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.​

Scope of Position

The Continuous Improvement Manager has overall responsibility for leading and driving Continuous Improvement (CI) thinking and behaviors 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/BU leadership and the Regional CI Director to achieve significant improvements to business processes that are linked to site strategy and focused on the customer, resulting in balanced scorecard improvements.

This position reports to a member of the Watts Applied Solutions Operations Leadership Team. This role is remote, based in Fort Worth, TX.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Act as a change agent, systematically driving a CI culture
• Lead and manage all standardized CI activities across the site, aligned with the Watts CI business system
• Facilitate strategy deployment and goal deployment across all site functions and multiple value streams
• Maintain a site-wide lean roadmap aimed at meeting site business goals and evolving CI culture, with an ongoing focus on improving productivity, quality, delivery and customer allegiance
• Champion, measure and report on site productivity savings to meet AOP goals
• Lead kaizen and lean workshops for site leaders and associates, effectively training on and employing techniques such as VSM, daily management, standard work, problem solving, 3P/layout, cell design, material flow, TPM, SMED, 5S and visual management
• Identify and prioritize business opportunities for improvement
• Identify internal and external best practices, and share across the site and Watts
• Lead site CI steering committee and facilitate the development and maintenance of an ongoing improvement project funnel, being filled from all areas of the business
• Facilitate the ongoing development of a healthy cross-functional group of qualified CI practitioners and lean leaders
• Ensure company policies are followed.
• Enforce company safety policies.
• Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by manager manager’s or Company management.
• Travel Requirements: 50%

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, Supply Chain, or related technical field.
• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing experience with a focus on hands-on lean kaizen, including VSM, daily management, standard work, cell design, material flow, TPM, SMED, Six Sigma, 3P/layout, 5S and visual management.
• Working knowledge of multiple business functions, including operations, quality, logistics, finance, sales, customer service, engineering, IT and human resources
• Experience leading strategy deployment and goal deployment, and developing a site-side lean roadmap with demonstrated results
• Demonstrated experience solving business problems utilizing lean principles.
• Proven leadership skills to coach and lead teams to fully deliver chartered objectives and projects.
• Experience as a front-line Supervisor is strongly desired.
• Advanced computer proficiency in Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Must successfully establish employment eligibility and satisfactorily complete background checks, including [insert checks], and required pre-employment testing as a condition of employment.

General Applicable Company Competencies

• Commitment to Watts’ values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency.
• Punctuality and dependability.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions.
• Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts.
• Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees. 
• Adherence to Watts’ seven cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.

Working Conditions:

While performing the job duties, you will be working remotely in an office environment. You may be required to occasionally travel to and work in the office at the Fort Worth, TX location for meetings, trainings, or as otherwise required by Company management.

Physical Requirements: Specific physical abilities required for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to remain seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks like typing on a keyboard or using a mouse for extended periods.
• Ability to physically move around the office, organize or transport files, packages, or other office-related materials.
• Ability to read documents, use a computer, and perform data entry tasks.
• Ability to communicate clearly with management and coworkers, particularly in meetings or phone calls.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, phones, and copiers.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry light objects, such as office supplies, documents, or small equipment.

Pay Range:

The expected salary range for this position is $101,000 - $114,000 yearly. Actual compensation will be dependent upon individual skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable law.

Nothing in this job description restricts Watts’ right to assign or reassign duties, responsibilities, and working hours/conditions to this position at any time. This position is “at will,” which means that either the employee or Watts may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any lawful reason.

#LI Remote

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.