Director of Operations

Director of Operations

Requirements

• 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, including experience in budgeting, cost control, and CAPEX management.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence teams at all levels.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.).
• Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt preferred).
• Familiarity with ISO, FDA, or other regulatory manufacturing requirements.
• Prior experience leading a multi-site or complex engineered product operation.