Director - Design / Redesign WWS

Posted:
3/24/2025, 5:00:00 PM

Location(s):
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States ⋅ Pennsylvania, United States

Experience Level(s):
Senior

Field(s):
Product ⋅ UI/UX & Design

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.

Xylem |ˈzīləm|

1) The tissue in plants that brings water upward from the roots;

2) a leading global water technology company.

Xylem, a leading global water technology company dedicated to solving the world’s most challenging water issues, is the leading global provider of efficient, innovative and sustainable water technologies improving the way water is used, managed, conserved and re-used. Our international team is unified in a common purpose: creating advanced technology and other trusted solutions to solve the world’s water challenges. We are committed to creating an organization of inclusion and diversity, where everyone feels involved, respected, valued and connected, and where everyone is free to bring their authentic selves and ideas.

If you are excited and passionate about helping us #letssolvewater, we want to hear from you! For more information, please visit us at www.xylem.com.

 

Procurement Design Redesign Director

We are seeking an innovative and results-driven Procurement Design Redesign Director to lead sourcing initiatives, process optimization, and supplier collaboration for New Product Development (NPD) and Value Engineering (VE) projects. This role is critical in driving cost efficiency, enhancing product quality, and ensuring timely delivery of new and optimized products in a cross-functional, industrial manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and stakeholder management. Along with the following

  • Accountable for the performance and results of design / redesign in multiple Sites
  • Must possess ability to look beyond existing methodologies and own discipline to define and resolve complex problems
  • Provide on a consistent basis, input to functional and departmental strategies around design redesign.
  • Solve unique and complex problems that have broad impact on the business
  • Lead project teams to achieve milestones and Objectives
  • Anticipate internal / external business challenges while recommending process, product or service improvements

Responsibilities

1. New Product Development (NPD):

  • Partner with Engineering, R&D, and Product Management teams to align procurement strategies with product design and innovation objectives.
  • Source and qualify suppliers for new product launches, focusing on cost, quality, and lead time.
  • Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms for prototype and production materials.
  • Ensure alignment of supplier capabilities with NPD requirements, including compliance with technical specifications and sustainability goals.

2. Value Engineering (VE):

  • Drive cost-reduction initiatives through re-engineering, alternate materials, and design simplifications on existing product portfolio and components.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams and suppliers to identify and implement VE opportunities without compromising quality or performance.
  • Facilitate Vale Engineering workshops and deploy Should Costing and Teardown sessions for Idea Generation.
  • Benchmark industry trends and conduct spend analyses to identify savings potential.
  • Monitor the performance of VE initiatives and ensure measurable outcomes.

 

3. Supplier Management:

  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to foster innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Conduct supplier performance evaluations and implement corrective actions when necessary.
  • Negotiate and manage contracts with an emphasis on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

4. Process Optimization:

  • Establish and refine procurement processes to support efficient NPD and VE workflows.
  • Develop KPIs to measure and improve project timelines, cost savings, and supplier performance.
  • Implement tools and systems to improve data transparency and decision-making in procurement activities.

5. Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Act as the primary liaison between Procurement and internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives.
  • Lead cross-functional meetings and present project progress, challenges, and solutions to senior management.
  • Advocate for procurement's role in driving innovation and value creation.

 

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred).
  • 5+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management in a manufacturing environment.
  • Proven track record in managing NPD and VE projects.
  • Strong negotiation, communication, and analytical skills.
  • Familiarity with cost modeling, supplier qualification processes, and project management tools.
  • Knowledge of industrial manufacturing processes, materials, and supply markets.
  • Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and procurement software.
  • Fluent in oral and written English.

Key Competencies

  • Strategic and analytical mindset with a focus on results.
  • Exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to work under tight deadlines.
  • Strong collaboration skills and ability to influence cross-functional teams.
  • Commitment to sustainability and continuous improvement.

Personal characteristics

  • Project management skills.
  • Ability to focus on cooperate targets and drive these throughout the organization.
  • Passionate about drive change and improvements.
  • Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Capable of working in a team environment involving multiple cultures.
  • Capable of working closely with internal stakeholder, especially Operations, R&D, Product Management and Finance.
  • Capable to interact with different organizational levels

Why Work at Xylem!

We offer you a creative and international environment where you get the opportunity to focus on your personal and professional development together with committed and helpful colleagues. Engage as a volunteer through Xylem´s business program for community initiatives Xylem Watermark: www.xylemwatermark.com .

Everyone's equal value

We want people, regardless of skin color, age, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity, to feel at home, not just on Xylem, but everywhere in the world. For us, diversity means more than just a policy or a set of methods. Diversity is a fundamental part of our corporate culture and a key to long-term growth.

Feel free to visit us at https://www.xylem.com

 

 

Xylem Water Solutions & Water Technology | Xylem US

Xylem is a leader in developing innovative water solutions through smart technology. Learn more about Xylem's water, wastewater and energy solutions.

 

Salary range:

$121,800.00 - $219,200.00

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