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Service Manager

Xylem · Bolingbrook, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 14, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you managed field service people across more than one location. How did you stay close to work you could not see?

What they are checking: Whether they have real methods for leading people spread across sites, not just from a desk.

How have you built and managed a department budget, and what did you do when expenses ran over?

What they are checking: Whether they treat a budget as something they own and correct, not a number handed down.

Walk me through an employee relations issue you resolved. What did you do first?

What they are checking: Whether they handle people problems promptly, fairly and with documentation rather than avoiding them.

You lead supervisors who lead technicians. How do you develop that second level of leadership?

What they are checking: Whether they can lead through other leaders instead of reaching past them to do the work.

Tell me about a time you pulled in resources from another region to meet a customer commitment.

What they are checking: Whether they reach out across the organization instead of struggling alone with a local shortage.

How do you decide which technician to develop for the next level?

What they are checking: Whether they look for potential and judgment, not just the best individual performer.

What would you do

A key customer adds a new requirement next quarter. How do you turn that into a workforce plan?

What they are checking: Whether they can translate customer needs into headcount, skills and schedules before the gap shows up.

How do you keep good technicians from leaving when another company offers them more?

What they are checking: Whether they understand retention as engagement, growth and fair treatment, not only pay.

The role covers product, system and water quality. How would you respond to a water quality result that is out of spec at a customer site?

What they are checking: Whether they treat a water quality miss as urgent and know to protect the customer before explaining.

How do you keep safety strong in field crews who work at customer sites without a manager present?

What they are checking: Whether they build safety habits that hold when no one is watching.

About the work

Which KPIs would you put in front of a field service team, and how would you make them visible onsite?

What they are checking: Whether they choose metrics that drive the right behavior and share them openly with the team.

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The full job description

As published by Xylem.

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. The Service Manager will be responsible for providing tactical and strategic level management and leadership to field service professionals at a larger site and/or multiple locations, with responsibility for attraction, retention, engagement, performance and development. This role is involved in setting department budgets, managing to expenses, is actively involved in workforce planning, expected to address/resolve employee relations issues and translates customer requirements into workforce plans and objectives. This role creates onsite visibility into KPIs and metrics and can provide input into metrics to management, has 2nd level leadership capability, effectively applies all technical and operational requirements and actively leverages region wide resources and partners with all stakeholders to ensure successful customer and business outcomes. This role also ensures product, system, and water quality and is responsible for monitoring/maintaining appropriate inventory levels for complex or multiple sites. We offer a full benefits package to include Flexible Time Off (FTO) for salaried positions, health, dental, vision, investment savings plan, and additional miscellaneous benefits. CORE RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. • Create and maintain safe working environment and culture within the organization • Take care of company property • Defines and drives (proactive) customer management, employee management, safety management, interpersonal relationship and leadership skills • Demonstrates high impact culture through innovation, accountability and empowerment • Is agile in responding quickly to customer issues • Operational and strategic management • Autonomy to make decisions that impact divisional and cross-functional / commercial span of control • Ensures cost/revenue support the financial goals of the P&L • Provides proactive direction to commercial teams to ensure service center objectives are achieved • May provide direct supervisor to sales and other commercial colleagues • Demonstrates leadership behaviors across organizational boundaries of candid communication, collaboration, developing people, embracing DEI and innovation Travel Requirements: • Some travel required • 20%-80% travel depending on division & location (overnight stays, away from home) Driving Requirements: • Driver Application for Employment • Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) • Forms: o Driver Disclosure and Release o Employee Applicant Drug and Alcohol Statement o FMCSA Certificate of Awareness o Driver Certificate of Violations o Driver Statement of On Duty Hours Road Test o Copy of Driver’s License o Copy of Medical Certificate QUALIFICATIONS: Education Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred; or equivalent military experience; or applicable industry equivalent experience in lieu of degree Experience Requirements: • Ability to obtain all required customer clearances (TWIC, DISA, etc.) • Industrial or commercial process water experience required • Clean driving record • 5 to 7 years of technical work experience or 3 years of industry specific experience • Combined with 3 years of leadership/management experience Skill Requirements: • Proficiency with computers and business software, such as Microsoft Office, Skype, Oracle/SAP, cloud-based solutions • People management • Ability to communicate up/down/across • Ability to lead and motivate teams • Demonstrates critical thinking and complex troubleshooting in order to guide and advise team members and customers • Ability to defuse situations at a customer or internal issue. 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

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