Manager, Continuous Improvement

AAON, Inc.; Redmond (OR); On-site; USD 111,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time-off

Paid holidays

Healthcare insurance & Health Savings

Profit sharing or Annual Incentive

Premium 401(k) plan

Job summary

AAON, Inc. in Oregon seeks a Senior Continuous Improvement Leader to drive site-wide initiatives that stabilize processes, reduce waste, and improve customer satisfaction.

You will collaborate with manufacturing leadership and frontline teams to sustain gains and coach staff across the facility. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field and 5+ years in manufacturing or operations with CI leadership experience; HVAC experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, business, or a related discipline; 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or operations, including supporting or leading continuous improvement initiatives; or any combination of education and experience which would provide an equivalent background.
• Experience in HVAC or related manufacturing industries preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads deployment of continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process reliability, reduce waste, and improve customer satisfaction.
• Facilitates improvement events, performance dialogues, and hands-on training that reinforce continuous improvement tools and behaviors.
• Partners with operations leadership to identify improvement opportunities, develop action plans, and sustain performance gains.
• Conducts on-site observations to identify non-standard conditions, recommend corrective actions, and support operational problem-solving.
• Supports development and maintenance of standardized work, operational procedures, and performance measures.
• Prepares reports and presentations summarizing improvements, operational trends, and cost savings.
• Benchmarks industry best practices and incorporates relevant methods into site operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Hires, trains, coaches, counsels, and evaluates performance of direct reports.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Continuous improvement

Data analysis

Facilitation

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, business, or related discipline

Job description

Leads site-level continuous improvement efforts by developing, implementing, and sustaining practices that support operational excellence and waste reduction. Partners with manufacturing leadership and frontline teams to strengthen process stability, quality performance, and a culture of continuous improvement. Facilitates improvement activities, evaluates operational performance, and supports change management initiatives across the facility. Collaborates with cross functional teams to enhance productivity, reduce cost, and improve the overall employee and customer experience.
Hires, trains, coaches, counsels, and evaluates performance of direct reports.

Primary Duties

• Leads the deployment of continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process reliability, reduce waste, and improve customer satisfaction.
• Facilitates improvement events, performance dialogues, and hands‑on training that reinforce continuous improvement tools and behaviors.
• Partners with operations leadership to identify improvement opportunities, develop action plans, and sustain performance gains.
• Conducts on‑site observations to identify non‑standard conditions, recommend corrective actions, and support operational problem‑solving.
• Supports the development and maintenance of standardized work, operational procedures, and performance measures.
• Prepares reports and presentations summarizing improvements, operational trends, and cost savings.
• Benchmarks industry best practices and incorporates relevant methods into site operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Hires, trains, coaches, counsels, and evaluates performance of direct reports.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience Requirements

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, business, or a related discipline; 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or operations, including supporting or leading continuous improvement initiatives; or any combination of education and experience which would provide an equivalent background.
• Experience in HVAC or related manufacturing industries preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence without direct authority.
• Strong knowledge of continuous improvement and process improvement methodologies.
• Skill in analyzing operational data to support decision‑making and problem‑solving.
• Ability to facilitate improvement events, on‑site observations, and performance discussions.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage staff at all levels.
• Strong organization and project management skills with a commitment to execution and follow‑through.

Essential Mental and Physical Functions:

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, solve problems, and make decisions in a fast‑paced environment.
• Frequent standing and walking during site visits in manufacturing areas.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. occasionally for job‑related activities.
• Use of observation, analysis, and communication skills to support improvement initiatives.

Work Environment:

• Perform tasks primarily in an office environment with regular visits to manufacturing areas.
• Exposure to noise, temperature variations, and proximity to industrial equipment during site visits.
• Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when in production areas.
• Occasional travel to additional facilities or vendor locations, which may include overnight stays.
• This role is classified as a Safety Sensitive Position, requiring adherence to all safety policies and procedures.

Disclaimer:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at a time with or without notice. This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform, and the employee may be required to perform additional functions. The company reserves the right to revise this job description at any time. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.

Benefits and Compensation Summary:

We take care of our people. We offer competitive compensation and robust benefits to all full-time team members, including:

• Tuition reimbursement

• Paid time-off

• Paid holidays

• Healthcare insurance & Health Savings Accounts

• Profit sharing or Annual Incentive Plan Bonus

• Premium 401(k) plan

Pay Range:

$111,348.00 - $167,023.00