Service Operations Manager- Wastewater

Xylem; Nederland (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Xylem is seeking an experienced Service Manager to lead a large, 24/7 BOO operations facility focused on water and wastewater treatment. You will own site performance, safety, team leadership, and customer satisfaction under a Build-Own-Operate contract.

As Sr. Manager you will guide operators and maintenance staff, drive reliability and process optimization, maintain strong customer relationships, and ensure compliance with safety programs and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of wastewater treatment experience, including MBR or MBBR systems.
• 5+ years of people management experience.
• Bachelor of Science degree (technical or related field).
• Experience in an industrial environment (chemical, oil & gas, manufacturing, utilities).
• Proven leadership in a 24/7 operations setting.
• Strong understanding of safety programs, regulatory compliance, and operational risk management.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and accountability for site operations, including process water and wastewater treatment systems.
• Lead and develop a multi-discipline team of operators, maintenance technicians, and support personnel in a 24/7 environment.
• Drive site performance against KPIs including safety, uptime, water quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Serve as the primary customer interface, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring alignment with contractual obligations.
• Ensure full compliance with safety programs, environmental regulations, and operating procedures.
• Oversee site financial performance including budgeting, cost control, and operational efficiency.
• Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex process and operational issues, including biological treatment systems (MBR/MBBR).
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across operations, maintenance, and team performance.
• Establish and maintain strong operational discipline, documentation, and reporting standards.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure successful execution within a large, matrixed organization.

Skills

MBR/MBBR systems

People management

24/7 operations

Safety programs

Education

Bachelor of Science

Job description

Job Description – Service Manager (BOO Operations)

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Service Manager to lead all aspects of operations at a large, complex industrial water and wastewater treatment facility operating under a long-term BOO (Build-Own-Operate) contract.

This role is fully accountable for site performance, safety, team leadership, and customer satisfaction. The Sr. Service Manager will lead a 24/7 operation, driving reliability, developing people, and ensuring delivery against contractual performance obligations.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, front-line leader who can navigate complex challenges, think critically, and develop creative solutions while building and leading a high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and accountability for site operations, including process water and wastewater treatment systems
• Lead and develop a multi-discipline team of operators, maintenance technicians, and support personnel in a 24/7 environment
• Drive site performance against key KPIs including safety, uptime, water quality, and customer satisfaction
• Serve as the primary customer interface, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring alignment with contractual obligations
• Ensure full compliance with all safety programs, environmental regulations, and operating procedures
• Oversee site financial performance including budgeting, cost control, and operational efficiency [
• Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex process and operational issues, including biological treatment systems (MBR/MBBR)
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across operations, maintenance, and team performance
• Establish and maintain strong operational discipline, documentation, and reporting standards
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders (engineering, corporate support, EHS, supply chain) to ensure successful execution within a large, matrixed organization

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of wastewater treatment experience, including MBR or MBBR systems
• Minimum 5 years of people management experience
• Bachelor of Science degree (technical or related field)
• Demonstrated experience in an industrial environment (e.g., chemical, oil & gas, manufacturing, utilities)
• Proven leadership ability in a 24/7 operations setting
• Strong understanding of safety programs, regulatory compliance, and operational risk management

Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have)

• Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, Environmental, or related)
• 10+ years of people management experience
• Deep experience in industrial wastewater treatment, specifically MBR systems
• Prior P&L ownership or financial accountability
• Experience working within a BOO or contract operations