Continuous Improvement Specialist

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23000 employees operating in over 150 countries Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the worlds most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Job Summary:

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist is a senior individual contributor and change leader responsible for driving measurable improvements in service and transactional performance across North America. This role leads CI initiatives that improve profitability productivity customer experience and operational discipline while aligning execution to business strategy and Goal Deployment.

The CI Specialist is expected to own problems lead change coach leaders and build sustainable CI capability in branches through metrics visual management Managing for Daily Improvement and standard work.

Responsibilities:

Service & Transactional Transformation:

• Lead CI initiatives focused on service operations transactional processes and branch performance

• Identify and execute productivity labor efficiency and margin improvement opportunities

• Partner with Finance to quantify and track savings to the P&L

• Support channel and service strategy transformation through data-driven CI analysis

• Contribute to Goal Deployment initiatives with a CI execution lens

CI Leadership & Deployment:

• Lead and facilitate Value Stream Mapping (VSM) for service and transactional processes

• Establish and sustain Visual Management Standard Work and 5S

• Design and deploy Managing for Daily Improvement (Tiered Meetings) to surface and resolve daily issues

• Ensure gaps to targets are addressed through structured problem solving (A3 RCCA PDCA)

• Act as a coach and mentor to branch leaders supervisors and managers

Metrics Analytics & Reporting:

• Define and implement KPIs aligned to business priorities

• Develop dashboards and visual performance boards

• Translate data into clear stories that drive decisions and action

• Support analytics related to service mix turnaround time cost margin and customer experience

• Leverage ERP CRM and data systems to enable transparency and standardization

Change & Stakeholder Management:

• Act as a trusted CI partner to Sales Service Operations Finance and Leadership

• Drive adoption through influence coaching and structured change management

• Navigate resistance and ambiguity while maintaining momentum and alignment

• Balance strategic intent with hands-on execution in the field

Training Coaching & Capability Building:

• Coach leaders on CI fundamentals and application in daily operations

• Support CI training deployment (Lean Foundations Kaizen problem solving)

• Build local CI capability to ensure improvements are sustained

• Serve as a role model for Xylems High Impact Culture

High Impact Behaviors:
Continuous Professional Development: Professionals should be committed to lifelong learning seeking out opportunities for self-improvement and staying abreast of industry trends and best practices.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Effective professionals understand the value of collaboration. They work well with others contribute to team goals and understand that diverse perspectives can lead to better solutions.
Results Driven Performance: High-performing professionals focus on delivering results. They set high standards for their own performance and are committed to achieving objectives efficiently and effectively.

Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in Industrial Engineering Engineering Business Administration or a related field with at least 4 years of relevant experience or equivalent work experience providing exposure to fundamental theories principles and concepts.

Proven experience leading continuous improvement in service transactional or operations environments
Strong working knowledge of Lean CI and problem-solving methodologies
Demonstrated ability to lead without authority and influence senior stakeholders
Proficiency in data analysis tools and software such as Excel Minitab or statistical software.

Experience defining and using KPIs dashboards and performance management systems

Strong analytical capability; Power BI Excel ERP/CRM experience preferred

Financial acumen with ability to link improvements to business results

Ability to manage projects including planning executing monitoring and closing improvement initiatives.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively convey findings and persuade others to adopt changes.

Willingness to travel (3050%) to support branch execution

Preferred Qualifications:
Professional Certification or the ability to obtain
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt: Offered by various organizations this certification focuses on the Lean Six Sigma methodology equipping professionals with tools and techniques to improve quality and efficiency in processes.
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt: This advanced certification builds upon the Green Belt level preparing professionals to lead complex improvement projects and mentor teams.
Certified Quality Engineer (CQE): Provided by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) this certification demonstrates proficiency in principles of product and service quality evaluation and control.
Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE): Also from ASQ this certification is for professionals who can manage and lead organizational improvement initiatives.
Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM): Offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (APICS) this certification focuses on improving internal operations and supply chain efficiency.
Project Management Professional (PMP): While not specific to continuous improvement PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is valuable for managing improvement projects.
Lean Certification: Various levels of Lean certifications are available that focus on creating value and eliminating waste in processes.

The estimated salary range for this position is $100000 to $110000 plus pay is dependent on multiple factors such as skills experience and work location and is not typically at the top of the range. At Xylem we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package including Medical Dental Vision plans 401(k) with company contribution paid time off paid parental leave and tuition reimbursement.

Xylem does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

LI-TM1

Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage conservation and re-use. Our products impact public utilities industrial sectors residential areas and commercial buildings with a commitment to providing smart metering network technologies and advanced analytics for water electric and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.