Continuous Improvement Manager

A. O. Smith Corporation

2d • Onsite

About The Position

A.O. Smith is a global leader applying innovative technologies and energy-efficient solutions to products manufactured and marketed worldwide. The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water heating equipment and boilers, as well as a manufacturer of water treatment products for residential and light commercial applications. A. O. Smith is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with approximately 12,000 employees at operations in the United States, Canada, China, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.Primary FunctionThe CI Manager leads mid-to-large-scale improvement projects at the site level. This role is responsible for managing process improvements and standardization initiatives, using advanced CI methodologies and tools to deliver measurable results. The CI Manager collaborates with cross-functional teams, providing leadership, coaching, and support for more complex CI activities. Responsibilities
Lead and manage continuous improvement projects from initiation through execution.
Develop and implement detailed process improvement plans, aligning with site-specific goals.
Apply Lean methodologies to optimize safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
Analyze operational data and identify trends, developing action plans for improvement.
Coach and mentor CI staff and site leadership in advanced CI tools.
Conduct workshops and training sessions to build CI capabilities within the site.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement solutions and ensure sustainability.
Manage the site’s CI roadmap and ensure alignment with business objectives.
Report on CI performance metrics and recommendations to senior management.
This position is the right hand of the operations/production manager, trusted advisor, etc. Can fill in as interim operations/production manager, as needed.
May supervise a medium-to-large team of direct and indirect reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement or Lean roles within manufacturing.
• Advanced knowledge of Lean tools and CI methodologies.
• Proven leadership and team-building skills. Demonstrated skill in coaching.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence at all levels of the organization and lead changes effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in process mapping software (e.g., Visio) is nice to have.
• Lean or Six-sigma Training (e.g., Through Shingo/AME/SME/ASQ) is nice to have.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage continuous improvement projects from initiation through execution.
• Develop and implement detailed process improvement plans, aligning with site-specific goals.
• Apply Lean methodologies to optimize safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.
• Analyze operational data and identify trends, developing action plans for improvement.
• Coach and mentor CI staff and site leadership in advanced CI tools.
• Conduct workshops and training sessions to build CI capabilities within the site.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement solutions and ensure sustainability.
• Manage the site’s CI roadmap and ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Report on CI performance metrics and recommendations to senior management.
• This position is the right hand of the operations/production manager, trusted advisor, etc. Can fill in as interim operations/production manager, as needed.
• May supervise a medium-to-large team of direct and indirect reports.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees