Service Manager

Xylem 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.
Job Description – Service Manager (BOO Operations)
Location: Nederland, TX (Linde Facility)
Position Type: Full-Time | Site Leadership Role
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 environment
Leadership & Core Competencies
Strong, front-line leader who leads by example and takes ownership of site performance
Ability to analyze complex operational problems and develop practical, creative solutions
High level of critical thinking and decision-making capability
Passion for developing people, coaching teams, and building a strong culture
Excellent customer engagement skills with ability to influence and build trust
Strong communication skills across all levels of the organization
Ability to operate effectively within a large, complex organization and drive results
Working Environment
24/7 industrial facility with on-call leadership responsibility
Exposure to mechanical systems, biological treatment processes, and chemical handling
Occasional travel required for training and corporate alignment
Why This Role Matters
This role is critical to the long-term success of the Linde BOO contract, where operational excellence, safety performance, and customer partnership directly impact financial outcomes and strategic growth.
Join 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 #WaterInnovation