Operations Manager

Operations Manager

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.

Flygt, a Xylem Brand

The Operations Manager will lead all operational functions at our Pewaukee, WI facility for our engineered-to-order (ETO) large custom pump business, including aftermarket, service / repair operations, and related pump product lines. This role has full responsibility for shipping, receiving, production, and manufacturing engineering, ensuring operational excellence across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will bring strong leadership, proven experience in a Lean manufacturing environment (Xylem Production System), and a track record of driving performance in a complex, high-mix, low-volume operation. This position offers broad responsibility, greater strategic impact, and direct leadership of cross-functional teams. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring safety, quality, cost and delivery objectives are met in accordance with company policies and procedures while nurturing a positive work atmosphere.

Core Responsibilities

• Leadership & People Development - 21 Direct Reports
• Lead, coach, and develop a team across production, shipping / receiving, and manufacturing engineering to meet and exceed performance targets.
• Foster a positive, respectful, 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.
• Operational Excellence & Lean (Xylem Production System)
• 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.
• Execution & Performance
• 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.
• Process & Continuous Improvement
• 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.
• Cross-Functional & Strategic Support
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Day in the Life

Xylem does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. The estimated salary range for this position is $72,300.00 to $100,000 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.

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