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.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced  Materials Strategy & Lean Operations Manager. Drive continuous improvement initiatives in inventory management, material handling, and space utilization using lean tools such as value stream mapping and 5S. This "People Leader" role is responsible for overseeing daily operations, supervising a team of approximately 40 employees, and ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and compliance of all inventory-related activities.

This position plays a critical role in developing and implementing inventory policies, mentoring team members, and driving continuous improvement in inventory processes. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills and a passion for operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize end-to-end material flow across inbound, internal, and outbound processes to ensure seamless support of production schedules.
• Implement and sustain lean material systems (e.g., pull systems, supermarket replenishment, Kanban) to eliminate waste and improve responsiveness.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in inventory management, material handling, and space utilization using lean tools such as value stream mapping and 5S.
• Collaborate with production, procurement, and logistics to align material availability with demand signals, minimizing stockouts and excess inventory.
• Monitor and analyze key material KPIs (e.g., inventory turns, delivery performance, line-side availability) to identify trends and support decision-making.
• Champion a culture of operational excellence through training, cross-functional problem-solving, and standardization of material control processes.
• Adapt to changing priorities and make informed decisions aligned with organizational objectives.

Inventory Management

• Maintain optimal inventory levels to support production and customer demand.
• Conduct regular audits and reconcile discrepancies.
• Monitor turnover rates and adjust strategies as needed.
• Coordinate with purchasing to ensure timely replenishment.
• Identify and resolve inventory issues proactively.

Reporting & Analysis

• Generate and present inventory reports to senior leadership.
• Analyze trends and provide strategic recommendations.
• Leverage inventory management systems to track and optimize performance.
• Drive process improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with departments such as Purchasing, Sales, and Production to align inventory strategies.
• Communicate with suppliers and vendors to maintain accurate stock levels.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings to support business goals.

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure adherence to company policies and industry regulations.
• Stay current with best practices in inventory control.
• Implement and uphold safety protocols for inventory handling and storage.

High-Impact Leadership Behaviors

• Lead by Example: Demonstrate integrity, a strong work ethic, and alignment with company values.
• Team Engagement: Recognize strengths, provide feedback, and support professional development.
• Operational Excellence: Set clear goals, monitor progress, and continuously improve processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Continuous Improvement, Lean Six Sigma, 5S, Green/Black Belt
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience, including at least 1 year in a people management role.
• Strong knowledge of inventory management principles and systems.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective inventory policies.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in inventory management software.

Note: Xylem does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

The estimated salary range for this position is $125,000 to $135,000 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.