Summary: The Microbiology Lab Manager will lead and define the Microbiological Control Program, ensuring product quality and safety for Mission Hill plants and external manufacturers. Highlights: 1. Lead microbiological control program for product quality and safety 2. Partner with Production and Engineering for program development 3. Train and mentor laboratory staff for technical competency No Relocation Assistance Offered Job Number \#172485 \- San Jose Iturbide, Guanajuato, Mexico **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. ### **Role Summary:** As the **Microbiology Lab Manager**, you will define and lead the Microbiological Control Program for Mission Hill plants and external manufacturers (maquiladoras) to ensure all products meet QS 023 quality standards. Reporting to the Director, Quality \& Technology, you will act as a strategic partner to the Technical, Plant Engineering, and Operations teams to verify the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and equipment sanitization protocols. You will be responsible for the integrity of microbiological data and the continuous development of laboratory personnel, ensuring our products are released to the market with the highest safety standards. ### ### **Responsibilities:** * **Strategic Program Management:** Lead the design and execution of microbiological sampling and analysis programs for water, raw materials, bulk/finished products, and environmental factors (compressed air and equipment). * **Operational Excellence:** Partner with Production and Engineering departments to develop and maintain a comprehensive microbiological control program, ensuring all analyses are performed with high reliability and data integrity. * **Team Leadership \& Development:** Train and mentor laboratory staff using “Coaching \& Feedback” principles to build technical competency and support strategic career development. * **Compliance \& Auditing:** Act as the primary technical point of contact for internal and external audits, ensuring strict adherence to laboratory safety procedures and global quality metrics. * **Cross\-Functional Collaboration:** Interact with global and divisional microbiology/quality teams to capture key learnings and resolve instrumentation or methodology challenges within the production environment. ### ### **Required Qualifications:** * **Education:** Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology Engineering, Microbiology, or a related scientific field. * **Experience:** 5\+ years of experience in microbiological laboratory operations within a similar manufacturing environment. * **Technical Expertise:** Proven knowledge in General Microbiological Analysis, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). * **System Validation:** Demonstrated experience in the validation of critical systems (water, air) and statistical process control (SPC) within a plant or lab setting. * **Communication:** Minimum 80% English proficiency and advanced skills in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets) or Microsoft Office. ### ### **Preferred Qualifications:** * **Industry Experience:** Prior experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) or pharmaceutical industry. * **Problem Solving:** Advanced ability to troubleshoot complex instrumentation and methodology issues in a fast\-paced production environment. **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 should you require accommodation. \#LI\-On\-site