Rapid Improvement Leader

Rapid Improvement Leader

Job Description

Please note - position is located in Jenks, OK. Kimberly-Clark relocation benefits available!

Join the team behind iconic brands like Huggies®, Kleenex®, Cottonelle®, Scott®, Kotex®, Poise®, Depend®, and Kimberly-Clark Professional®. At Kimberly-Clark, it’s all here for you—innovation, growth, and the chance to make a real impact. 

You’re not the person who will settle for just any role. Neither are we. Because we’re out to create Better Care for a Better World, and that takes a certain kind of person and teams who care about making a difference. Here, you’ll bring your professional expertise, talent, and drive to building and managing our portfolio of iconic, ground-breaking brands. In this role, you’ll help us deliver better care for billions of people around the world. It starts with YOU. 

You were made to create Better Care for a Better World: as Preventing and fixing problems on technologically advanced, high-speed machines that produce top-notch products for ¼ of the world’s population is no easy feat, but it’s worth it when you’re recognized often by your manager, supported by your team, and see the products you produce being used by your own family at the end of the day.

About You

In one of our professional roles, you’ll focus on winning with consumers and the market, while putting safety, mutual respect, and human dignity at the center. Job responsibilities include:

This individual will drive operational transformation across NA Manufacturing sites through execution of Rapid Improvement projects. They will utilize Six Sigma problem solving methods and LEAN tools to identify gaps, develop improvement plans, and execute solutions that deliver significant impact to MFG processes, organizational capability, and high-performance culture. They will provide overall ownership to execute Rapid Improvement projects, typically within a 3–5-month timeframe, ensuring rigorous and consistent application of standards. They will lead and coordinate a cross-functional team including plant operations, engineering, maintenance, Value Stream, logistics, quality, finance, digital and Enterprise Supply Chain to drive delivery of project goals. Additionally, they will be accountable to build capability within the plant teams to ensure sustainability of improved results. This role possesses the ability to influence others and drive collaboration across businesses and functions with minimum supervision. They will also be expected to drive effective stakeholder management across the organization through various forums and methods.

Incumbent reports to the NA Manufacturing Senior Transformation Leader. Position will provide onsite support at NA manufacturing sites during execution of the Rapid Improvement projects with an expectation of ~75% onsite travel throughout the project to ensure on-time completion. They will lead a cross-functional onsite team to ensure project goals are delivered, including support from 1-2 Staff Transformation Leaders. They will typically be assigned to 2-3 Rapid Improvements per year.

In this role, you will:

· Lead execution of multiple Rapid Improvement projects within NA MFG sites that deliver exceptional value (>$2MM annual impact) and drive overall operational transformation including aspirational targets.

· Utilize Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques with extreme rigor and discipline to deliver project goals in a 3–5-month timeframe following Enterprise standards.

· Lead and coordinate a cross-functional team including plant operations, engineering, maintenance, Value Stream, logistics, quality, finance, digital and Enterprise Supply Chain to drive delivery of project goals.

· Utilize effective project management tools and skills to document progress, activity plans, resources and overall status.

· Lead stakeholder management meetings throughout the duration of the projects including steering team and executive team communications, with ability to effectively articulate and influence up to the VP level across Supply Chain functions.

· Build capability within members of the Plant and Value Stream teams to ensure sustainability of results after the project is completed.

· Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to mill operations, including development of visual management tools, tiered scorecards, and Leader Standard Work.

· Collaborate with the digital capabilities team to identify and drive technology improvement solutions that enable operation efficiency and improved asset performance.

· Encourage and facilitate knowledge and best practice sharing across facilities/functions, including documentation of solutions within P2030.

· Possess or working towards LSS Black Belt certification with expectation to maintain an active LSS project ongoing.

· Subject matter expert on all aspects of LEAN manufacturing.

To succeed in this role, you will need the following qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree or higher in supply chain, engineering or related and 10+ years of related experience.

· Possess or working towards LSS Black Belt certification.

· Must have direct or indirect manufacturing/operations, supply chain and/or finance experience, as well as knowledge of organizational structure.

· Significant experience in Engineering, Operations, Lean Manufacturing, and Reliability and be very familiar with the application of Lean, CI, OPEX, LSS tools and theory.

Preferred Qualifications:

· 5+ years’ experience in a high-speed industrial manufacturing environment/plant experience.

· Experience in change management in large, complex organizations in addition to coaching and mentoring at all levels to drive collaboration across teams and functions.

Work Environment:

· Normal scheduled hours may vary based on the need to support 24/7 operations.

· Travel is expected to be in the 75% range with heavy onsite plant support within region. Some individuals may require minimal travel if projects are located at their local site.

· Ability to work safely in a manufacturing environment. Some shift work could be required based on the need to interact with operating teams.

Led by Purpose. Driven by You.

Total Benefits

We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we're committed to providing them with the resources they need to be successful. If you're looking for a rewarding career with a company that cares about its employees, then Kimberly-Clark is the place for you.​

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Here are just a few of the benefits you’d enjoy working in this role for Kimberly-Clark. For a complete overview, see www.mykcbenefits.com​

Flex That Works at Kimberly-Clark
We believe great work happens when people come together with purpose. That’s why we offer a flexible work model that blends remote work with intentional in-person collaboration — helping you connect, grow, and innovate while maintaining the balance you value.

To Be Considered

Click the Apply button and complete the online application process. A member of our recruiting team will review your application and follow up if you seem like a great fit for this role.

In the meantime, please check out the careers website.

And finally, the fine print….

For Kimberly-Clark to grow and prosper, we must be an inclusive organization that applies the diverse experiences and passions of its team members to brands that make life better for people all around the world, which is why we seek to build a workforce that encompasses the experiences of our consumers.  When you bring your original thinking to Kimberly-Clark, you fuel the continued success of our enterprise. We are a committed equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position. 

Employment is subject to verification of local policies.

Employment is subject to verification of pre-screening tests which may include drug screening, background check, and DMV check. 

Veterans and members of the Reserve and Guard are highly encouraged to apply .

At Kimberly-Clark, pay is just one aspect of our total rewards package, which also includes a variety of benefits and opportunities to achieve, thrive and grow. Along with base pay, this position is eligible for overtime pay and a comprehensive benefits suite, including our 401(k) and Profit-Sharing plan. The anticipated base pay range for this role is provided above for a fully qualified hire. Actual pay will depend on several factors, such as location, role, skills, performance, and experience. Please note that the stated pay range applies to US locations only.

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