Continuous Improvement Manager

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.​

As the Continuous Improvement Manager, you will guide and execute continuous improvement (CI) initiatives aligned with the site’s strategic plan and operational goals. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will own Lean maturity assessments, partner with site leaders on improvement projects, and help establish a culture of efficiency and waste reduction throughout the organization.

You Will:

• Document and validate CI savings in partnership with the site controller.

• Design new procedures and methods for operational processes.

• Use project charters to collaborate with site leaders on identifying and sustaining improvements.

• Mentor employees at all levels, acting as a change agent and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.

• Identify opportunities for improvement through idea generation, prioritizing them with management.

• Lead projects and initiatives from idea to execution, offering strategic insights on organizational progress.

• Develop Lean training initiatives for the site, guiding staff in adopting CI methods.

• Support the establishment of KPI goals, providing monthly updates on CI resource activities and progress.

• Participate in forming CI strategy, offering expertise on Lean and Six Sigma methods.

• Supervise and coach direct reports, assigning improvement projects, setting objectives, and reviewing outcomes.

You Have:

• BS/BA degree or equivalent experience.

• 4+ years of experience leading continuous improvement, Lean, or Six Sigma projects with demonstrable financial benefits.

• Lean Master or Master Six Sigma Black Belt certification (or equivalent).

• Previous leadership or management experience.

• Track record of removing obstacles, driving change, and delivering on CI initiatives.

• In-depth knowledge of cycle time reduction, waste elimination, yield improvement, and productivity enhancement.

• Hands-on experience with LEAN, TPM, Six Sigma, and other CI methods.

• Strong leadership skills to coach and motivate cross-functional teams.

• Excellent project management and mentoring capabilities.

• Travel up to 10% on normal occasions, but with periods of 50% when coordinating the transition of product lines from other Watts manufacturing sites.

The expected salary range for this position is $107,000 - $127,000 yearly. Actual compensation will be dependent upon individual skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable laws.

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.