Job Description:The Vice President, Technology & Information Services (VP TIS) leads VVater's digital and operational technology agenda, from enterprise IT and cybersecurity to AI products, full-stack apps, and industrial automation. Reporting to the CEO and working with Sales, Operations, and Engineering, the VP sets the technology vision, runs day-to-day IT operations, and delivers secure, scalable solutions that support growth and efficiency. This role blends strategy with hands-on leadership: overseeing service desk, network and cloud infrastructure, and end-user support while guiding advanced initiatives in AI, software development, and automation.
Key Responsibilities- Define and execute the multi-year operations strategy, including capacity planning, site selection, facility design, and ramp to high-volume advanced manufacturing
- Lead factory start-ups, expansions, and capital projects from business case through commissioning; manage EPCs, integrators, and key vendors; deliver on scope, schedule, budget, and performance
- Own production systems and operational excellence: line design, layout, standard work, OEE, TPM, Lean/Six Sigma deployment, continuous improvement, and cost-reduction programs
- Drive industrial automation and robotics (PLC/SCADA, MES, IIoT) to increase throughput, quality, and traceability; integrate with ERP/MRP and QMS for data-driven operations
- Build and lead high-performing teams across manufacturing, planning, maintenance/reliability, quality, EHS, logistics, and field operations; set staffing plans, training, and leadership development
- Establish an operations PMO with master schedules, budgets, risk registers, and stage-gate governance; create clear KPIs and dashboards for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and inventory
- Oversee supply chain and S&OP: strategic sourcing, contracts, vendor quality, inventory optimization, and inbound/outbound logistics
- Ensure compliance with applicable safety, quality, and environmental regulations and standards (e.g., OSHA, EPA/state environmental rules, ISO 9001/14001, NSF/ANSI 60/61 as applicable, UL/ETL for listed products)
- Partner with Engineering and R&D on design for manufacturability, value engineering, and transfer to production; support configuration/ETO as needed for customer programs
- Lead field operations for installations, commissioning, and service of water/wastewater systems; implement feedback loops from the field to drive product and process improvements
- Own operations P&L accountability, annual operating plans, and capital planning; present performance and investment cases to executive leadership and the board
- Perform all other duties as instructed by the company
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field; advanced degree preferred
- 12+ years of progressive manufacturing/operations leadership with 5+ years leading multi-site or large single-site operations; successful track record launching greenfield or major scale-up facilities
- Demonstrated expertise in automation/robotics, PLC/SCADA, MES, and data-driven production systems integrated with ERP/MRP
- Hands-on experience in water/wastewater, process industries, or closely related engineered products, including familiarity with permitting, commissioning, and field deployment
- Strong command of Lean/Six Sigma, TPM, and CI toolkits; Black Belt or equivalent experience preferred
- Proven capital project leadership, vendor negotiation, and contract management skills
- Financial acumen with P&L ownership, budgeting/forecasting, and cost-reduction results
- Extensive project management skills (Microsoft Projects or related)
- Excellent leadership, communication, and change-management skills; capable of operating strategically while rolling up sleeves to solve problems on the floor or in the field
**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.
