Senior Continuous Improvement Manager

AAON, Inc.•Memphis, TN

About The Position

The Senior Continuous Improvement Manager leads enterprise-wide continuous improvement efforts to enhance operational performance, quality, and efficiency across multiple sites. This role partners with operations leadership and cross-functional teams to embed structured improvement methods and foster a culture of accountability and excellence. The position 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. Primary duties may include, but are not limited to: Leads the deployment of continuous improvement strategies aligned with organizational and operational excellence objectives. Partners with operations leadership and site teams to identify performance gaps and implement structured improvement plans. Facilitates improvement activities, including workshops, process reviews, and hands-on improvement events, to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance. Coaches leaders and frontline teams in continuous improvement principles, standard work, and problem-solving methodologies. Drives a culture of workplace observation and accountability by identifying process deviations and supporting corrective action plans. Identifies and delivers cost reduction and productivity improvement opportunities while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements. Analyzes operational data and performance metrics to track progress and communicate results to leadership. Serves as a change agent by promoting employee engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement behaviors across sites. Hires, trains, coaches, counsels, and evaluates performance of direct reports. Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, business, or a related discipline
8+ years of experience in manufacturing or operations environments, including 5+ years leading or supporting continuous improvement initiatives, or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background.
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 with 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 strong focus on execution and sustainability.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the 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.
Frequent interaction with leaders, supervisors, and frontline employees.
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.
Required adherence to all safety policies and procedures while present in operational environments.
Regular collaboration with cross-functional teams in both office and production settings.
Use of appropriate personal protective equipment as required during facility visits.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting multi-site operations is preferred.
Experience within durable goods manufacturing or related industries is preferred.

Responsibilities

Leads the deployment of continuous improvement strategies aligned with organizational and operational excellence objectives.
Partners with operations leadership and site teams to identify performance gaps and implement structured improvement plans.
Facilitates improvement activities, including workshops, process reviews, and hands-on improvement events, to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
Coaches leaders and frontline teams in continuous improvement principles, standard work, and problem-solving methodologies.
Drives a culture of workplace observation and accountability by identifying process deviations and supporting corrective action plans.
Identifies and delivers cost reduction and productivity improvement opportunities while ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
Analyzes operational data and performance metrics to track progress and communicate results to leadership.
Serves as a change agent by promoting employee engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement behaviors across sites.
Hires, trains, coaches, counsels, and evaluates performance of direct reports.
Performs other duties as assigned