VP Operations

VVater • Austin, TX

106d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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

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

Benefits

• Assessment tests are required as part of the recruitment process

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees