Continuous Improvement Manager

Company / Location Information

We are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of water heating and water treatment technologies in the world. We are a $3.5 billion company with 140+ years history and we employ more than 12,000 individuals globally who pride themselves on providing the world with innovative water technology. We are committed to Continuous Improvement, not just in our factories or processes, but in our people.

Primary Function

Incumbent will use coaching skills, teaching skills, and effective communication to support the implementation of the A. O. Smith Operating System.  The A. O. Smith Operating System encompasses the philosophies, lean tools, and managerial behaviors to drive a highly engaged culture of people innovating or solving problems every day.  This position will specifically be responsible for continuous improvement activities and integrating with corporate and cross-divisional Operating System activities.  The incumbent will primarily be the Lean teacher, coach, and mentor for the operations leadership team and a developmental resource for other key leaders within the business.   

Scope of Responsibility

May supervise a team of up to 3 direct reports. High complexity position that requires the successful execution of business plans by leading through influence instead of direct authority.  Requires high level of emotional intelligence in addition to quickly assimilating information from multiple sources along complex operational and administrative processes.  Must be able to clearly articulate complex ideas to teach and guide others. The position requires between 20-30% travel. Cross-functional responsibility for ensuring improvement activities are undertaken with an A. O. Smith Operating System approach, considering the process integration, people systems, and technical issues that may be impacted.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a teacher, coach, and mentor of business leadership on how to effectively participate in and emulate the behavior of the A.O. Smith Operating System.
• Coordinate execution of A. O. Smith Operating System Adoption 
• Work with the Enterprise Excellence Office to tweak the A. O. Smith Operating System implementation roadmap as needed based on the culture and knowledge of the organization.
• Lead the conducting of “Lean Maturity” Assessments and development of improvement paths based on results and business needs.
• Ability to document complex business processes in real time with cross functional groups through the creation of process maps. Strong Visio, SmartSheets, and Tableau skills preferred.
• Experience in the evaluation, analysis, and optimization of operational processes with emphasis on transactional processes.
• Be intimately familiar with available Lean Training Resources (Online tools, established presentations, videos, and simulations) to be able to recommend or facilitate, as needed.
• Identify areas that require outside expertise to develop onsite skills that are currently missing.   Participate in the selection of those outside resources with the Enterprise Excellence Office and Corporate Training Group.
• Facilitate strategic planning sessions.  Provide guidance on how lean tools can be used effectively to support business objectives.
• A. O. Smith Operating System/ Enterprise Excellence Office Interaction
• Actively participate in the Enterprise Excellence Community of Practice including CI Summits and monthly learning activities (calls, webinars, book club, etc.).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, engineering degree preferred
• Minimum 5 years’ experience implementing lean tools. 
• Increasing levels of responsibility over the course of career
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team, document improvement results, and effectively communicate those results

We Offer

• Position is eligible for hybrid work schedule (3 days in the office, 2 days remote work per week) New employees are eligible to apply after successfully completing their initial 90 days of employment and training.
• Competitive base salary 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.
• This role also qualifies for relocation assistance.

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