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