Continuous Improvement Specialist
Vessco Water, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States, 28245
Company Summary
We are a family of companies providing innovative water treatment solutions and services to customers across the United States. As one of the nation’s largest full‑service water treatment equipment distributors, we support every segment of the water and wastewater treatment industry. Our companies represent industry‑leading equipment manufacturers and are recognized as leaders within their respective markets. Together, we offer a comprehensive product portfolio, value‑added design support, and aftermarket parts and services to both municipal and industrial customers. Our industrial expertise spans a wide range of markets, including ethanol, food and beverage, power generation, pulp and paper, mining, pharmaceutical, and port applications.
Position Summary We’re seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist who approaches improvement work with humility, curiosity, and respect for the people who operate and maintain critical wastewater and stormwater systems. This role exists to support operations - not control them - by helping teams see problems clearly, improve processes collaboratively, and build reliable, sustainable systems using Lean principles. The role also supports quality management and certification efforts, helping teams align daily work with
ISO 9001 and/or AISC certification requirements
in a way that is practical, understandable, and value‑adding.
Key Duties And Essential Functions
Partner with wastewater and stormwater operations teams to implement improvement opportunities aligned with safety, compliance, reliability, and service outcomes
Apply Lean and continuous improvement principles to improve reliability, flow, safety, responsiveness, and cost effectiveness across treatment, collection, and conveyance systems
Facilitate continuous improvement activities such as kaizen events, value stream mapping, A3 thinking, and structured problem‑solving – guiding teams to own solutions
Coach leaders and frontline teams in practical CI tools such as standard work, visual management, 5S, root cause analysis, and PDCA
Support efforts to reduce unplanned downtime, rework, safety risks, process variability, and recurring compliance issues
Help teams design and sustain improvements that meet regulatory, environmental, and quality system requirements
Support ISO 9001 and/or AISC certification processes, including documentation, internal audits, corrective actions, and ongoing continuous improvement requirements
Translate certification, regulatory, and quality requirements into simple, usable, and sustainable processes that support the way work is performed
Use data and observation (go and see) to understand issues related to compliance, asset reliability, and service interruptions
Document, standardize, and share improvements in a clear, practical way that supports knowledge transfer and long‑term sustainability
Serve as a trusted partner to supervisors and leaders by providing structure, insight, and facilitation - without ego or authority
Build continuous improvement capability by modeling curiosity, respect for people, and learning - helping teams improve how they improve
What We’re Looking For
Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing / Lean operations principles
Familiarity with ISO 9001 and/or AISC certification standards, including audit preparation and continuous improvement expectations
A servant leader mindset with strong respect for frontline operators and technicians
Comfort working in operational environments such as treatment plants, pump stations, lift stations, and field operations
Strong facilitation and listening skills; able to guide conversations improvement across diverse teams
Practical, safety‑minded problem solver who values simple, reliable solutions
Ability to influence through trust, patience, and consistency rather than direct authority
Appreciation for public service, environmental stewardship, and regulatory responsibility
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (Environmental, Civil, Industrial, Mechanical, or related field)
Experience in wastewater, stormwater, utilities, public works, or infrastructure operations
Hands‑on experience supporting or maintaining ISO 9001 and/or AISC certification
Lean, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement certification (preferred, not required)
Experience supporting operators, maintenance teams, or field crews in improvement work
Travel 50‑75%
What Success Looks Like
Operators feel heard, supported, and respected
Improvements increase system reliability, safety, quality, and regulatory compliance
Certification requirements are met without adding unnecessary complexity
Problems are surfaced early and addressed collaboratively
Processes are simpler, clearer, and more resilient
Continuous improvement becomes part of daily operations - not an added burden
Benefits
Health insurance
401(k)
Dental insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
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Position Summary We’re seeking a Continuous Improvement Specialist who approaches improvement work with humility, curiosity, and respect for the people who operate and maintain critical wastewater and stormwater systems. This role exists to support operations - not control them - by helping teams see problems clearly, improve processes collaboratively, and build reliable, sustainable systems using Lean principles. The role also supports quality management and certification efforts, helping teams align daily work with
ISO 9001 and/or AISC certification requirements
in a way that is practical, understandable, and value‑adding.
Key Duties And Essential Functions
Partner with wastewater and stormwater operations teams to implement improvement opportunities aligned with safety, compliance, reliability, and service outcomes
Apply Lean and continuous improvement principles to improve reliability, flow, safety, responsiveness, and cost effectiveness across treatment, collection, and conveyance systems
Facilitate continuous improvement activities such as kaizen events, value stream mapping, A3 thinking, and structured problem‑solving – guiding teams to own solutions
Coach leaders and frontline teams in practical CI tools such as standard work, visual management, 5S, root cause analysis, and PDCA
Support efforts to reduce unplanned downtime, rework, safety risks, process variability, and recurring compliance issues
Help teams design and sustain improvements that meet regulatory, environmental, and quality system requirements
Support ISO 9001 and/or AISC certification processes, including documentation, internal audits, corrective actions, and ongoing continuous improvement requirements
Translate certification, regulatory, and quality requirements into simple, usable, and sustainable processes that support the way work is performed
Use data and observation (go and see) to understand issues related to compliance, asset reliability, and service interruptions
Document, standardize, and share improvements in a clear, practical way that supports knowledge transfer and long‑term sustainability
Serve as a trusted partner to supervisors and leaders by providing structure, insight, and facilitation - without ego or authority
Build continuous improvement capability by modeling curiosity, respect for people, and learning - helping teams improve how they improve
What We’re Looking For
Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing / Lean operations principles
Familiarity with ISO 9001 and/or AISC certification standards, including audit preparation and continuous improvement expectations
A servant leader mindset with strong respect for frontline operators and technicians
Comfort working in operational environments such as treatment plants, pump stations, lift stations, and field operations
Strong facilitation and listening skills; able to guide conversations improvement across diverse teams
Practical, safety‑minded problem solver who values simple, reliable solutions
Ability to influence through trust, patience, and consistency rather than direct authority
Appreciation for public service, environmental stewardship, and regulatory responsibility
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree (Environmental, Civil, Industrial, Mechanical, or related field)
Experience in wastewater, stormwater, utilities, public works, or infrastructure operations
Hands‑on experience supporting or maintaining ISO 9001 and/or AISC certification
Lean, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement certification (preferred, not required)
Experience supporting operators, maintenance teams, or field crews in improvement work
Travel 50‑75%
What Success Looks Like
Operators feel heard, supported, and respected
Improvements increase system reliability, safety, quality, and regulatory compliance
Certification requirements are met without adding unnecessary complexity
Problems are surfaced early and addressed collaboratively
Processes are simpler, clearer, and more resilient
Continuous improvement becomes part of daily operations - not an added burden
Benefits
Health insurance
401(k)
Dental insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
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