Sr. Continuous Improvement Specialist

About the role

Xylem is seeking a Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist to support and elevate performance across 10 Resin Regeneration plants in the United States. This role is ideal for a CI professional who thrives in hands-on, fast-paced environments and enjoys partnering closely with operations and business leaders to standardize processes, improve productivity, and improve service to internal and external customers.

What You Will Do

• Drive end-to-end improvement initiatives focused on standardizing processes across similar operations while respecting site-specific realities.
• Apply Lean and CI methodologies in practical, easy-to-understand ways that resonate with frontline teams and leaders.
• Focus on value stream mapping, particularly reducing lead time, removing waste, and strengthening process flow to better serve downstream service organizations.
• Work closely with plant leadership and cross-functional partners to deeply understand pain points and translate those insights into targeted improvement initiatives.
• Plan, lead, and manage improvement projects from concept through implementation and sustainment.
• Analyze operational and financial performance, identify trends and sources of variation, and help teams understand not only what needs to change, but why the change matters to customers, the business, and the broader organization.
• Train and coach in a highly practical manner, translating CI tools and concepts into non-traditional, operator-friendly language so teams can apply them confidently in daily work.
• Regularly collaborate with plant leaders, segment partners, and functional teams to ensure improvement efforts align to business priorities and service needs.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or a related field is required, along with at least four years of relevant experience or equivalent experience demonstrating a strong foundation in process improvement.
• Proven experience in Continuous Improvement or project-based operational improvement, strong problem-solving skills, and hands-on application of Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Comfort working in environments where processes are similar but inconsistently applied is important.
• Strong communication and influencing skills are essential, including the ability to translate data, CI concepts, and business priorities into clear, relatable messages for diverse audiences.
• The ability to manage multiple initiatives, adapt to changing priorities, and drive sustainable solutions in the face of resistance is critical.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licenses or certifications such as Lean Certification, Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, PMP, CQE, CMQ/OE, CPIM, or a willingness to obtain relevant certification is preferred.