Colony Operations Team Lead

Colgate•Topeka, KS

88d•Onsite

About The Position

The Colony Operations Team Leader provides operational oversight and direction throughout the canine and feline animal colonies. This role takes ownership of performance management and development for animal care personnel, as well as ongoing allocation of human resources to efficiently achieve research objectives. They take responsibility for working with Site Services and outside contractors to maintain facilities and equipment to meet federal and state regulations and Hill’s Global Animal Welfare Standards. The Operations Team Leaders also interface with other departments including Product Development and Research and Innovation in order to actively facilitate efficient execution of organizational research priorities.

Requirements

Minimum Associate's degree (Associates of Science, Registered Veterinary Technician, or similar).
5+ years of experience in a regulated, high-standard environment such as animal care, research facilities, medical/clinical operations, or manufacturing/operations.
2+ years’ experience in managing and leading teams
Proficiency with Google Applications (Docs, Sheets, Drive) and Microsoft Office.
Ability to work a flexible schedule supporting a 365-day operation, including routine weekend/holiday rotations.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) for coaching staff and communicating upwards about data collection anomalies or technical problems
Excellent ability to multi-task and prioritize duties
Proficient Computer skills including; Google and Microsoft Office applications.
Aptitude for learning BI reporting.
Excellent at identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts for analysis
Excellent attention to detail
Excellent at using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with regulations, policies, or standards
Teamwork orientation
Must be able to work comfortably with both cats and dogs.
Ability to stand, bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 lbs repetitively to assist with animal transfers or equipment operation.
Must be able to tolerate working conditions including loud noise (barking), heat, humidity, and animal odors for extended periods.
Ability to work safely with industrial chemicals and detergents required for maintaining colony hygiene.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) in Animal Science, Veterinary Technology, Biology, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
Working knowledge of regulatory requirements such as USDA, KDA, FDA, AAFCO, or AALAS standards
Experience with animal health, behavior, and research protocols, as well as continuous improvement methodologies

Responsibilities

Serves as the primary leadership partner for the Colony Team Coordinator while maintaining an "open-door" presence for the ACRT team; provides overarching direction to ensure shift productivity and research protocol adherence while acting as a direct resource for staff at all levels to resolve complex issues.
Plans and allocates resources and ensures staffing coverage to achieve daily animal care schedules and deliver area KPIs.
Establishes a safe work environment and ensures strict compliance with facility policies, Hill’s Global Animal Welfare Policy, and Animal Colony Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Analyzes and reports shift performance data (KPIs, data integrity, sanitation schedules), identifies opportunities for improvement, and conducts shift meetings to communicate goals.
Empowers the team through training, coaching, and feedback to ensure the development of technical skills in animal handling, health assessments, and research data collection, while also coaching technicians and team coordinators to work through interpersonal challenges and strengthen their leadership capabilities.
Acts as the primary liaison between the colony and key partners—including Scientists, Test Schedulers, IT, Wearables, and Maintenance—to serve as the "point person" for study feasibility; evaluates new methodologies and data collection technologies to determine what works for the colony, ensuring that new processes are efficient, sustainable, and balance research goals with operational excellence.
Works with the Team Coordinators to maintain an active presence on the floor at all times to oversee cleaning, sanitation, feeding, and enrichment activities, ensuring all tasks meet high-quality standards.
Facilitates strategic problem-solving, including implementation of complex or novel research protocols, scheduling to maintain adequate coverage 365 days a year, and allocation of human resources to allow for research data collection, animal health care, and adequate hygiene.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance safety, address ergonomic issues, reduce waste, improve operational efficiency and promote animal overall well-being.
Utilizes technology (e.g., FMS, PAWS, PAWS mobile app) to coordinate effective daily feeding and data collection.
Conduct 1-on-1s and performance reviews; create individual development plans (IDPs); manage conflict resolution; lead the search, selection, and onboarding of new talent.
Oversees the timekeeping and vacation request systems to ensure all hours and leave are recorded accurately and approved on time; monitors attendance patterns to ensure the attendance policy guidelines are applied consistently and fairly while maintaining necessary shift coverage.
Other job functions as assigned

Benefits

medical
dental
vision
basic life insurance
paid parental leave
disability coverage
participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements.
a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days
13 paid holidays
Paid sick leave