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.
Evoqua, a Xylem brand, is hiring an Operations Manager – Pewaukee, WIStep into a high-impact leadership role where you’ll drive all operational functions at our Pewaukee facility, supporting our engineered-to-order (ETO) large custom pump business, along with aftermarket, service/repair operations, and related product lines.As Operations Manager, you’ll hold full responsibility for shipping, receiving, production, and manufacturing engineering—ensuring excellence in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and continuous improvement. Your leadership will be critical in building a culture of performance, accountability, and innovation.The ideal candidate:- Brings proven operational leadership across complex manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrates expertise in driving performance, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
- Possesses Lean certification and experience with Continuous Improvement practices such as the Toyota Production System (preferred).
- Lead, coach, and develop a team across production, shipping/receiving, and manufacturing engineering to meet and exceed performance targets.
- Foster a positive, respectful, Safe and inclusive work environment that encourages engagement, teamwork, and high performance.
- Own all people leadership responsibilities, including recruiting, onboarding, performance management, training, and succession planning.
- Lead the Engineer-to-order (ETO) process - High Mix, Low Volume process
- Champion the Xylem Production System (Lean), embedding continuous improvement practices (5S, SEQDIP, Kaizen, Standard Work, Problem Solving) across the operation.
- Lead efforts to improve material flow, reduce waste, and enhance productivity for both new build and repair operations.
- Ensure adherence to ISO 9001 standards and EHS&S policies, leading by example in safety.
- Own operational KPIs for safety, quality, on-time delivery, and cost.
- Oversee daily operations to ensure customer requirements are met for both original equipment and aftermarket/service orders.
- Manage production scheduling, resource allocation, and prioritization to balance workload across teams and meet delivery commitments.
- Direct resolution of technical and process issues in collaboration with engineering and supply chain.
- Identify and close process gaps that affect efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.
- Ensure processes are well-documented, staff are trained, and metrics are in place to measure and report performance.
- Collaborate with other Xylem facilities and functions to share best practices and align with global standards.
- Partner with Planning, Supply Chain, Engineering, Field Service, and other stakeholders to drive business results.
- Support budget development, manage departmental spend, and optimize use of resources.
- Contribute to long-term operational strategy for the Pewaukee Custom Pump Transport business.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field and 5+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment; or High School Diploma/GED and 10+ years of relevant industry experience with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Military veterans Operations and Project Management experience
- Demonstrated success managing high-mix, low-volume manufacturing operations (ETO preferred).
- Strong mechanical aptitude, blueprint reading, and working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
- Proven ability to lead in a Lean environment and implement sustainable process improvements.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; SAP experience preferred.
- Lead the Engineer-to-order (ETO) process - High Mix, Low Volume process
- Ability to lift up to 50lbs is necessary
- Regularly required to stand, reach, bend, squat, push, pull and move about the facility
- Walk or stand at least 8+ hours per day
- Wearing of the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential
- Working evening and/or weekend hours on an as-needed basis
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.
At Xylem, you'll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark. We prioritize our employees' well-being through inclusion and belonging as well as 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.
Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. 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. Embrace the opportunity to be part of Xylem's transformative journey in shaping the future of water technology! #XylemCareers #GlobalImpact #WaterInnovation
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What We Do
Xylem |ˈzīləm|
1) The tissue in plants that brings water upward from the roots;
2) a leading global water technology company.
Xylem, a leading global water technology company dedicated to solving the world’s most challenging water issues, is the leading global provider of efficient, innovative and sustainable water technologies improving the way water is used, managed, conserved and re-used. Our international team is unified in a common purpose: creating advanced technology and other trusted solutions to solve the world’s water challenges. We are committed to creating an organization of inclusion and diversity, where everyone feels involved, respected, valued and connected, and where everyone is free to bring their authentic selves and ideas.
If you are excited and passionate about helping us #letssolvewater, we want to hear from you!
