Continuous Improvement Manager - Colorado Springs, CO

Job Description

The Role: Xylem seeks to hire a Continuous Improvement Manager to drive the development and implementation of Continuous Improvement projects consistent with and in support of the strategic plan and business operating plans. This position will work with leaders to identify, modify, and sustain desired changes including reducing waste and improving inefficiencies. The individual will lead projects and initiatives from idea generation to strategic execution following the Xylem Lean Foundational model. They will own the Lean Maturity assessments and improvement initiatives for the site and partner with Site Leaders on strategy and deployment objectives.

Essential Duties/Principal Responsibilities:
Drive the development and implementation of Continuous Improvement projects consistent with and in support of the strategic plan and business operating plan.
Documents and works with Controller to validate achieved Continuous Improvement Savings.
Assist in designing new procedures and methods for operational processes.
Utilize projects charters with deliverables, working with leaders to identify, modify, and sustain desired changes including reducing waste and improving inefficiencies.
Mentor employees to realize benefits from all continuous improvement initiatives and act as a change agent to the site/organization.
Train and coach on Xylem Lean Foundation modules.
Identify opportunities for continuous improvement via idea generation and prioritize improvement opportunities with the management team.
Provide strategic insight and evaluation of the organization’s progression.
Act as a mentor for the Continuous Improvement leadership, supervisory staff and front-line personnel.
Participate in developing and influencing strategy, planning, and execution depending on project or initiative needs.
Lead goal setting, assignment of projects, review of progress, approval, and feedback for direct report(s).
KPI goal setting with the site via semi-annual Business Assessment, reporting and leading site reporting for KPI’s. Monthly updates on CI resource, engagement, activities, etc.
Own the Lean Maturity assessments through XPS (Xylem Production System) and improvement initiatives for the site.
Be a change agent: challenge organizational leaders to drive continuous improvements; remove organizational barriers to continuous improvement processes.
Participation in Xylem Watermark volunteer activities. Minimum Qualifications: Education, Experience, Skills, Abilities, License/Certification:
BS/BA Degree or Equivalent
5 to 8 years of successful leadership in executing continuous improvement / Lean / Six Sigma efforts and enabling efficiency, effectiveness resulting in demonstrable tangible financial benefit
Lean Master or Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred.
Experience guiding team progress for continuous improvement projects/programs.
Experience designing, implementing and leading continuous improvement projects/programs.
Must have thorough understanding of cycle time reduction, waste reduction, yield improvement, productivity and throughput improvement.
Hands-on experience using Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement methods (LEAN, TPM, Six Sigma, TQM).
Proven leadership skills to coach and lead teams to fully deliver chartered objectives and projects.
Excellent project management skills.
Be a self-starter with excellent organizational skills in planning and organizing to handle multiple tasks concurrently.
Ability to coach / mentor / inspire direct reports.
Advanced problem-solving capabilities, attention to detail and numerical aptitude.
Demonstrated experience with ensuring effective Change Management development and executionWe Offer You More Than Just “A Job”
Professional Development – To advance the capabilities of our people, we offer a wide variety of experiences to support our employees’ professional growth and continuous learning.
Total Rewards – We offer comprehensive programs for compensation, benefits, recognition, learning and development, work-life integration and corporate citizenship.
Watermark – Watermark is our corporate social responsibility program working to provide education and access to safe water to ensure healthy lives, gender equality, and resilient communities. Employees have the opportunity to learn and volunteer on various water-related projects.
Employee Networks – Our Employee Networks provide a professional, supportive network for employees from diverse backgrounds, including Women’s, LGBT+ and Allies, Veteran’s, People of Color and Allies, Hispanic Origin & Latin Affinity, Emerging Leaders, and Working Parents Networks. Physical Demands/Work Environment:
Regularly required to sit or stand, reach, bend and move about the facility
Shop Floor: Typical manufacturing Facility that includes assembly, machining, painting & packaging and warehouse.
Office: Standard office equipment; work usually performed in an office setting free from any disagreeable elements.
Standard weekly job hours: 40 hours The estimated salary range for this position is $83,428 to $126,070. 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. At Xylem, we embrace diversity and strive to create avenues where employees feel valued and appreciated through our DE&I initiatives and Employee Resources Groups (ERG). Xylem is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action workplace. Xylem prohibits discrimination, harassment of any kind and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or sexual orientation (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, medical conditions or disability, genetic information, age, or other non-merit factors. Join the global Xylem team today! Xylem is a team creating advanced technology solutions to the world’s water challenges through developing new technologies and services that will improve the way water is used, conserved, and re-used in the future is central to our work. Our products and services move, treat, analyze, monitor, and return water to the environment, in public utility, industrial, residential, and commercial building services settings. Xylem also provides a leading portfolio of smart metering, network technologies and advanced analytics solutions for water, electric and gas utilities. Disclaimer: The information listed within this job description is designed to indicate the general nature of work expected for this position and shall not be viewed as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required in this position. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job absent undue hardship. Xylem reserves the right to modify this job description or assign other duties to this position as needed.