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 a related discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or operations supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Experience in HVAC or related manufacturing industries preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of process improvement methodologies.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

  • Lead deployment of continuous improvement initiatives to enhance reliability and reduce waste.
  • Facilitate improvement events and training to reinforce continuous improvement tools.
  • Partner with operations leadership to identify and develop action plans for performance gains.
  • Conduct on-site observations to identify and address non-standard conditions.
  • Support development and maintenance of standardized work and operational procedures.
  • Prepare reports summarizing improvements and operational trends.
  • Benchmark industry best practices for site operations.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work with cross-functional teams.
  • Professional development through training and coaching.
  • Engagement with senior leadership in strategic initiatives.
  • Diverse and collaborative work environment.
  • Exposure to various operational processes in manufacturing.
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.

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