Job Description:Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, the Operations Manager leads day-to-day execution across manufacturing, installation/commissioning, and operations & maintenance (O&M) for VVater's water and wastewater treatment products and projects. This high-caliber leader owns project planning and forecasting, builds disciplined processes on the shop floor and in the field, and drives on-time, on-budget delivery with unwavering attention to quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities- Run the operations drumbeat: master production scheduling, capacity planning, material readiness, and daily tier meetings; maintain clear KPIs for safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
- Lead end-to-end project management-scope, timeline, budget, risk register, change control, stakeholder comms-from contract award through FAT/SAT, commissioning, and handover to O&M.
- Own field execution and O&M programs: startup checklists, preventive/predictive maintenance plans (CMMS), spares/kitting, service SLAs, and technician training.
- Drive operational excellence: implement standard work, visual management, Lean/Six Sigma and problem-solving (A3/8D), root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement to increase throughput and reduce scrap/rework.
- Coordinate cross-functionally with Engineering/R&D for design-for-manufacture/assembly (DFMA), value engineering, and ECO implementation; ensure technical documentation is complete and current.
- Partner with Supply Chain on S&OP, supplier performance, expediting, inventory health (min/max, safety stock), and logistics readiness to de-risk critical paths.
- Oversee quality systems and compliance activities in partnership with QA/QC (inspection plans, first-article/FAI, nonconformance/SCAR closure, ISO 9001 practices).
- Champion EHS programs and field/site readiness (tooling, lift/rigging plans, LOTO, JHAs) and ensure adherence to applicable regulations and customer standards.
- Stand up and improve digital operations tools: ERP/MRP discipline for work orders and BOM accuracy, MES/SCADA data for OEE and downtime analysis, and project dashboards for executive visibility.
- Build and mentor a high-performing team of supervisors, planners, and technicians; set clear goals, conduct performance reviews, and develop talent pipelines.
- Prepare weekly performance packs and monthly operating reviews; manage departmental budgets, cost-reduction initiatives, and forecast-to-actual variance analysis.
- Represent Operations in customer meetings, factory/field walk-downs, and punch-list closeouts; drive issue resolution and lessons learned.
- Perform all other duties as instructed by the company.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field; advanced degree or MBA a plus.
- 7+ years of progressive operations/project leadership in engineered products, process equipment, or water/wastewater; experience bridging factory and field execution.
- Demonstrated excellence in project management and forecasting; PMP or equivalent experience preferred, including proficiency in solutions like Microsoft Projects, Procore, and others.
- Proven track record with Lean/Six Sigma toolsets; Green/Black Belt preferred.
- Hands-on familiarity with manufacturing processes (fabrication, machining, assembly), industrial automation/controls environments (PLC/SCADA), and commissioning practices.
- Strong command of ERP/MRP (work orders, BOMs, routings), CMMS, and data-driven KPI management; advanced spreadsheet/reporting skills.
- Quality and compliance mindset (ISO 9001 practices; understanding of common customer/industry specs for water treatment).
- Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and team-building skills; able to lead on the floor or at a job site as comfortably as in an executive review.
**As a part of our process to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of all applicants, assessment tests are required as part of our recruitment process. Unfortunately, should you elect not to participate in completing the assessment tests, your application will not be able to progress to the next stage or taken into consideration during evaluation.
