Job Description

We’re Watts. Together, we’re reimagining the future of water.

We feel proud every day about what we do. We're all part of the same crucial mission, no matter what function we support -- it's to provide safe, clean water for the world, and to protect our planet's most valuable resource.

What we do:

For 150 years, Watts has built best-in-class products that are trusted by customers in residential and commercial settings across the world. We are at the forefront of innovation, working with cutting-edge technology to provide smart and connected, sustainable water solutions for the future. Watts is a leading brand with a quality reputation — and we have a dynamic future ahead.​

The Director, Operations and Manufacturing Engineering - Americas is responsible for the strategic vision and tactical execution of the Operations and Manufacturing Engineering functions for nine manufacturing sites in the Americas. Leading a team of Quality, Manufacturing and Purchasing professionals, this succession-planning role requires a focus on excellence for safety, quality, lean manufacturing principles, productivity, facilities management, global outsourcing, and material procurement within the organization. You will build a culture where our customers receive consistently superior products. This position develops key operational and organizational strategies and direction by providing information, analysis, and recommendations. This position reports directly to the Senior Vice President, Global Operations and will be based in one of our Watts manufacturing sites in the US (Franklin (NH), Menomonee Falls (WI), St Pauls (NC), Woodland (CA), Export (PA). This role may also be located at the Corporate Office in North Andover (MA) or Home Office.





RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

· Lead manufacturing engineering and operations for the Americas, achieving revenue and profit plan(s) through operational excellence, cost reduction, quality improvement, new product introduction, acquisition integration and outsourcing.

· Drive operational efficiency, scalability, strategic and growth plans to achieve expected Watts financial commitments.

· Establish goals and KPIs that deliver real-time actionable information across manufacturing engineering and operations, holding subordinate staff and self-accountable for success.

· Champion a safety-first culture, instilling this culture throughout the organization.

· Propagate key operational metrics and goals to drive ongoing continuous improvement, efficiency, product value and on time delivery, while collaborating with cross-functional team to develop process improvements and results.

· Establish operational strategies by evaluating manufacturing operations trends; establish critical measurements; determine production, productivity, and customer-service strategies; resolve problems; implement change.

· Develop manufacturing operations financial strategies by estimating, forecasting, and anticipating requirements, trends, and variances; align monetary resources; develop action plans; measure and analyze results; initiate corrective actions; minimize the impact of variances.

· Engage and inspire team of manufacturing engineering professionals to produce products that meet customer expectations; formulating, installing, and enforcing good manufacturing engineering practices; develop and improve production processes, procedures, methods, and techniques; enhance the application of staff; design production planning and control systems and procedures; develop and enforce inspection and quality assurance standards, procedures, and methods.

· Responsible for the development of the operations and manufacturing engineering annual operating plans and cost budgets to be accomplished by working in concert with finance.

· Evaluate results on a continuous basis; compare against developed standards and take action to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to continuously improve performance.

· Develop and execute plans for efficient use of all resources, to include materials, equipment and personnel.

· Review and evaluate production costs and product quality, and drive production and inventory program improvements to maintain and enhance profitable operations.

· Evaluate and ensure the timely implementation of process improvements and controls aimed at continuous and significant production improvements.

· Prepare capital requirements budget and recommend specific appropriations to management.

· Ensure that the responsibilities, authorities, and accountability of all direct subordinates are defined and understood.

· Mentor and develop subordinate staff, ensuring talent gaps are addressed in a timely and efficient manner.

· Act as a change management champion, driving employee engagement action plans toward positive results.

· Lead team to ensure successful integration of new products into manufacturing environment, including ensuring design for manufacturability standards and work instructions are set.

· Direct the activities of safety awareness, facilities improvement, 5-S, Visual Measurement System, Standard Work, single piece flow system, material procurement/kanban replenishment, shipping/receiving and preventative maintenance. Monitors these departments to analyze their present and future needs and initiate actions to meet business needs. Develop procedures and techniques to optimize operations.

· Ensure manufacturing efficiency and cost reduction through optimum utilization of resources, as well as on-going evaluation and improvement of processes and people development.



EDUCATION:

· Bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain or similar business degree preferred, MBA a plus



MANAGEMENT:

· Direct supervision of Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Logistics, Purchasing, and Facilities.



QUALIFICATIONS:

· Minimum of fifteen years manufacturing and operations experience.

