Senior Director, Operational Excellence

Xylem

Director of Operational Excellence leading continuous improvement for a global water solutions firm. Managing lean projects and mentoring professionals in operational excellence strategies.

Posted 7/31/2026full-timeCharlotte • North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in lean continuous improvement methodologies and project management, with a strong focus on driving operational efficiency and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Proven ability to lead and mentor teams while effectively communicating across all levels of the organization.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Lean Continuous Improvement ExpertiseProject ManagementCoaching and People DevelopmentChange ManagementAnalytical and Process Thinking

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Lean Methodologies5SValue Stream MappingContinuous FlowMaterial FlowStrategy DeploymentA3 ThinkingProblem-SolvingManaging for Daily Improvement

Soft Skills

LeadershipInterpersonal SkillsExecutive CommunicationDecision-MakingEmployee Engagement

Certifications & Qualifications

Lean MasterBlack BeltMaster Black Belt

Industry Keywords

Operational ExcellenceProcess ImprovementSupply ChainManufacturingLogisticsFinanceCustomer ServiceGlobal Industrial CompanyService Businesses

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and execute a comprehensive lean continuous improvement strategy for WSS 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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years of business experience in a global industrial company with a well-established management system; experience in service businesses preferred
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in functional area of expertise
Demonstrated success in leading significant change efforts 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 strategically partner with peers and leaders, and drive execution in the business
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, leadership, and executive communication skills
Excellent overall business acumen and organizational savvy
Propensity for identifying issues proactively, making decisions with incomplete information, and ability to manage ambiguity
Ability to simplify and clarify complex and ambiguous problems
Analytical and process thinking
Ability to travel domestically and internationally ~50%
Certifications: Lean Master, Black Belt and/or Master Black Belt preferred
Languages: English fluency at a minimum.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Paid Volunteer Program
Employee Resource Groups (ERG)