Fernando Serrano

About Fernando Serrano

I’m a Quality and Operations leader with over 25 years of experience driving performance in engineered-to-order, high-mix manufacturing environments. Currently, I lead quality strategy for a $65M operation at Xylem, where I’ve partnered across operations, supply chain, and engineering to deliver measurable business results. Over the past several years, we’ve reduced Cost of Poor Quality by 20%, improved on-time delivery by 15%, and reduced supplier PPM by 20%, while supporting revenue growth from $60M with a roadmap to $100M. In 2025, I was selected to step into an Interim Site Operations Director role, where I led the full operation through a leadership transition. During that time, I stabilized execution, aligned cross-functional teams, and maintained delivery performance in a complex ETO environment. My approach is straightforward—build strong teams, establish disciplined processes, and align quality and operations to drive business performance. I’ve spent my career strengthening supplier networks, implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. I’m particularly interested in opportunities where I can lead at the intersection of operations, quality, and supply chain to scale performance and support business growth.

Experience

1. Senior Quality Manager

   Xylem

   Jul 2013 — Present · Milwaukee, WI, US

   Lead site quality strategy for a $60M engineered-to-order manufacturing operation, partnering across operations, supply chain, and engineering to drive performance and execution. Supported revenue growth from $60M with roadmap targets of $75M in 2026 and $100M in 2027 by improving operational capability, supplier performance, and execution discipline. Delivered a 20% reduction in Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) through structured problem solving, systemic corrective actions, and process improvements. Improved on-time delivery (OTD) performance by 15% through cross-functional alignment, production planning discipline, and process standardization. Reduced supplier PPM by 20% by strengthening supplier development, audit processes, and APQP deployment across the supply base. Built and deployed supplier quality systems, including supplier manuals, inspection standards, and onboarding processes to improve consistency and accountability. Led domestic and international supplier audits to improve capability, reduce risk, and strengthen performance across critical suppliers. Implemented Lean and continuous improvement initiatives, including Kaizen events, standard work, and value stream mapping to improve throughput and reduce variation. Developed and coached quality engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams, strengthening capability and accountability across the organization. Served as Site EHS Coordinator (2019–2024), supporting compliance, training, and advancement of a proactive safety culture.

Education

• Marquette University

  BS, Industrial Engineering

Skills

• Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (Dfmea)
• Six Sigma
• Spc
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Supplier Quality
• Supplier Evaluation
• Dfmea
• Lean Manufacturing
• Iso Standards
• Supply Management
• Kaizen
• Design of Experiments
• Manufacturing
• Measurement System Analysis
• Process Capability
• Minitab
• Iso
• Ts16949
• Supplier Management
• Root Cause Analysis
• Black Belt
• Fmea
• Dmaic
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Leadership
• Project Management
• Internal Audit
• Iso 9001
• Management
• Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (Fmea)
• Control Charts
• Iso 9000
• Quality Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Iso 13485
• Kanban
• Supplier Audits