CI and Capabilities Manager & Site OPEX Leader

About the role

Provides strategic leadership for Continuous Improvement (CI) and capabilities processes and teams at the manufacturing site. Responsible for embedding a CI and change management mindset, developing capability and a learning culture through Training 4 Excellence (T4E) standards and processes, and driving cost savings and process improvements using Operational Excellence (OPEX), Lean Six Sigma (LSS), and Fuel to Grow (F2G). Fosters a strong, people-first culture while developing and cascading regional improvement strategy, defining metrics, and sponsoring cost savings initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Safety: Implement loss control, champion safety, and ensure a safe working environment by driving educational and behavioral processes through OPEX, LSS, and T4E tools.
• Quality: Champion and support Continuous Improvement and T4E programs to deliver quality and process capability improvements; ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• People & Culture: Focus on organizational transformation by managing direct reports (T4E Leader, Digital Manufacturing Leader), providing high-level planning for change management initiatives, and supporting team development.
• Training 4 Excellence (T4E): Provide leadership support to develop, facilitate, and manage site training strategies aligned with regional strategy; ensure collaboration between T4E and Digital Manufacturing to drive training and usage.
• Continuous Improvement: Provide strategic direction for site CI programs, reinforce iOPEX processes and tools, ensure standardization through CI and Culture of Accountability (CoA) practices, and facilitate Lean cultural development.
• Cost Savings: Lead Fuel to Grow (F2G) programs, ensure WAVE accuracy, manage weekly site WAVE/F2G meetings, and champion long-term savings and equipment effectiveness improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in a high-speed industrial manufacturing environment.
• Significant experience in Engineering, Operations, Lean Manufacturing, and Maintenance.
• Strong familiarity with Lean, Continuous Improvement, Operational Excellence (OPEX), Lean Six Sigma (LSS), and adult learning tools and theory.
• Six Sigma Black Belt Certification or progress toward certification.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and lead multi-functional teams, foster proactive environments, and develop large-scale strategies.
• Experience with problem-solving, project management, and proficiency with MS Suite.
• Experience across multiple plants, product systems, and leadership of exempt workforce is highly desired.
• Change management experience, including coaching and mentoring at all levels to drive collaboration.
• Change management certification or designation (e.g., Prosci) strongly desired.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits suite, including 401(k) and Profit Sharing plan.
• Eligibility for a target bonus.
• In-country relocation support for eligible candidates (per Kimberly-Clark’s mobility policies).

Pay

Salary range: $127,600 – $157,600 USD (location-dependent; compensation may vary based on role, skills, performance, and experience).

Schedule

Full-time position based in Jenks, OK (USA), with potential for additional locations.