Sr. CI Manager

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 Manager is a strategic leader responsible for driving the organizations continuous improvement initiatives. They manage a team of analysts and specialists developing and implementing strategies to optimize processes reduce waste and increase efficiency. This role involves analyzing current practices leading improvement projects and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. The manager collaborates with all levels of management to ensure that improvement activities align with the companys goals and objectives. Their leadership is key to sustaining long-term organizational growth and competitiveness.

Responsibilities:

• Lead site level team of CI resources and professionals in driving the achievement of CI maturity and cost savings goals.
• Drive the development and implementation of the CI program in support of the strategic direction and business operating plans.
• Play a leadership role in influencing site strategies planning and execution.
• Grow harvest and manage the cost savings improvement funnel for the region to achieve annual goals.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement by promoting engagement all levels of the organization.
• Mentor coach and challenge employees of all levels to realize the benefits methods and behaviors of CI.
• Act as a change agent to the region removing organizational barriers to continuous improvement processes.
• Coach and develop others in the facilitation of kaizen rapid improvement events.
• Perform regular coaching gemba walks with the local operations leaders and CI team.
• Develop staff for advancement within the organization.
• Lead goal setting assignment of projects review of progress approval and feedback for direct reports.
• Develop monitor and forecast CI KPIs implementing RCCA plans as required to achieve annual goals.
• Develop facilitate and monitor CI training activities and certifications across the region.
• Stay current with industry best practices emerging trends and technologies related to continuous improvement.
• Benchmark against industry peers and incorporate best practices into the organization.
• Additional duties and responsibilities may be required based on organization needs.

Process Improvement:
Lead process improvement projects and initiatives across departments and functions
Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce waste
Utilize Lean Six Sigma and other continuous improvement methodologies to drive process improvements
Collaborate with stakeholders to identify and prioritize improvement opportunities
Monitor and track progress of process improvement projects and provide regular updates to senior management

Employee Development:
Train and mentor employees on continuous improvement methodologies and tools
Foster a culture of continuous improvement by promoting employee involvement and ownership in improvement initiatives
Develop and deliver training programs to educate employees on continuous improvement principles and practices
Recognize and reward employees for their contributions to improvement efforts
Provide coaching and support to employees to help them effectively participate in improvement projects and initiatives.

Team Management:
Lead and manage a team providing guidance feedback and support.
Set goals and KPIs for team members and monitor performance.
Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.
Develop and implement training programs to keep team members updated on trends and strategies.

High Impact Behaviors:
Strategic Decision Making: A manager must be able to assess complex situations consider long-term implications and make decisions that align with the organizations vision and goals. This involves critical thinking foresight and the ability to balance various stakeholders interests.
Effective Communication: Clear and transparent communication is vital for a manager. This includes articulating vision expectations and feedback in a way that motivates and engages team members. It also involves active listening and openness to input from all levels of the organization.
Fostering Team Growth: A high impact manager invests in the development of their team members. This behavior includes mentoring providing opportunities for professional growth and creating an environment where continuous learning is encouraged and valued.

Qualifications:

• BS in Engineering or Technical field or comparable experience working within industrial and manufacturing industries
• MBA or advanced degree preferred
• Extensive formal CI training with demonstrated hands-on usage of common Lean and Six Sigma principles
• Certification in Continuous Improvement methodologies (e.g. Black Belt Lean Master) preferred
• 10 years of successful leadership in executing continuous improvement / Lean / Six Sigma efforts and enabling efficiency effectiveness resulting in demonstrable tangible financial benefit
• 6 years in a management role with direct reporting personnel
• 8 years experience facilitating multi-day rapid improvement events (e.g. strategy VSM flow pull 5S)
• 8 years experience within a commercial or industrial manufacturing environments
• 10 years experience developing implementing and leading Continuous Improvement programs.
• Experience training and certifying others in CI tools and methodologies
• Experience coaching mentoring and leading individuals both directly and through influence
• Proven leadership skills to coach and manage teams to fully deliver chartered objectives and projects.
• Experience managing to a financial savings target
• Must have strong data analytic capabilities with experience creating trend histogram and pareto charts
• Experience managing complex projects meeting set deadlines and budgetary requirements
• Excellent communicator with the ability to create and present professional quality presentations and reports
• Demonstrated experience with ensuring effective Change Management
• Robust knowledge and experience using computer platforms and MS office applications
• Proficiency with MS Project MS Visio Smart Sheet and Minitab preferred
• Formal training in leadership competencies preferred
• Strong knowledge of a P&L and understanding of financial acumen

The estimated salary range for this position is $155000 to $165000 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 role.

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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.