Since 1846 we’ve been committed to providing products consumers can count on - for now and for years to come - all around the world. Our power brands such as Arm & Hammer™️, Xtra™️ and Waterpik®️ are household names, relied upon by millions of customers. As we’ve grown, we’ve been sure to build our culture around the tenants of courage, determination and team spirit. We’re united by our small company feel and inspired by opportunities to make our mark.
But what’s it like to really work for Church & Dwight? How does it feel to roll your sleeves up and be right at the heart of the action, in the thick of things, making our company tick?
In this blog series, we sat down and interviewed key players in our business to uncover what they do, where they operate and why they enjoy coming to work every day. Each of these employees adds tremendous value to Church & Dwight.
Today we spoke with Chris C., a Logistics Manager in the finished goods distribution team at our plant in Harrisonville, Missouri.
Chris joined the business as a Hiring Our Heroes Fellow and then full-time in December 2020 after a distinguished 23-year career in the military. Chris’ experience with the US Army has enabled him to seamlessly transition into his role at Church & Dwight, where he is responsible for managing over 120 salaried, full-time hourly and temporary employees.
Chris uses his training and leadership skills to manage all aspects of our distribution operation – from the delivery of raw materials to production lines through to the storage, loading and shipping of bulk finished goods, both domestically and internationally.
A brand that has stood the test of time
After more than two decades in the military, Chris knew he wanted to move into the private sector but didn’t want to settle at any business – he specifically wanted to work for a company with a strong past and an exciting future.
“The first thing that attracted me was the name and the brand,” notes Chris. “Church & Dwight is a company that has existed and been successful for 175 years, with no signs of slowing down.”
With a history that spans nearly two centuries, we’re all proud to work for a company that has stood the test of time and continues to innovate, adapt and grow. This was a big selling point in Chris’ decision to join the business.
“Church & Dwight brands are instantly recognizable. It’s one of those things that jumps at you, and I wanted to work for a company that was established and here to stay,” notes Chris.
From the military to management – in the middle of a pandemic
Chris began working with us at the height of the pandemic, which is no easy feat for anyone, let alone someone moving into their first private sector role in their career.
“I became employed by Church & Dwight in the middle of the pandemic, but one thing that stood out to me was the brand. It didn’t suffer – it kept going.”
Chris was always attracted to supply chain management, but naturally had some doubts about how his experience in the US Army would carry over into the manufacturing and consumer goods space.
“To be honest, I wasn’t sure this late in the game, having been in the army for over two decades, whether I would be able to enter the industry and be successful.”
No surprise to anyone, Chris has excelled in his role. He is responsible for managing case pick, bulk loading, receiving, inventory control and order management for multiple varieties of Arm & Hammer™️ and OxiClean™️ detergents, working across two facilities that encompass a total of 695,000 square feet and over 38,000 pallet positions.
Chris attributes much of his success to his background in the military, adding, “My leadership training in the military, alongside my knowledge and skills of how to manage people and develop and improve processes, has helped me be successful at Church & Dwight.”
A culture of personal responsibility, accountability, and trust
At Church & Dwight, we empower our team members to take on responsibility, roll up their sleeves and get to work.
Chris’ journey with us, even in such a short amount of time, is a testament to this. In our conversation, Chris emphasizes the support and trust he receives from colleagues and bosses at his plant.
“My plant manager trusts my judgment and gives me the authority to make decisions. He basically says, ‘Hey, this is your show. You can run it how you wish’.”
Chris adds, “I really appreciate that from him. I’m not sure whether that happens in other organizations, but that’s something that definitely stands out.”
As Chris continues to learn and grow in his role, the plant manager increasingly relies on him to make informed decisions.
Chris poignantly concludes, “I’m humbled by the fact that the plant manager has given me the responsibility and trust to make that decision.”
This story typifies the culture here at Church & Dwight, where each of us has the potential to roll up our sleeves, get down to work and progress at our own pace. We couldn’t be prouder to have Chris join us as a member of our team.
Ready to join us?
If you’re motivated by working hard, leading teams, and solving challenges, then a career as a Logistics Manager can provide you with the opportunity to take personal responsibility for all aspects of our distribution operation. We’re an open and upfront workplace, so you’ll be given the authority, respect, and trust to solve challenges and make a real contribution.
With competitive wages and benefits, everyone is rewarded for their hard work. If you are a strong team player, you’ll thrive in this company.
Learn more about our company, our culture, and the latest career opportunities at https://careers.churchdwight.com/jobs/
