Chief Operating Officer
Location Wilmington, MA
Onsite, Hybrid or Fully Remote Onsite
Status Full-Time
Reports To CEO
FLSA Status Exempt/ Salaried
Management Position Yes
Position Overview Company Overview
At Kovalus Separation Solutions (KSS), we are dedicated to transforming the landscape of separation technologies by leveraging synergies across membrane filtration, ion exchange, evaporation, drying, and other advanced process technologies. Our solutions support customers in the food and beverage, dairy, life science, and industrial markets by enabling product concentration and purification, removal of contaminants, recycling of valuable process chemicals, production of high-purity water, and treatment of wastewater for safe discharge or reuse.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead KMS manufacturing operations across Wilmington, MA and Monterrey, Mexico, with accountability for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and culture (SQDC).
- Design and optimize the service and supply chain network to support customers and growth with at the lowest cost to serve.
- Help drive a scalable Lean Operating System that drives operational excellence, KPI management, and continuous improvement.
- Partner with the CEO and executive leadership team to translate business strategy into operational execution and financial results.
- Lead global manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, engineering, maintenance, quality, and EHS to achieve strategic business objectives.
- Develop high-performing leaders and build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Drive operational and financial performance through productivity improvements, cost optimization, and scalable business processes.
- Lead strategic initiatives that strengthen manufacturing capabilities and position Kovalus for long-term enterprise growth.
- Champion the R&D and new product development processes to speed the delivery of value.
Additional Responsibilities
- Champion a culture of safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Lead strategic planning, capital investments, and operational scalability initiatives.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration across Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain and Quality
- Evaluate and implement technologies, systems, and automation that improve performance.
Qualifications:
Required
- Proven executive leadership experience in complex, multi-site manufacturing environments.
- Demonstrated success building and scaling Lean Operating Systems (DBS, TPS, Fortive Business System, or similar).
- Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on in driving operational execution.
- Track record of delivering measurable financial and operational results through continuous improvement.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams across manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, quality, maintenance, and EHS.
- Servant leader who is visible, approachable, and accountable, with a passion for developing high-performing teams.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and change leadership skills.
- Strong digital, technology, and data management acumen, with a proven ability to leverage ERP systems, operational analytics, KPIs, and performance dashboards to drive fact-based decision-making, improve execution, and support enterprise scalability.
Preferred
- Experience leading operational turnarounds or enterprise transformation initiatives.
- Deep expertise in manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and operational excellence.
- Strong business and financial acumen, including cost management, budgeting, and KPI-driven decision-making.
- Low-ego, high-impact leader who thrives in fast-paced, growth-oriented environments.
- Demonstrated ability to build strategic partnerships, solve complex business challenges, and deliver sustainable results.
- PE backed leadership role backed by demonstrated value creation.
Education & Certifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field required.
- MBA or advanced degree preferred.
Travel: Must be willing to travel 35%-40% Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Kovalus Separation Solutions is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued and respected. We welcome applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our organization and contribute to better solutions for our customers and communities.
Kovalus offers a comprehensive package that includes: Medical (3 plan options), Dental (2 plan options) and Vision plan insurances; 401K (6% company match & fixed company contribution based on seniority); health savings and flexible spending accounts; company provided basic life insurance policy with the option of selecting additional voluntary life insurance for self, spouse or dependents; disability insurances (short-term policy is company paid & long-term is split between company and employee); voluntary insurance plans for Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity; business and personal travel insurance; 10 paid holidays; vacation time starting at 3 weeks; 48 hours sick time; employee assistance program; educational assistance program; referral bonus; bereavement leave. All benefits are subject to applicable plan and program terms (including eligibility terms) and may be subject to change.