Senior Continuous Improvement Manager

AAON, Inc.•Memphis, TN

3d•$128,051 - $192,076

About The Position

The Senior Continuous Improvement Manager leads enterprise-wide continuous improvement efforts to enhance operational performance, quality, and efficiency across multiple sites. The role partners with operations leadership and cross-functional teams to embed structured improvement methods and foster accountability and excellence. It supports organizational objectives by reducing waste, improving process stability, and strengthening problem-solving capabilities. As a change leader and coach, the manager helps ensure sustainable improvement and measurable business results. The position leads continuous improvement strategy deployment, identifies performance gaps with site teams, facilitates improvement activities, coaches leaders and frontline employees, and promotes workplace observation and accountability. It also identifies cost-reduction and productivity opportunities, analyzes performance data, supports compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements, and manages the performance of direct reports. Work is performed in a professional office environment with regular visits to manufacturing or operational facilities. Facility visits may involve varying temperatures, noise, moving mechanical parts, and industrial equipment. The position requires periodic travel, including overnight travel, and adherence to safety procedures and use of appropriate personal protective equipment at facilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, business, or a related discipline; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
At least 8 years of experience in manufacturing or operations environments, including at least 5 years leading or supporting continuous improvement initiatives, or equivalent background through a combination of education and experience.
Strong working knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies and operational excellence principles.
Ability to lead and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
Understanding of operational performance metrics, business planning, and cost drivers.
Effective project management skills with a focus on execution and sustainability.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to engage all organizational levels.
Ability to support change management and build credibility through collaboration and coaching.
Ability to think strategically and make decisions in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
Ability to analyze complex information and develop practical improvement strategies.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during site and production-area visits.
Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 20 pounds as required.
Ability to travel periodically, including overnight travel, to support site-level improvement efforts.
Adherence to safety policies and procedures in operational environments; use appropriate personal protective equipment during facility visits.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting multi-site operations.
Experience in durable goods manufacturing or related industries.

Responsibilities

Lead deployment of continuous improvement strategies aligned with organizational and operational excellence objectives.
Partner with operations leadership and site teams to identify performance gaps and implement structured improvement plans.
Facilitate workshops, process reviews, and hands-on improvement events to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
Coach leaders and frontline teams in continuous improvement principles, standard work, and problem-solving methodologies.
Promote workplace observation and accountability by identifying process deviations and supporting corrective action plans.
Identify and deliver cost-reduction and productivity improvement opportunities while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
Analyze operational data and performance metrics to track progress and communicate results to leadership.
Promote employee engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement behaviors across sites as a change agent.
Hire, train, coach, counsel, and evaluate the performance of direct reports.
Perform other duties as assigned.