Manager, Continuous Improvement

AAON, Inc.

$80K — $110K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, business, or related field.
  • 5+ years experience in manufacturing or operations with a focus on continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Preferred experience in HVAC or related manufacturing industries.
  • Strong knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority.

Responsibilities

  • Lead deployment of continuous improvement initiatives for process reliability and waste reduction.
  • Facilitate improvement events and hands-on training in continuous improvement tools.
  • Partner with operations leadership to identify improvement opportunities and develop action plans.
  • Conduct on-site observations to identify non-standard conditions and recommend corrective actions.
  • Support the development of standardized work and performance measures.
  • Prepare reports summarizing improvements, trends, and cost savings.
  • Benchmark industry best practices and implement relevant methods into operations.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Collaborative work environment fostering innovation.
  • Health and safety commitment in the workplace.
  • Potential for travel to additional facilities for project involvement.
  • Engagement with cross-functional teams for a holistic approach to improvement.
Full Job Description
Job Description:
Leads site-level continuous improvement efforts by developing, implementing, and sustaining practices that support operational excellence and waste reduction. Partners with manufacturing leadership and frontline teams to strengthen process stability, quality performance, and a culture of continuous improvement. Facilitates improvement activities, evaluates operational performance, and supports change management initiatives across the facility. Collaborates with cross functional teams to enhance productivity, reduce cost, and improve the overall employee and customer experience.
Hires, trains, coaches, counsels, and evaluates performance of direct reports.
Primary Duties
  • Leads the deployment of continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process reliability, reduce waste, and improve customer satisfaction.
  • Facilitates improvement events, performance dialogues, and hands-on training that reinforce continuous improvement tools and behaviors.
  • Partners with operations leadership to identify improvement opportunities, develop action plans, and sustain performance gains.
  • Conducts on-site observations to identify non-standard conditions, recommend corrective actions, and support operational problem-solving.
  • Supports the development and maintenance of standardized work, operational procedures, and performance measures.
  • Prepares reports and presentations summarizing improvements, operational trends, and cost savings.
  • Benchmarks industry best practices and incorporates relevant methods into site operations.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Hires, trains, coaches, counsels, and evaluates performance of direct reports.


Job Requirements

Education and Experience Requirements
  • Requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, business, or a related discipline; 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or operations, including supporting or leading continuous improvement initiatives; or any combination of education and experience which would provide an equivalent background.
  • Experience in HVAC or related manufacturing industries preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority.
  • Strong knowledge of continuous improvement and process improvement methodologies.
  • Skill in analyzing operational data to support decision-making and problem-solving.
  • Ability to facilitate improvement events, on-site observations, and performance discussions.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage staff at all levels.
  • Strong organization and project management skills with a commitment to execution and follow-through.


Essential Mental and Physical Functions:
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, solve problems, and make decisions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Frequent standing and walking during site visits in manufacturing areas.
  • Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. occasionally for job-related activities.
  • Use of observation, analysis, and communication skills to support improvement initiatives.


Work Environment:
  • Perform tasks primarily in an office environment with regular visits to manufacturing areas.
  • Exposure to noise, temperature variations, and proximity to industrial equipment during site visits.
  • Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when in production areas.
  • Occasional travel to additional facilities or vendor locations, which may include overnight stays.
  • This role is classified as a Safety Sensitive Position, requiring adherence to all safety policies and procedures.


Disclaimer:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at a time with or without notice. This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform, and the employee may be required to perform additional functions. The company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.

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