Continuous Improvement Manager

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.

The CI 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 is on site and based in Franklin, NH.

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.

Travel Requirements : up to 25% of the time.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree; technical engineering discipline or equivalent experience

Formal CI training and certification Black Belt preferred

10+ years of experience in manufacturing processes 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

Solid understanding of lean principle and lean technical / tools skills, project management experience and decision-making capability

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

Proven track record training and coaching a formal problem-solving methodology and leading and coaching a variety of kaizen teams with an emphasis on execution

Ability to influence cross-functional site leadership, with excellent written and verbal communication skills; well respected by leadership and associates

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

Excellent project management and organizational skills and the ability to be a self-starter and handle multiple tasks concurrently.

Advanced problem-solving capabilities, attention to detail and numerical aptitude.

Advanced computer proficiency in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Understanding of and adherence to applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and safety practices and procedures, as applicable.

Must successfully establish employment eligibility and satisfactorily complete background 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 on-site at a manufacturing facility and will perform the majority of your duties in an office environment. You may, at times, be required to be present on the manufacturing floor and will be required to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. You will be required to work in the office at the Franklin, NH location (Monday Friday). Your scheduled work hours will be communicated to you by your manager.

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.

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

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.