Sr. 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. The Senior Continuous Improvement (CI) Specialist is a strategic lead responsible for architecting and executing process transformation initiatives across the organization. This role goes beyond simple analysis; it requires a change agent who can identify systemic inefficiencies, design high-impact improvement strategies, and mentor the next generation of CI talent. By leveraging Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, the Senior Specialist bridges the gap between operational data and strategic goals to foster a sustainable culture of excellence. This role will be required to sit onsite at our facility in Cheektowaga, NY. Senior Continuous Improvement (CI)

Specialist Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Project Leadership End-to-End Management:

Lead complex, cross-functional improvement projects from ideation through to sustainability.

Strategic Alignment:

Define project scopes and deliverables that directly move the needle on organizational KPIs and long-term business objectives.

Risk Mitigation:

Proactively identify project bottlenecks and risks, developing robust contingency plans to ensure on-time delivery.

Change Management & Influence Cultural Transformation:

Act as a catalyst for change by identifying resistance and deploying empathetic, effective change management strategies.

Stakeholder Synergy:

Build high-trust relationships with leadership and frontline teams to secure buy-in for transformative initiatives.

Advanced Data Insights Analytical Excellence:

Utilize statistical tools (e.g., Minitab, advanced Excel) to transform raw data into actionable business intelligence.

Visual Storytelling:

Develop high-level dashboards and presentations that simplify complex data for executive decision-making.

Mentorship & Capability Building Knowledge Transfer:

Design and facilitate advanced workshops on Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.

Coaching:

Serve as a formal mentor to junior analysts and project teams, elevating the overall CI competency of the organization. Senior Continuous Improvement (CI)

Specialist Qualifications:

Education & Experience Degree:

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related technical field.

Experience:

4+ years of progressive experience in process improvement, project management, or operational excellence.

Technical Skills Methodologies:

Deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen frameworks.

Toolkits:

High proficiency in data analysis software (Minitab, JMP, or equivalent) and advanced Microsoft Excel.

Core Competencies Adaptive Leadership:

Ability to navigate ambiguity and remain persistent in driving change within evolving environments.

Communication:

Exceptional interpersonal skills with a proven ability to persuade and influence stakeholders at all levels. Preferred Certifications Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt. PMP (Project Management Professional). ASQ Certifications (CQE or CMQ/OE).

Individual Contributor Expectations Autonomy:

Works independently with minimal guidance, taking full ownership of project outcomes.

Innovation:

Solves complex problems by applying a fresh perspective to existing solutions.

Expert Resource:

Serves as the primary point of contact and subject matter expert (SME) for CI-related inquiries. Why Xylem? We believe in supporting our employees both professionally and personally.

Our benefits include:

• Paid parental leave, maternity support, and fertility benefits
• Flexibility and hybrid work options where applicable
• Health, dental, and vision insurance from day one
• Emotional health and wellness programs and Volunteer program (Watermark)
• Paid time off (PTO)/Flexible time off (FTO) and paid holidays
• Career development, advancement, tuition reimbursement, and student loan forgiveness
• Generous retirement savings plan with company contribution
• Employee recognition and discount programs Ready to grow your career while making a difference?

Join a team that values your skills, supports your development, and empowers you to help solve global water challenges. Xylem does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. The estimated salary range for this position is $100,000 to $115,000. 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. #LI-RR1 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. At Xylem, you'll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark. We prioritize our employees' well-being through inclusion and belonging as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and Affirmative Action workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment. Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions. We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed. Embrace the opportunity to be part of Xylem's transformative journey in shaping the future of water technology! #XylemCareers #GlobalImpact #WaterInnovation Our Talent Community is a great way to stay connected to learn more about our high impact culture initiatives and latest career opportunities! Tell us more about yourself and help recruiters find you if there's an opportunity that aligns with your background, skills and interests. Join our Talent Community Today! Want to know what kind of Impact you can make? Our goal is to optimize water access and quality, and promote responsible consumption, so that communities across the globe can thrive. Through Xylem Watermark, our Corporate Citizenship Program, we provide and protect safe water resources for communities around the world by engaging all stakeholders and educating about water issues. Learn more by clicking here - Working at Xylem (https://www.xylem.com/en-us/careers/working-at-xylem/) Inclusion and Belonging at Xylem Inclusion and Belonging are fundamental to how we enable our customers to tackle global water challenges. Learn more about our commitment to Inclusion and Belonging. (https://www.xylem.com/en-us/careers/inclusion-and-belonging/)