Operations Director

Operations Director – Pewaukee

Lead operations at Xylem's Pewaukee facility, overseeing manufacturing, planning, quality, logistics, and service of ETO/CTO pumps and aftermarket solutions in a high‑mix, low‑volume environment.

• Lead day‑to‑day operations across manufacturing, planning, quality, logistics, and service.
• Ensure safe, high‑quality, and on‑time delivery of ETO/CTO pumps and aftermarket solutions.
• Drive alignment with Xylem’s global Lean Production System (XPS) and Goal Deployment Process (Hoshin Kanri).
• Oversee site‑level execution of critical customer orders, shop‑floor production, and capacity planning.
• Champion site‑specific transformation initiatives tied to simplification, on‑time delivery (OTD), and lead‑time reduction.
• Embed Lean methodologies across the site using tools such as A3 Thinking, 5S, Standard Work, PDCA, and Value Stream Mapping (VSM).
• Lead Kaizen events and Just‑Do‑Its to improve workflow, reduce waste, and increase responsiveness.
• Partner with Engineering, Service, and Supply Chain to accelerate throughput of custom orders and aftermarket solutions.
• Maintain flexibility in production and service operations to meet variable demand and technical complexity.
• Lead, coach, and develop salaried and hourly teams to build ownership, accountability, and problem‑solving capability.
• Promote a zero‑harm safety culture with proactive risk mitigation and employee engagement.
• Develop internal talent pipelines, succession plans, and cross‑training to increase workforce agility.
• Foster a high‑performance, inclusive culture that values continuous learning and collaboration.
• Ensure operational performance meets customer requirements in quality, responsiveness, and service levels.
• Own the site’s operating budget, labor planning, and CAPEX investments.
• Drive cost‑out initiatives while improving value delivery to customers.
• Monitor and act on KPI performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, inventory, and employee engagement.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing operations, preferably in an ETO/CTO or aftermarket service environment.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Production Systems and driving operational excellence.
• Strong understanding of job shop or low‑volume, high‑complexity manufacturing.
• Proven financial acumen in budgeting, cost control, and investment planning.
• Exceptional communication and team leadership skills.

• Master’s degree or MBA.
• Experience in pump manufacturing, rotating equipment, or engineered products.
• Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt).
• Familiarity with SAP or equivalent ERP systems.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and applicable regulatory standards.

The estimated salary range for this position is $ to $ 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.

Xylem does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

We prioritize our employees’ well‑being through inclusion, belonging, and our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and affirmative action workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment.

Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions. We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed.