VP of Operations and Manufacturing Engineering

Watts Water Technologies • Full-time • Hybrid, United States • 2w ago

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.

Join us!

As the Vice President 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 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 $250,000 - $300,000 yearly. Actual compensation will be dependent upon individual skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable laws.

Travel: ~50%

Physical Requirements:

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.