Continuous Improvement Manager

Company / Location Information

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 Function

The 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. 


• May supervise a medium-to-large team of direct and indirect reports.

Qualifications

• 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.


• 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.

Education

Physical Requirements

We Offer

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.

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ADA Statement & EEO Statement

In developing this job description care was taken to include all competencies needed to successfully perform in this position. However, for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, the essential functions of the job may or may not have been described for purposes of ADA reasonable accommodation. All reasonable accommodation requests will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, gender identity and expression, marital or military status. We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local law.