2026 Commercial LEAD Summer Associate

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number #167079 - Overland Park, 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.

Are you an MBA or Master’s student considering a career in Brand Marketing, Digital Marketing or Customer Development (Sales)? Join Hill’s Pet Nutrition today! We offer a unique opportunity for you to gain invaluable commercial experience and build your career through our Hill’s Commercial LEAD Program.

Over the course of our 10-Week 2026 Hill’s Commercial LEAD Summer Associate Program, you will :

Perform strategic project work while immersed in the day-to-day business

Get hands-on experience in helping drive growth for our iconic science-led pet nutrition

Learn through a robust training program, interact with leadership and receive mentorship

Enjoy lively networking sessions with Hill’s leadership and participate in exciting social events in and around Kansas City

Become a valuable part of a caring company that gives back to our people, community, and the planet

Upon completion of the 10-Week 2026 Summer Associate Program and your Masters or MBA, based on performance you may progress to joining the Full-Time Commercial LEAD Program which will begin Summer / Fall of 2027.

The Hill’s Commercial LEAD Program is structured as a 2-Year experience to understand the Hill’s business, build capabilities, build networks, and lead project teams within the organization. Here are some examples of what you may be doing in each rotation (not exhaustive or exclusive) :

Customer Development (Sales) Rotation - 6 months based in one of our Sales Offices across the US

Learn how our products are sold to our customers and consumers both brick and mortar and eCommerce

Develop your analytical and storytelling skills

Analyze category, customer & shopper data to maximize commercial effectiveness

Global Marketing Rotation - 6 months based on the Global Marketing team in Overland Park, KS

Manage and execute global innovations and strategy from brand concept to launch

Collaborate and build network with other Colgate & Hill’s teams around the globe

Build strategic thinking skills as you help manage global brand equities and innovative rollouts

US Marketing - 6 months on the US Marketing team in Overland Park, KS

Gain hands-on experience in brand management, shopper marketing or Media.

Involve in various aspects of the marketing process and go-to-market strategy

Develop your analytical and storytelling skills

US Digital Transformation - 6 months on the US DIgital Transformation team in Overland Park, KS

Identify growth opportunities for our customer experience and digital engagements

Learn digital product management and its strategic purpose to drive business results

Help roadmap and optimize our digital ecosystems

Upon successful completion of Commercial LEAD Program, and based on your performance, you may join our team in a final placement in our Commercial business Organization. The cross-functional experience in the Hill’s Commercial LEAD Program will give you the tools you’ll need to help manage our business and will set you on the path toward a successful long-term career with the company! Our practice of promoting from within and career development opportunities within Colgate-Palmolive will further enhance your opportunities within our organization.

Who You Are :

You are a rapid, self-driven learner who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has a constant thirst for knowledge with continuous curiosity

You are a multitasker who can balance analytics, creativity, and strategic thinking while making quick progress in the rapidly changing business landscape

You are a strong communicator who can stand up for what you believe, seek new opportunities and solutions and is able to drive clarity in ambiguous situations

You are a true collaborator who loves working in close-knit, dynamic teams

You are passionate about Consumer Goods and have a ‘can-do’ attitude with a willingness to roll up your sleeves, experiment, act courageously and challenge the status quo.

An analytical thinker who can take raw data and transform it to actionable insights including basic understanding of analytical tools or CPG data sets

Requirements :

Currently enrolled in an accredited MBA, or Master’s program with i

ntended graduation date between April - June 2027.

Minimum of 4 years prior professional experience, with key involvement in business analysis and cross-functional project management

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. now or in the future. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment Visa (such as H1-B) at this time.

Preferred Knowledge & Skills :

Data & Analytics, Project Management, influence and negotiation skills, financial proficiency, commercial business expertise, brand management, eCommerce experience

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range $105,840.00 - $123,480.00 USD

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 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our purpose starts with our people — ensuring our workforce represents the people and communities we serve —and creating an environment where our people feel they belong; where we can be our authentic selves, feel treated with respect and have the support of leadership to impact the business in a meaningful way.

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.

For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here .

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