· Ten years progressive supervisory and leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, with emphasis on employee relations, safety compliance, quality control, and process improvement.

· Proven track record of driving organizational transformation and scalability.

· Strong financial acumen, including budget management, capital equipment / cost requests and financial reporting.

· Forward thinking with a mindset for continuous process improvement, customer satisfaction and employee morale. Must possess appreciation for six sigma methodologies and robust quality systems: including standard work.

· Understanding of lean manufacturing principles, product costing, six sigma methodology, kaizen

· Self-directed and comfortable in a rapidly changing, and informal business environment.

· Energetic, with a positive approach to leading and motivating people.

· Adaptive, able to react quickly to a changing environment, ability to create processes and a team that can respond to growth and new circumstances.

· Must be hands-on, organized, polished and meticulous.

· Success working cross functionally with multiple departments and sales channels.

As the Director of Operations and Manufacturing Engineering – Americas, you will provide the strategic vision and tactical execution of the Operations and Manufacturing Engineering functions for nine manufacturing sites across the region. Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Global Operations, you will lead a team encompassing Quality, Manufacturing, Logistics, Purchasing, and Facilities, ensuring each site achieves operational excellence. This onsite or home office/hybrid role can be based at one of our US manufacturing locations (Franklin, NH; Menomonee Falls, WI; St. Pauls, NC; Woodland, CA; Export, PA) or at the Corporate Office in North Andover, MA, with occasional travel required.

You Will:

• Lead manufacturing engineering and operations for the Americas, meeting revenue and profit targets through cost reduction, quality improvement, lean implementation, acquisition integration, and outsourcing.

• Develop operational strategies by analyzing trends, setting critical metrics, and determining production and customer-service approaches, ensuring alignment with Watts financial goals.

• Establish goals and KPIs across manufacturing engineering and operations, holding subordinates and yourself accountable for success.

• Instill a safety-first culture, promoting continuous improvement, efficiency, and on-time delivery across multiple production sites.

• Champion the use of lean manufacturing principles and six sigma methodologies to optimize processes, manage inventory, and ensure high-quality standards.

• Oversee capital projects, operating budgets, and action plans to minimize cost variances and achieve organizational targets.

• Inspire a team of manufacturing engineering professionals, developing and enforcing best practices, production processes, and inspection methods.

• Ensure new products are integrated smoothly into manufacturing, establishing design for manufacturability standards and clear work instructions.

• Drive talent development by mentoring subordinates, closing skill gaps, and fostering an environment conducive to engagement and growth.

• Coordinate safety, facilities improvement, and 5S activities, managing all aspects of material procurement/kanban, shipping/receiving, and preventive maintenance.

• Monitor and evaluate operational results, taking corrective actions to address shortfalls and continuously improve performance.

You Have:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain, or a related business discipline.

• 15+ years of manufacturing and operations experience, with at least 10 years in progressive supervisory and leadership roles.

• Experience driving organizational transformation, scalability, and continuous improvement in a multi-site manufacturing setting.

• Financial acumen, including budget management, capital equipment requests, and financial reporting.

• Expertise in lean manufacturing, six sigma, process optimization, and standard work methodologies.

• Ability to collaborate across departments and sales channels to achieve business objectives.

• Demonstrated leadership and change management abilities, with a focus on employee engagement and morale.

The expected salary range for this position is $235,000 - $275,000 yearly. Actual compensation will be dependent upon individual skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable laws.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, talk, and/or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

Work in both office and manufacturing environment. May occasionally be required to perform job duties outside the typical office setting.

Watts in it for you:

Please note that the following benefits apply only to permanent roles and do not apply to internship roles.

• Competitive compensation based on your skills, qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits
• Family building benefits, including paid maternity/paternity leave
• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement
• Additional perks such as fitness reimbursements and employee discount programs
• Learn more about our benefit offerings here: https://tapintowattsbenefits.com/

How we work:

At Watts, our culture is team-oriented and supportive. Employees here genuinely care about the quality of their work, and about each other. Our people are the heart of who we are and contribute to our longevity and continued success.

And this is a place where you can have a big career. No matter your role, there are opportunities for learning and development, and your daily contributions make a meaningful impact on the lives of people who use our products and on the future of water.

Watts is committed to equal employment opportunity. We follow a policy of administering all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, military or veteran status, minorities, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the obligations of state and federal law, Watts will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Any employee who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources.