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
Demonstrated expertise in automation/robotics, PLC/SCADA, MES, and data-driven production systems
Hands-on experience in water/wastewater or related engineered products
Strong command of Lean/Six Sigma, TPM, and CI toolkits with a preferred Black Belt certification
Proven capital project leadership and vendor negotiation skills
Financial acumen in P&L ownership and budgeting
Responsibilities
Define and execute multi-year operations strategy including capacity planning and facility design
Lead factory start-ups and capital projects, managing scope, schedule, and budget
Own production systems and operational excellence including Lean/Six Sigma deployment
Drive industrial automation and robotics for improved production metrics
Build high-performing teams across various operational functions
Establish an operations PMO with clear KPIs and dashboards
Oversee supply chain and strategic sourcing for efficiency and quality
Benefits
Contribute to the future of water purification technology
Lead innovative initiatives in digitization and automation
Opportunity to work closely with executive leadership
Engage in a role that blends strategic oversight with hands-on leadership
Be part of a rapidly scaling company addressing critical environmental challenges
Full Job Description
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.
