OPX Director

Kelvion; Catoosa (OK); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelvion Inc. in Oklahoma is seeking an Operational Excellence Director to lead Lean manufacturing and Continuous Improvement across all production sites.

You will develop OPX strategy, deploy tools like 5S, VSM, Kaizen, coach leaders, and drive safety, quality, cost, and delivery improvements through data-driven initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience leading CI projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of Lean/CI/OPX tools and methodologies.
• Experience with KPI development, data analysis and performance tracking.
• Proficiency with MS Office; familiarity with manufacturing systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop, communicate, and execute a site-level OPX strategy aligned with company goals.
• Lead implementation of OPX principles and methods such as 5S, VSM, Kaizen, and visual management.
• Identify and lead OPX initiatives delivering improvements in safety, quality, cost, delivery, and productivity.
• Establish OPX roadmaps with charters, timelines, and success metrics.
• Organize Kaizen workshops and drive root-cause analysis using structured methods.
• Develop and track KPIs to measure OPX effectiveness and report ROI to leadership.
• Coach leaders and employees on Lean/CI/OPX principles and sustain improvements.

Skills

Lean leadership

Change management

Analytical problem solving

Cross functional collaboration

Communication & facilitation

Influence without authority

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering / business operations

Lean Six Sigma certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Manufacturing systems

Job description

Position Summary

The Operational Excellence Director is responsible for leading and sustaining Lean manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives across the manufacturing operations. This role drives measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity by developing Operational Excellence (OPX) strategy, deploying Lean tools, coaching leaders, and embedding a culture of Continuous Improvement (CI).

The Operational Excellence Director is responsible for leading and sustaining Lean manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives across the manufacturing operations. This role drives measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity by developing Operational Excellence (OPX) strategy, deploying Lean tools, coaching leaders, and embedding a culture of Continuous Improvement (CI).

Responsibilities & Duties

• Develop, communicate, and execute a site-level OPX strategy aligned with Kelvion’s goals.
• Lead implementation of OPX principles & methods, including but not limited to Shopfloor Management, 5S, Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Kaizen, Visual Management, Just-In-Time, Maturity Assessment, in accordance with Kelvion Manufacturing Excellence (K°MAeX) global standards.
• Identify, prioritize, and lead OPX initiatives that deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, cost, delivery, and productivity.
• Establish OPX roadmaps, including project charters, timelines, and success metrics, in alignment with local and global strategy. Collaborate with leadership to align OPX priorities with company’s goals.
• Organize and facilitate Kaizen workshops, in collaboration with the other Functions, such as but not limited to: root cause analysis & problem-solving (using structured methods like Ishikawa, 5-Why, A3); identification & elimination of waste, variation, bottlenecks along value streams; lead time reduction.
• Develop and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure OPX effectiveness and sustain gains, including ROI and cost savings from OPX projects and report results to leadership.
• Establish standard processes and documentation to sustain improvements, in alignment with K°MAeX standards.
• Coach and train leaders, supervisors, and employees on Lean / CI / OPX principles, tools, and methods. Support cross-functional teams and shop floor employees in OPX initiatives.
• Influence and engage cross-functional teams to drive change and accountability; support change management efforts to ensure adoption and sustainability of new processes.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to integrate OPX into daily operations.
• Monitor ongoing performance and OPX plans based on data and operational needs.
• Responsible for assigning work, coaching, and supporting employees’ development.

Other Responsibilities

• To ensure Kelvion’s Standard of Excellence, which includes Quality, is incorporated into every product we produce.
• Follow all company policies and procedures, including but not limited to Global Code of Business Principles, Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, Vision and Values, Operational Framework

Requirements (knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

• Lean leadership and Change Management
• Analytical and structured problem solving
• Cross functional collaboration
• Strong communication and facilitation skills
• Ability to influence without direct authority
• Results-driven mindset with focus on sustainability

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE (required Levels)

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering / business operations / related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of Lean / CI / OPX experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading CI projects and delivering measurable operational improvements.
• Lean certification (e.g.: Lean Six Sigma) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing / CI / OPX tools and methodologies.
• Experience with KPI development, data analysis, and performance tracking.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools; experience with manufacturing systems preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple improvement initiatives concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; reach with hands, arms, and shoulders. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk and hear. The employee occasionally will be required to hand lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.