Lead HR People Partner

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.

Please note: This hybrid position requires onsite presence in Morrisville, NC at least three days per week.

The Role

As an Lead HR People Partner , you will support People Managers in executing HR programs and practices that enhance employee experience, strengthen performance, and enable a high-impact culture. Embedded within the business, you will provide practical HR guidance, partner with HR Centers of Excellence (COEs), People Operations, and HR Business Partners, and ensure the consistent application of policies and processes that drive business success.

Core Responsibilities

• Advise on Employee Relations: Partner with leaders to address complex employee relations matters, including investigations, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation with fairness and consistency.

• Conduct Investigations: Collaborate with Legal, Compliance, and HR COEs to investigate workplace concerns with integrity, empathy, and timely resolution.

• Execute HR Programs: Lead local delivery of core HR programs such as performance management, employee surveys, compensation planning, onboarding, and recognition initiatives.

• Enable People Managers: Coach frontline leaders on team effectiveness, performance management, development conversations, and culture-building practices.

• Drive Adoption of Tools & Processes: Promote self-service and digital HR tools (e.g., Workday) while ensuring data accuracy and improving user capability.

• Ensure Compliance & Policy Stewardship: Monitor and apply local labor laws, policies, and procedures in partnership with HR and legal teams to mitigate risk.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field

• Experience:

  • 5+ years of progressive HR experience

  • Strong experience in employee relations, including investigations and conflict resolution

• Skills & Knowledge:

  • Working knowledge of core HR disciplines (performance, talent management, compensation, TA, policy administration)

  • Understanding of local labor laws and compliance requirements

  • Ability to analyze situations, identify root causes, and recommend solutions

  • Experience using HR systems (e.g., Workday) and reporting tools

  • Strong business acumen and ability to support operational leaders

Preferred Qualifications

• PHR/SPHR certification

• Continuous Improvement or Lean/Green Belt certification

• Experience leveraging AI or digital tools to improve HR processes

Additional Information

• Travel Requirements: Minimal to moderate travel may be required based on business needs

• Work Environment: Office or hybrid environment supporting business operations

• Physical Demands: Ability to perform standard office-based activities (with reasonable accommodations where required)

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.