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 employeesoperating 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.

Job Summary:
The Continuous Improvement Supervisor is a leadership role responsible for driving the continuous improvement initiatives within an organization. They oversee a team of analysts and specialists, guiding them in identifying and implementing process enhancements. This supervisor ensures that projects align with the company’s strategic goals, facilitates training in improvement methodologies, and monitors the effectiveness of changes made. They also collaborate with various departments to foster a culture of efficiency and excellence. The Continuous Improvement Supervisor’s role is crucial in sustaining long-term improvements and achieving operational excellence.

Responsibilities:

Leadership and Supervision:
• Oversee and manage a team of continuous improvement specialists
• Delegate tasks and responsibilities to team members
• Provide guidance and support to team members in their improvement projects
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement within the organization
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback to team members
• Identify training and development needs for team members

Process Improvement:
• Lead process improvement efforts to streamline operations and increase efficiency
• Identify and prioritize improvement opportunities based on data analysis and stakeholder input
• Develop and implement action plans to address process gaps and inefficiencies
• Monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to ensure successful implementation
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures throughout improvement initiatives

Collaboration and Communication:
• Foster collaboration and communication across departments and teams to facilitate improvement projects
• Act as a liaison between continuous improvement team and upper management
• Present progress and results to senior leadership and other stakeholders
• Facilitate meetings and workshops to gather input and feedback from various teams and departments
• Communicate effectively with both technical and nontechnical stakeholders to drive improvement efforts

Continuous Learning and Development:
• Continuously seek out new learning opportunities and stay updated on industry trends and best practices related to continuous improvement
• Attend conferences, workshops, and other professional development events
• Share knowledge and best practices with team members and other colleagues
• Identify and implement new tools and methodologies to enhance continuous improvement efforts.

Team Management:
• Understand team dynamics and effective management practices. Supervisors should be adept at balancing individual tasks with overseeing team performance.
• Conflict Resolution: Ability to address conflicts within the team professionally and constructively.
• Motivational Skills: Inspire and motivate team members to achieve their best.
Adaptability:
• Supervisors often encounter changing priorities and unexpected challenges. Being adaptable and flexible is crucial.
• Decision Making: Make informed decisions based on organizational goals and guidelines.

High Impact Behaviors:
• Leadership by Example: Supervisors should model the behavior they expect from their team. This includes demonstrating a strong work ethic, integrity, and commitment to the organization’s values.
• Team Engagement and Development: Supervisors need to actively engage their team members, recognizing their strengths and providing opportunities for skill development. This also involves offering constructive feedback and fostering a supportive team environment.
• Operational Efficiency: Supervisors should strive for continuous improvement in processes, ensuring that the team works efficiently and effectively. This includes setting clear goals, monitoring progress, and adapting strategies as necessary.

Qualifications:
• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, or a related field with at least 4 years experience, with at least 1 year experience as a people manager or equivalent work experience that provides exposure to fundamental theories, principles, and concepts.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess processes and identify areas for improvement.
• Prior experience in process improvement, project management, or a related field. Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and software, such as Excel, Minitab, or statistical software.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively convey findings and persuade others to adopt changes.
• Ability to manage projects, including planning, executing, monitoring, and closing improvement initiatives.
• Experience working in cross functional teams and the ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing environments and the persistence to drive change in the face of resistance.
Preferred Qualifications:
Professional Certification or the ability to obtain,
• Six Sigma Green Belt: Offered by various organizations, this certification focuses on the Lean Six Sigma methodology, equipping professionals with tools and techniques to improve quality and efficiency in processes.
• Six Sigma Black Belt: This advanced certification builds upon the Green Belt level, preparing professionals to lead complex improvement projects and mentor teams.
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE): Provided by the American Society for Quality (ASQ), this certification demonstrates proficiency in principles of product and service quality evaluation and control.
• Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE): Also from ASQ, this certification is for professionals who can manage and lead organizational improvement initiatives.
• Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM): Offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (APICS), this certification focuses on improving internal operations and supply chain efficiency.
• Project Management Professional (PMP): While not specific to continuous improvement, PMP certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is valuable for managing improvement projects.
• Lean Certification: Various levels of Lean certifications are available that focus on creating value and eliminating waste in processes.

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Salary range:

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.