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 the identification, development, and execution of cost‑out initiatives across the NAWT organization. This role partners cross‑functionally with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Product Management to deliver measurable cost reductions while maintaining or improving product performance, quality, and customer value.

Responsibilities

• Lead VAVE Program Strategy. Develop, prioritize, and communicate the VAVE cost‑out roadmap using data‑driven business criteria.
• Execute Cross‑Functional Cost‑Out Projects. Drive component redesigns, value analysis, DFM/DFA activities, and supplier‑focused cost reduction.
• Financial Modeling & Reporting. Create detailed cost models for material, labor, overhead, tooling, and logistics; validate savings with Finance.
• Guide structured problem solving, including the 8‑Step Problem Solving methodology, RCA, A3 development, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Stakeholder Collaboration. Serve as central communication point between engineering, operations, sourcing, and leadership teams.
• Governance & Compliance. Maintain full documentation, ensure ECN compliance, and champion standardized VAVE processes.
• Lead and Develop Technical Talent. Direct and mentor engineering project managers, designers, and practitioners. Set expectations for execution discipline, documentation rigor, and cross‑functional partnership.
• Resource Planning & Alignment. Manage resource allocation across VAVE initiatives. Partner with functional engineering leaders on staffing alignment and project review structures.
• Technical Governance & Mentorship. Lead teams in DFM/DFA, cost modeling, prototyping approaches, and validation. Coach emerging engineers to build long‑term organizational capability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field.
• 5+ years of experience in Continuous Improvement, Value Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Proven success delivering cost‑out projects and cross‑functional engineering initiatives.
• Strong analytical capability and proficiency in cost modeling.
• Expertise in structured problem solving (DMAIC, A3, RCA, etc.).
• Experience leading or coordinating cross‑functional teams.
• Strategic, data‑driven decision making.
• Technical depth in manufacturing and product engineering.
• Strong communication and executive presentation skills.
• Leadership and coaching capability for engineering managers, designers, and practitioners.
• High accountability, ownership, and execution discipline.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and cross‑functional alignment.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Lean/Six Sigma certification.
• SAP or relevant ERP experience.
• Multi‑site or global supply chain experience.
• Demonstrated ability to influence without direct authority.

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.