Operations Director

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.

Operations Director

Location: Holland, MI (open to relocate)
Reports to: Vice President Operations

THE ROLE

The Operations Director is responsible for overseeing the efficient execution of high-mix, low-volume Configure-to-Order (CTO) and Engineer-to-Order (ETO) production, ensuring alignment with Xylem’s Lean Production System and continuous improvement objectives. This leader will drive operational excellence, cost efficiency, and customer satisfaction while developing a problem-solving culture across the site.

The role involves end-to-end site leadership, including strategy deployment, operational execution, safety, quality, delivery, cost management, and team development.

We offer a full benefits package, including Flexible Time Off (FTO) for salaried positions, health, dental, vision, investment savings plans, and additional miscellaneous benefits.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily.

Operational Leadership & Strategy

• Directly responsible for all site operations, including manufacturing, quality, materials, and logistics for CTO & ETO products in a high-mix, low-volume environment.
• Lead the Lean Production System implementation, embedding standardized work, visual management, and flow principles to enhance operational efficiency.
• Develop and execute site transformation strategies, ensuring alignment with Xylem’s global manufacturing vision and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Establish a culture of structured problem-solving using methodologies such as A3 Thinking, PDCA, 8D, DMAIC, and Kaizen.
• Own operational KPIs, including safety, quality, on-time delivery (OTD), lead time reduction, cost efficiency, and productivity.
• Ensure site compliance with ISO and other regulatory quality standards.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Management

• Champion Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, utilizing Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Standard Work, and 5S to eliminate waste and enhance operational agility.
• Improve flexibility in production to handle complex CTO and ETO requirements while maintaining cost competitiveness.
• Lead cost reduction initiatives, leveraging Lean tools, automation, and digital manufacturing solutions.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Product Management to optimize lead times, inventory management, and process efficiency.

People Leadership & Cultural Development

• Provide strategic leadership and mentorship to direct reports, fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, and problem-solving.
• Ensure that all team members live a safety culture, driving towards zero harm in the workplace.
• Develop and implement training programs to enhance Lean and problem-solving capabilities across all levels.
• Promote an environment of continuous learning, employee engagement, and cross-functional teamwork.
• Work closely with senior leadership to define and execute site growth strategies, succession planning, and talent development initiatives.

Financial & Business Performance

• Own the site’s operational budget, cost controls, and CAPEX planning, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Identify and implement strategies to reduce operating costs while maintaining high standards for customer experience and product quality.
• Ensure operational financial targets are met by driving efficiency improvements and strategic investments.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations leadership, preferably in a high-mix, low-volume CTO/ETO production environment.
• Proven experience in Lean Production Systems implementation and developing a problem-solving culture.
• Strong knowledge of Lean principles (TPS, Kaizen, Standard Work, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, PDCA, 8D, DMAIC, etc.).
• Demonstrated expertise in supply chain alignment, production planning, and quality management.
• Strong financial acumen, incl