Operations Manager

The ideal candidate has 5–10 years of industrial operations and maintenance experience , including 2–4 years in a supervisory or leadership role , with a strong background in plant operations, maintenance planning, asset reliability, and technical team management. Professionals in this role will have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced engineering and technical teams, strengthen their expertise in industrial operations and asset management, and lead initiatives that improve system efficiency and long-term operational performance.

Operations Manager – Ultra-Pure Water Systems

Location: Tempe, AZ
Employment Type: Full-Time
Work Arrangement: Onsite | Client Facility
Salary: $110,000–$140,000 annually
Travel: Minimal | Meetings and Training as Needed
Industry: Water Treatment | Industrial Operations | Engineering

Position Overview

Wheeler Staffing Partners is seeking an experienced and results-driven Operations Manager for a full-time, onsite opportunity in Tempe, AZ. This position is responsible for supporting the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and maintenance of advanced Ultra-Pure Water (UPW) treatment systems within a highly technical industrial environment.

The Operations Manager will assist in planning, coordinating, and overseeing daily operations and maintenance activities while supervising engineers, technicians, operators, and contractors. This role will focus on optimizing system performance, maximizing equipment reliability, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate has 5–10 years of industrial operations and maintenance experience, including 2–4 years in a supervisory or leadership role, with a strong background in plant operations, maintenance planning, asset reliability, and technical team management. This individual must demonstrate strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills while maintaining a commitment to operational excellence and workplace safety.

Key Responsibilities

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  Assist in planning, coordinating, and monitoring daily Ultra-Pure Water (UPW) system operations to achieve production, performance, quality, and efficiency targets.
  
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  Oversee daily operations and maintenance activities to ensure system reliability, operational continuity, and compliance with established performance standards.
  
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  Support operational readiness and execution of system startups, shutdowns, emergency response procedures, and contingency planning.
  
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  Coordinate with customers, engineering teams, maintenance personnel, and technical support departments to maintain uninterrupted system operations.
  
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  Assist in developing, implementing, and managing preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs.
  
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  Monitor equipment condition, maintenance performance, and operational data to maximize asset reliability, equipment availability, and system uptime.
  
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  Lead troubleshooting efforts and coordinate timely resolution of equipment failures, process disruptions, and operational issues.
  
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  Enforce safety, health, and environmental (SHE) policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
  
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  Supervise, mentor, and provide technical guidance to engineers, maintenance technicians, system operators, and contractors.
  
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  Support workforce planning, task assignments, operational priorities, and team performance management.
  
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  Assist with asset integrity programs, reliability improvement initiatives, and equipment lifecycle management.
  
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  Participate in root cause failure analysis (RCFA), identify recurring equipment issues, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
  
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  Utilize Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) platforms to support maintenance scheduling, work order management, equipment tracking, and performance reporting.
  
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  Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), operational efficiency, maintenance effectiveness, and system reliability metrics.
  
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  Prepare and maintain operational reports, maintenance documentation, performance evaluations, and compliance records.
  
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  Support operational audits, equipment inspections, safety assessments, and regulatory compliance activities.
  
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  Identify opportunities to improve maintenance strategies, operational processes, equipment performance, and resource utilization.
  
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  Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements, reliability initiatives, and operational best practices.
  
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  Serve as the designated representative for the Site Leader when required, supporting operational decisions, team coordination, and site management responsibilities.
  
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  Participate in required training, technical meetings, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  

Required Qualifications

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  Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
  
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  5–10 years of experience in industrial operations, plant maintenance, utilities, or a related technical environment.
  
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  2–4 years of supervisory or leadership experience overseeing technical teams, maintenance personnel, or industrial operations.
  
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  Strong understanding of industrial operations and maintenance practices, plant equipment, utility systems, and maintenance management processes.
  
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  Experience developing, coordinating, or executing preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs.
  
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  Working knowledge of Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems.
  
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  Experience with maintenance planning, work order management, equipment reliability, and operational performance monitoring.
  
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  Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and problem-solving abilities.
  
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  Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and coordinate engineers, technicians, operators, and contractors.
  
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  Knowledge of industrial safety standards, environmental regulations, and workplace compliance requirements.
  
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  Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple operational demands.
  
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  Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including technical reporting and coordination with customers and internal stakeholders.
  
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  Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  
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  Experience using operational reporting tools, maintenance tracking systems, and performance metrics.
  
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  Ability to make sound operational decisions in a fast-paced industrial environment.
  
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  Strong commitment to workplace safety, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement.
  
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  Must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer-sponsored immigration support.
  

Preferred Qualifications

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  Professional certifications in maintenance, reliability, project management, or asset management, such as Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) or Project Management Professional (PMP).
  
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  Experience in Ultra-Pure Water (UPW) systems, industrial water treatment, or high-purity process water operations.
  
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  Background in semiconductor manufacturing, microelectronics, utilities, chemical processing, infrastructure, or related industrial sectors.
  
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  Experience supporting complex industrial utility systems and critical process equipment.
  
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  Familiarity with advanced water treatment technologies, including reverse osmosis, filtration, ion exchange, and membrane-based treatment systems.
  
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  Experience implementing reliability-centered maintenance strategies and asset performance improvement initiatives.
  
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  Knowledge of root cause failure analysis (RCFA), failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and corrective action programs.
  
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  Experience managing operational readiness, equipment startups, shutdowns, and emergency response activities.
  
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  Familiarity with key performance indicators (KPIs), operational reporting, and continuous improvement methodologies.
  
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  Previous experience serving in a site leadership or operations management capacity within an industrial facility.
  

Equipment, Systems & Technical Knowledge

The Operations Manager will support industrial operations and maintenance activities involving technologies and systems such as:

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  Ultra-Pure Water (UPW) Treatment Systems
  
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  Industrial Water Treatment and Utility Systems
  
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  Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
  
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  Filtration and Membrane Treatment Equipment
  
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  Ion Exchange and Water Purification Systems
  
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  Industrial Pumps, Valves, and Mechanical Equipment
  
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  Process Monitoring and Control Systems
  
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  Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
  
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  Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) Platforms
  
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  Preventive and Predictive Maintenance Programs
  
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  Asset Reliability and Equipment Performance Monitoring
  
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  Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA)
  
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  Operational Reporting and Performance Management Tools
  

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

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  Full-time, onsite position located at a client facility in Tempe, AZ.
  
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  Work is performed in an industrial plant environment supporting critical water treatment and utility operations.
  
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  Must comply with all established safety procedures, environmental regulations, and operational requirements.
  
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  Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in designated plant areas.
  
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  Must be comfortable working around industrial equipment, mechanical systems, and active plant operations.
  
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  Ability to respond to operational issues, equipment failures, and changing site priorities.
  
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  Minimal travel may be required for company meetings, technical training, or operational coordination.
  

Why Join This Opportunity?

This position offers an opportunity to take on a leadership role supporting advanced Ultra-Pure Water systems and critical industrial infrastructure. The Operations Manager will contribute directly to operational reliability, equipment performance, workplace safety, and sustainable water management practices.

Professionals in this role will have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced engineering and technical teams, strengthen their expertise in industrial operations and asset management, and lead initiatives that improve system efficiency and long-term operational performance.

Why Work with Wheeler Staffing Partners?

At Wheeler Staffing Partners, we do more than connect talented professionals with great opportunities—we build lasting career partnerships. Our team is committed to providing personalized support throughout your job search, offering transparent communication, timely feedback, and access to opportunities with respected employers across the country. From your first conversation through onboarding and beyond, we're dedicated to helping you find a position where you can grow, succeed, and make a meaningful impact.