Operations Manager - Watertube Boilers

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:

This highly motivated individual, as part of the Superior Boiler team, will oversee the overall performance of a Manufacturing Unit or Value Stream, defined by Product Line, Group or Family. This individual implements the Watts Performance System (WPS) and Lean Principles & tools to ensure a safe work environment, maximize profitable growth, drive quality improvements, provide premier customer service, develop a technically qualified work force, reduce operating costs, inventories and lead times through continuous improvements.

The Value Stream Manager (VSM) is responsible for managing all aspects of the Value Stream to include: developing associates, ensuring that the team consensus is used to evaluate and rapidly implement decisions, budget planning, production planning, & executing effective performance management and employment decisions for all direct reports, team leaders and associates.

This position will be responsible for supervision of 2 Supervisors, who will be managing approximately 20-40 production employees.

This position reports to the Director of Operations. This role is onsite and based in Hutchinson, KS.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leads the Value Stream in daily operations and continuous improvements which include but are not limited to: meeting production goals and achieve daily production in support of AOP, establishing manufacturing priorities, supply chain production control, coordination of activities with off-shift management and order shipments.
• Successful Lean implementation resulting in productivity gains, emphasizing the creation of continuous product flow, utilize pull systems where flow is not currently possible, and works to level the workload.
• Creates the basis for continuous improvement and employee empowerment by ensuring that standardized work/processes are followed, countermeasures implemented, and the area is compliant with safety requirements. Executes such activities, using the tools of the WPS, 5S, and quality to sustain a visually controlled environment that ensures conformance, improvement, and promotes problem-solving.
• Ensure that standard work is followed, and all equipment is operational, in good working order, and safe through periodic audits and implementation of an auditing system
• Instills and maintains a positive can-do team atmosphere within the Value Stream; holding regular team meetings, assigns team members' tasks, and coordinates support services needed outside the team.
• Facilitates small group activities in support of Lean and meets with the employees regularly, reflecting on problems, solutions, and challenges, thereby creating a culture of continuous improvement and contributing towards becoming a learning organization.
• Ensures effective cross-training for the Value Stream Associates, including backups from other areas, to ensure a continuous smooth-running Value Stream.
• Works cross-functionally to develop the future state value stream map and manages the plans to achieve it.
• Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by Director of Operations or Superior Boiler management.
• Travel Requirements: 0-10% travel.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business or Operations.
• 7+ years of diverse manufacturing background spanning multiple functional areas such as Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Continuous Improvement, Production, Supply Chain, and Quality.
• 5+ years of leadership developing teams and mentoring future manufacturing leaders.
• Experience working in scaling operations environments (high growth, new product lines or platform-based businesses).
• Proven track record of driving measurable results such as scrap reduction, cost savings, productivity gains, throughput improvements, quality improvement, customer satisfaction enhancement, or supplier performance improvement.
• Knowledge and experience in LEAN manufacturing and able to lead teams in LEAN process improvements/implementation.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous P&L ownership experience preferred.
• Sufficient experience and background in accounting, PC skills, manufacturing, inventory control, and strategic planning.
• Capable of assessing and developing individual and team skills and capabilities. Able to create and maintain enthusiasm for new and challenging goals. Serve as a role model by promoting new ideas and positive changes.
• Embraces change, a sense of urgency, and demonstrated comfort and command in a hands-on team environment
• Well-developed organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Lead as an effective coach, facilitator, and cross-functional team leader and member
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

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.

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 Hutchinson Kansas 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.

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 (Onsite)

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
• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement

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.