Knowledge Operations Manager Jobs in Hixson, TN (NOW HIRING)

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Astec is a global, environmentally focused infrastructure and manufacturing company of asphalt road building and aggregate processing. Our mission is to design and build the most innovative products for the industries we serve. Leveraging innovative solutions and technologies, we serve customers all over the world.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Operational Excellence Manager at our manufacturing site in Chattanooga, Tennessee, plays a critical role in driving Astec Industries' Lean Systems throughout the organization. This leader is responsible for advancing strategy deployment, implementing lean methodologies, and aligning plant-level initiatives with corporate strategic goals. The role also serves as a liaison between the General Manager and the Astec corporate team to ensure cohesion in strategy and execution.

LOCATION: This is an onsite position at our Roadtec-Manufacturers Road facility in Chattanooga, TN.

KEY ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

·       Lead the deployment of the Hoshin Kanri strategy framework at the plant and Asphalt business unit level to ensure alignment with corporate goals and initiatives.

·       Plan and facilitate cross-functional Kaizen events that drive measurable improvements across manufacturing, sales, and support functions.

·       Implement core Lean Systems and tools such as 5S, standard work, visual management, value stream mapping, TPM, and continuous flow to eliminate waste and improve efficiency.

·       Champion and oversee the deployment of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), including the implementation of pillars like autonomous maintenance, planned maintenance, quality maintenance, and early equipment management.

·       Design and deliver structured Lean and TPM training programs that teach tools, principles, and cultural behaviors across all organizational levels, ensuring understanding and practical application.

·       Drive continuous improvement initiatives across both shop floor and office operations, supporting functional leaders in achieving performance targets.

·       Coach and mentor employees and leaders in structured problem-solving methods such as A3 thinking to build capability and foster ownership.

·       Act as a hands-on liaison between the site and corporate teams, ensuring strategic alignment and effective communication across all improvement initiatives.

·       Support capital investment planning by conducting ROI analysis and evaluating the operational impact of proposed projects.

·       Develop and maintain True North Boards and PQVC (People, Quality, Velocity, Cost) dashboards to ensure performance visibility and alignment with business objectives.

·       Integrate Lean thinking into onboarding and leadership development programs to reinforce a culture of continuous improvement from day one.

·       Build internal problem-solving capability by coaching teams to sustain gains and independently lead improvement efforts.

·       Facilitate cross-functional alignment sessions to identify priorities, remove barriers, and foster collaboration across departments.

·       Collaborate with corporate leadership to align operational improvements with business growth strategies, including capacity expansion and new product introductions.

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE, YOUR EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES ARE:

·       Extensive experience in Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement, with a demonstrated ability to implement and sustain long-term improvements across various business functions.

·       A proven track record of leading and facilitating Kaizen events that deliver measurable results in manufacturing, engineering, sales, service, and administrative processes.

·       Experience with the Hoshin Kanri strategy framework is highly preferred.

·       Strategic thinking and business acumen to align day-to-day actions with long-term organizational goals and growth plans.

·       Exceptional coaching, teaching, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage, educate, and empower employees at all levels—from shop floor operators to executive leadership.

·       Hands-on knowledge of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and its key pillars, as well as experience applying PQVC metrics, True North Boards, A3 problem-solving, and X-Matrix frameworks.

·       Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of building trust and alignment across cross-functional and cross-cultural teams.

·       Analytical and data-driven decision-making abilities, with proficiency in performance measurement and root cause analysis.

·       Self-motivation and initiative, with the ability to work independently while collaborating with teams across functions and levels.

·       A continuous improvement mindset, consistently seeking ways to improve processes, culture, and results while modeling Astec Industries, Inc.’s core values.

SUPERVISOR AND LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

·       Report to the General Manager, with a functional relationship to the Director of Operational Excellence.

·       Act as a trusted partner and strategic advisor on lean transformation efforts.

·       Lead by example on the shop floor and in office settings.

·       Deliver periodic updates to corporate leadership regarding initiative progress, risks, and opportunities.

Our Culture and Values

Employees that become part of Astec Industries, Inc. embody the values below throughout their work.

·       Continuous devotion to meeting the needs of our customers

·       Honesty and integrity in all aspects of business

·       Respect for all individuals

·       Preserving entrepreneurial spirit and innovation

·       Safety, quality and productivity as means to ensure success

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Manufacturing Environment

Shop manufacturing environment exposures include exposure to moving mechanical parts, machinery, tools and equipment, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, motorized vehicles, welding and machining operations, outside weather conditions and exposure to the risk of electric shock.  The employee may occasionally be exposed to varying levels of dirt, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, very warm and/or very chilly temperatures.  The noise level in the shop can be very loud at times consistent with an industrial assembly facility and may require hearing protection. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Astec Industries, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender (sex), sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, citizenship status, a person’s veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or executive order.