Operations Director

YSI Incorporated; Holland (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Time Off

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Job summary

A leading water technology company is seeking an Operations Director in Holland, MI. The successful candidate will oversee site operations, ensuring alignment with Lean principles and driving continuous improvement. Responsibilities include strategic planning, team development, and budget management. Candidates should have at least 10 years of experience in manufacturing operations and a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business. A commitment to safety and quality standards is essential. Join a company dedicated to sustainability and innovative water solutions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations leadership in CTO/ETO environments.
• Proven experience in Lean Production Systems implementation.
• Strong knowledge of Lean principles and methodologies.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle) and regulatory familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Oversee manufacturing, quality, materials, and logistics operations.
• Lead Lean Production System implementation and operational efficiency.
• Develop team and site strategies ensuring continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Product Management.
• Develop transformation strategies and manage budget, CAPEX, and cost controls.

Skills

Lean principles

Problem-solving

Leadership

Financial acumen

Communication

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field

Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)

Tools

ERP/MRP systems (SAP, Oracle)

Oracle ERP

ISO/FDA regulatory knowledge

Job description

Operations Director page is loaded## Operations Directorremote type: Onsitelocations: Holland, Michigan (Office)time type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R47371Xylem 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, 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.**Preferred:*** 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.#LI-NH1Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.At Xylem, you'll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark. We prioritize our employees' well-being through inclusion and belonging as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and Affirmative Action workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment.Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions. We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed. Embrace the opportunity to be part of Xylem's transformative journey in shaping the future of water technology! #XylemCareers #GlobalImpact #WaterInnovationbackground, skills and interests.