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.
The Role:
Lead. Optimize. Transform.
We are seeking a high-impact Value Stream Operations Manager to take full ownership of end-to-end operations for a defined product family within our manufacturing environment. This is not a maintenance role — it is a business leadership role inside the plant.
You will drive safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance while leading a cross-functional team to execute strategic improvements and achieve operational excellence. If you are a strong Lean leader who thrives on accountability, performance metrics, and developing people, this is your opportunity to make measurable impact.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead and develop a cross-functional value stream team to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.
- Own performance metrics and drive accountability through KPI management and visual management systems.
- Develop and execute value stream strategies aligned with company goals.
- Champion Lean Manufacturing initiatives to eliminate waste and improve flow.
- Oversee production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to meet customer demand.
- Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and other departments to resolve constraints and improve processes.
- Drive financial performance through cost control, labor optimization, and waste reduction.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
- Build a culture of engagement, ownership, and continuous improvement.
What You’ll Bring:
Technical Expertise
- Deep experience with Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Strong understanding of welding, machining, fabrication, and production workflow optimization.
- Demonstrated ability to improve throughput, reduce waste, and optimize capacity.
- Experience managing budgets, cost controls, and KPI performance.
- Ability to analyze data and translate insights into action.
Leadership & Business Acumen
- 10+ years of manufacturing operations or production leadership experience.
- Track record of leading teams and delivering measurable operational results.
- Skilled in change management and building high-performance teams.
- Strong financial and business mindset — understands how operations drive profitability.
- Experience leading cross-functional collaboration in a complex manufacturing environment.
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- Lean / Six Sigma certification strongly preferred.
Why This Role Matters
This position directly influences operational performance, customer satisfaction, and business profitability. You will have visibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to shape the future of your value stream.
If you are a hands-on leader who:
- Takes ownership of results
- Leads from the floor, not just from reports
- Builds strong teams and drives accountability
- Thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
The estimated salary range for this position is $ 130k to $150k with a 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.
#LI-JO2
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
Top Skills
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!
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