, and ensuring effective execution.
Functional Excellence: Self-awareness, encouraging open dialogue, and a strong focus on the consumer/customer.
Growth Mindset: A demonstrated desire to rotate through all areas of the facility and a willingness to learn new techniques.
Ready to help us lead the way in pet nutrition? Apply today!
Would you like me to draft a set of initial screening questions based on these requirements to help filter candidates?
Compensation and Benefits
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 participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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. Please complete this request form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaxk_eF4utznQoVHlxmL9jVFJbOkM4Oe5CAdKOg-h9EPdLfg/viewform) should you require accommodation.
For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here (https://www.colgatepalmolive.com/content/dam/cp-sites/corporate/corporate/en_us/corp/locale-assets/pdf/colgate-terms-and-conditions-2023.pdf) .
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