Senior Continuous Improvement Manager

AAON•Longview, TX

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 a culture of accountability and excellence. It supports organizational objectives by driving waste reduction, improving process stability, and strengthening problem-solving capabilities. The Senior Continuous Improvement Manager serves as a change leader and coach, ensuring sustainable improvement and measurable business results. The position works in a professional office environment and includes regular visits to manufacturing or operational facilities. Site visits may involve varying temperatures, noise levels, moving mechanical parts, and industrial equipment. The role requires adherence to safety policies and use of appropriate personal protective equipment when required. Periodic travel, including overnight travel, is required to support site-level improvement efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, business, or a related discipline; an equivalent combination of education and experience may qualify.
8+ years of experience in manufacturing or operations environments, including 5+ years leading or supporting continuous improvement initiatives, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong working knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies and operational excellence principles.
Demonstrated 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.
Solid 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 levels of the organization.
Proven 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.
Adhere to safety policies and procedures in operational environments and use appropriate personal protective equipment as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting multi-site operations.
Experience within 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 improvement activities, including 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.