Manager, Continuous Improvement

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 bycustomers in residential and commercial settings across the world.We areat theforefront of innovation, working with cutting-edge technology to provide smart andconnected, sustainable water solutions for the future. Watts is a leading brand with aquality reputation - and we have a dynamic future ahead. The Manager of Continuous Improvement has the overall responsibility for leading continuous improvement and the lean transformation processes across an entire Watts site. This position enables lean transformation at all levels, and trains, coaches and directly applies lean principles and tools to all business functions within Watts value streams. This leader will work with site and platform leadership to achieve significant improvements to business processes while solving key business problems resulting in balanced scorecard improvements.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Lead and manage all standardized CI activities aligned with One Watts Performance System.

Facilitate strategy and goal deployment across all site functions and value streams.

Maintain a site-wide lean roadmap aimed at meeting site business goals and evolving CI culture.

Lead high performing team dedicated to solving line issues in safety, quality, delivery and productivity.

Track and report on site productivity savings to meet AOP goals.

Execute weekly plant productivity cadence process to facilitate project hopper and funnel health.

Lead kaizen and lean workshops for site teams employing lean fundamentals such as Value Stream Mapping (VSM), Tiered Daily Management (TDM), standard work, 5S, cell design, material flow, TPM, SMED and line balancing.

Identify and prioritize business opportunities for improvement

Identify best practices and share across the Watts sites

Facilitate a healthy cross-functional group of qualified CI practitioners and lean leaders

Coordinate and lead the implementation of lean principles across the business, through close collaboration with area leaders.

Analyze and calculate the improvements results of CI activities for both operational and financial metrics. Effectively present and communicate results.

Lead in development, revision and training of One Watts Performance System (OWPS).

Effectively work with all levels of the organization to establish baseline metrics for improvement.

Assist in strategy deployment within manufacturing in alignment with organizational goals.

EDUCATION:

BS/BA degree in a related engineering, manufacturing or business area.

MANAGEMENT:

0-4 direct reports

QUALIFICATIONS:

Formal continuous improvement/lean transformation training and certification.

Black Belt Certification preferred.

Minimum of 5 years of hands-on lean kaizen and transformation experience with proven results.

Demonstrated competencies with Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and Tiered Daily Management (TDM)

Demonstrated lean fundamentals with standard work, 5S, material flow, TPM and SMED

Minimum of 5 years manufacturing experience in a machining/assembly environment

Working knowledge of cross functional business teams

Experience leading strategy and goal deployment

Experience training and coaching a formal problem-solving methodology

Proven leadership skills to coach and lead teams to fully deliver chartered objectives and projects.

Excellent skills in planning and organizing to handle multiple tasks concurrently.

Experience with Statistical Process Control and Advanced Analytical Techniques

Comprehensive knowledge of engineering and quality principles, concepts, practices, and theories

Demonstrated experience solving business problems utilizing lean principles.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Advanced computer proficiency in MS Office, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Minitab

Required to travel domestically and internationally, percentage varies

COMPETENCIES:

Initiative - Must be self-motivated with ability to work independently

Motivation: Strong leadership skills with ability to develop SMART goals and plans

Problem Solving - Excellent problem-solving skills

Innovation - Highly driven to continuously improve with creative solutions

Communication - Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills

Teamwork -Strong cross-functional collaboration skills

Influence - Strong skills in engaging and influencing people to accomplish goals

Organizing - Must be able to handle multiple priorities simultaneously

*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 25 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 office and manufacturing environment and be required to perform job duties outside of the typical office setting. Regular exposure to the manufacturing plant floor and QA lab areas.

*As required by the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA)

Watts in it for you:

Please note that the followingbenefits 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:

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.