Service Operations Manager- Wastewater

Xylem; Nederland (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Xylem seeks an experienced Service Manager to lead all aspects of operations at a large industrial water and wastewater facility under a long-term BOO contract. You will be accountable for site performance, safety, team leadership, and customer satisfaction.

This role manages a 24/7 operation, driving reliability, developing people, and ensuring delivery against contractual obligations while building a high-performing team and coordinating with internal stakeholders in a matrixed organization.

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).
• 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.

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 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 to ensure successful execution within a large, matrixed organization.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Safety programs

Education

Bachelor of Science degree (technical or related field)

Engineering degree (Chemical, Mechanical, Environmental, or related)

Job description

Job Description – Service Manager, Wastewater (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 
• Prior P&L ownership or