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 ROLE: The Sr. Director, Operational Excellence is responsible for leading and driving continuous improvement initiatives across all operational and transactional teams within the assigned business segment. As the Senior Director, you play a critical role in eliminating waste that prevents us from serving our customers faster and more efficiently. You will work across all functions to identify areas for improvement, implement process optimizations, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. This role is also responsible for overall deployment of the Xylem Management System within the business segment.

We offer a full benefits package to include Flexible Time Off (FTO), health, dental, vision, investment savings plan, and additional miscellaneous benefits. You will also have the opportunity to participate in our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:  To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following:    

• Design and execute a comprehensive lean continuous improvement strategy aligned with the business segment’s overall objectives and goals.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement across operational and transactional functions, such as supply chain, manufacturing, logistics, finance, and customer service. 
• Apply lean methodologies and other process improvement techniques to analyze existing processes, identify root causes of inefficiencies, and develop solutions.
• Direct and oversee lean continuous improvement projects, ensuring effective project planning, execution, and monitoring.
• Lead and manage a team of global continuous improvement professionals, providing mentorship, guidance, and support.
• As a member of the global Operational Excellence leadership team, constantly seek and share best practices across all CI teams in all Xylem businesses. 
• Serve on the business unit leadership team and communicate team accomplishments and achievement of CI productivity goals.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by promoting employee engagement, providing training opportunities, and recognizing and rewarding achievements. 

QUALIFICATIONS:   

• 10+ years of business experience in a global industrial company with a well-established management system
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in functional area of expertise 
• Demonstrated success in leading significant change across large organizations
• Proven lean continuous improvement expertise across both operational and transactional business areas 
• Experience leading multiple, large projects across several geographies
• Ability to drive hands on execution in the business and strategic thinking with top leaders 
• Proficiency in coaching, people development and change management 
• Subject matter expert for lean tools and methods (5S, value stream mapping continuous flow, material flow, strategy deployment, A3 thinking, problem solving, managing for daily improvement, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills; strong verbal and communication skills 
• Excellent overall business acumen and organizational savvy 
• Propensity for identifying issues proactively, making decision with incomplete information, and ability to manage ambiguity 
• Ability to simplify and clarify complex and ambiguous problems 
• Excellent project management skills 
• Analytical and process thinking 
• Passion for continuous improvement and change management 
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally ~50%
• Certifications: Lean Master, Black Belt and/or Master Black Belt preferred 
• Languages:  English fluency at a minimum

The estimated salary range for this position is $180,000 to $220,000 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. 

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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.