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

We’re seeking a driven and strategic Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager to lead transformational initiatives across our manufacturing facility located in Groveport, OH. You will champion a culture of operational excellence and drive efficiency, productivity, and quality through Lean and data-driven improvement methods. If you thrive on solving complex problems, empowering teams, and delivering measurable impact—this role is for you.

The Continuous Improvement Manager plays a strategic role in driving organizational excellence by leading Continuous Improvement initiatives (AOSos), high-impact projects, optimizing processes, and the advancement of a culture of continuous improvement by supporting the adoption and consistent application of AOSos throughout the organization. This role requires advanced technical expertise, leadership in cross-functional teams, and the ability to align continuous improvement initiatives with organizational goals to deliver improved and measurable results in Safety, Quality, Delivery, Productivity and Cost reduction.

(AOSos is our Continuous Improvement Operating System)

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute CI strategies that align with plant and company-level KPIs (e.g., OEE, scrap, throughput, downtime, yield).
• Facilitate kaizen events, root cause analysis (RCA), and cross-functional workshops to solve operational challenges.
• Coach and mentor employees at all levels to embed Lean thinking and continuous improvement tools (5S, SMED, A3).
• Partner with production, engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to identify, prioritize, and implement CI projects and multiyear savings plans / CIP (Cost Improvement Plans).
• Use data analysis and visual management tools (dashboards, value stream maps, process maps) to uncover opportunities and track improvements.
• Develop training materials and lead CI capability-building programs across the facility.
• Promote a hands-on, floor-focused presence to drive daily engagement and sustainment of improvements.
• Support digital transformation initiatives (e.g., real-time data collection, MES, Industry 4.0) where applicable.
• Oversee project timelines, milestones, and deliverables across teams. Anticipate challenges, mitigate risks, and ensure projects are completed on time and within scope while providing guidance to improve performance and resolve roadblocks.
• Maintain comprehensive records of improvement activities, ensuring transparency and facilitating knowledge sharing across the organization.
• Collaborate with IT and systems teams to support appropriate technology solutions to adopt innovation in business processes.
• Supervise C.I. Engineer.
• Perform other duties as needed

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing, with at least an intermediate understanding in CI, Lean, or Operational Excellence role.
• Proven track record of driving results through structured improvement projects.
• Strong facilitation, communication, presentation and change management skills.
• Analytical mindset with proficiency in tools like Excel or other process analysis software.
• Strong experience using Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Microsoft Outlook).
• Passion for developing people and building a continuous improvement culture.
• Results Focus: Ensures high-quality outcomes by driving team accountability, leading adaptation to change, mentoring colleagues, and fostering a positive, results-driven environment.
• Integrity, Ethics, and Values: Leads by example, fostering trust and respect through strong ethics, reliability, and openness. Fosters organizational values, drives innovation, and continuously seeks opportunities for improvement while supporting a culture of adaptability and creativity.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: (Preferred, but not required)
•    Masters’ Degree a plus but not required.
•    Coaching certification is a plus, but not required
•    Project Management Professional (PMP)
•    Experience in process mapping software (e.g., Visio).
•    Lean Certification (Through Shingo/AME/SME)
•    Experience in coaching individuals for performance and skill building
•    Experience with company's profit and loss (P&L)/budget statement to validate financial savings.

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.