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 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's 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 Xylem’s 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:
• Bachelor’s 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 (~30–50%) 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 $100,000 to $110,000 plus bonus.   Starting 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.