Lean​/Continuous Improvement Manager

Join to apply for the Lean / Continuous Improvement Manager role at A. O. Smith Corporation

Date:
Nov 16, 2025

Location:

Groveport, OH

A. O. Smith is a global leader in energy‑efficient technologies. The company manufactures residential and commercial water heating equipment, boilers, and water treatment products worldwide. Headquarters are in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with approximately 12,000 employees in the United States, Canada, China, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

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, drive efficiency, productivity, and quality through Lean and data‑driven improvement methods, and empower teams to deliver measurable impact.

• 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.

• 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, and continuously seeks opportunities for improvement while supporting a culture of adaptability and creativity.

• Master’s Degree.
• Coaching certification.
• Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Experience in process mapping software (e.g., Visio).
• Lean Certification (Shingo/AME/SME).
• Experience coaching individuals for performance and skill building.
• Experience with company profit and loss (P&L)/budget statement to validate financial savings.

Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits, including medical and dental insurance, company‑sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short‑ and long‑term disability programs, and tuition assistance.

In developing this job description we have ensured that all necessary competencies for success in this position are included. For Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) purposes, the essential functions of the job may or may not have been described for purposes of 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, marital or military status, and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the ADA and applicable laws.

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Facilities, Data Analyst, Wastewater, Water Treatment, Supply Chain Manager, Operations, Engineering, Data