Lean & Business System Leader
About the job
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
- At least 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, including at least 5 years in a dedicated Lean, Continuous Improvement, or Operational Excellence role.
- A proven track record of deploying a business operating system such as Danaher DBS, Honeywell HOS, Toyota TPS, or a similar system in a multinational or joint-venture manufacturing environment.
- Experience in mid-to-large scale manufacturing, including assembly, machining, or chemical processing; automotive, industrial equipment, or consumer goods experience is preferred.
- Hands-on experience coaching leaders at different levels, from shop-floor to middle management.
- Deep knowledge of TPS and lean tools, with the ability to tailor them to local culture and business needs.
- Understanding of P&L and cost drivers, and the ability to translate operational improvements into financial impact.
- Ability to influence without authority and coach a Plant Manager without operations experience.
- Resilience, patience, and persistence in driving cultural change.
- Strong analytical skills and comfort with data analysis and visualization tools.
- Fluency in English and Mandarin, with presentation and facilitation skills.
- Strategic thinking, ownership, and readiness to take on broader roles in 2–3 years.
- Design, localize, and implement a standardized business operating system, including daily management, tiered accountability, standard work, and visual management, across all functions.
- Lead the end-to-end lean transformation, including value stream mapping, kaizen events, 5S, TPM, SMED, pull systems, and flow optimization, to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and inventory.
- Coach and develop the Plant Manager, functional managers, and frontline supervisors on lean principles, A3/PDCA problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making.
- Build internal lean trainers to sustain the continuous improvement culture.
- Establish and track operational KPIs, including OEE, FTY, OTD, inventory turns, and productivity, and drive daily and weekly performance reviews with clear action plans.
- Facilitate workshops, gemba walks, and leadership coaching sessions to shift the organization toward systematic improvement.
- Identify, prioritize, and lead cross-functional improvement projects with clear financial and operational impact.
- Report project progress regularly to senior leadership.
- Manage the continuous improvement budget, training expenses, and small capital improvement projects.
- An MBA or master’s degree in Operations or Lean Management.
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent certification.
- Experience in a plant with weak operational maturity and the ability to build capabilities from the ground up.
About the company
Watts Water Technologies provides plumbing and water-management products and solutions to improve water quality, safety, and conservation across residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal settings. Its lineup includes backflow preventers, water pressure regulators, temperature and pressure relief valves, and other flow-control components, plus smart connected systems for remote monitoring. The company serves wholesalers, OEMs, and plumbing and heating contractors across Americas, Europe, and APAC/Middle East/Africa regions. Its goal is to deliver reliable, safe, and efficient water management that protects public health and conserves water.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
North Andover, Massachusetts
Founded
1874
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Q2 2026 sales reached $763 million; organic growth hit 12%.
- Management lifted 2026 sales guidance to 14%-17% reported after strong pricing.
- Data-center revenue reached 8% of first-half sales, with mid-single-digit full-year contribution.
What critics are saying
- Adjusted operating margin fell 60 basis points in Q2 2026 from acquisitions and tariffs.
- Europe organic growth guided only 1%-4%, leaving the region stuck in weakness.
- A 2027 data-center slowdown would expose Watts' reliance on a single growth engine.
What makes Watts Water unique
- Watts' data-center products tripled in Q2 2026, exposing a faster-growing niche.
- Superior Boiler, Haws, and Saudi Cast broaden heating, safety, and drainage coverage.
- The 80/20 program prunes low-margin SKUs, sharpening pricing power and mix.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Parental Leave
Paid Holidays
Paid Vacation
Professional Development Budget
Tuition Reimbursement
Gym Membership
Employee Discounts
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
15%1 year growth
15%2 year growth
19%Watts Water Technologies has seen its stock climb 14.1% to $347.11 per share over the past six months, closely tracking the S&P 500's 14.3% gain. The company, which manufactures water products and systems for residential, commercial, and industrial applications globally, has demonstrated strong financial performance. Over the last five years, Watts Water Technologies achieved revenue growth of 9.9% compounded annually. Its earnings per share grew even faster at 19.2% annually, indicating improved profitability. The company's free cash flow margin expanded by 6.5 percentage points over the same period, reaching 13.1% for the trailing 12 months. This improvement suggests the business has become less capital-intensive whilst maintaining strong cash generation. The stock currently trades at 26.1 times forward price-to-earnings ratio.
Watts Water Technologies reported second quarter net sales of $763 million, up 19% on a reported basis and 12% organically year-over-year. Diluted earnings per share climbed to $3.53, up 17%, while adjusted diluted EPS reached $3.66, up 18%. Data center demand drove growth across all regions, particularly in APMEA, where sales jumped 57% reported and 31% organically. The company raised its full-year sales growth outlook to 14%-17% reported, or 8%-11% organically. However, operating margin fell 80 basis points to 20.2%, pressured by acquisition dilution, inflation, and tariffs. The Americas segment saw margins drop 150 basis points. Free cash flow for the first half declined to $98 million from $105 million a year earlier.
Watts Water Technologies reported second-quarter 2026 results with sales rising to $763.2 million and net income reaching $118.3 million. The company raised its full-year 2026 guidance, now expecting reported sales growth of 14% to 17% and operating margin between 19.4% and 20%. Management attributed the improved outlook to surging data centre demand and favourable pricing. The company maintained its $0.63 quarterly dividend and completed a modest share repurchase. The raised guidance projects $3.0 billion revenue and $493.7 million earnings by 2029, requiring 6.0% yearly revenue growth. However, some analysts remain cautious about long-term pressure from mature markets and new technologies. The stock rose 13.4% following the announcement.
Watts Water Technologies shares have risen 25.1% over three months, driven by strong second-quarter results and surging data centre demand. The company posted record Q2 sales of $763.2 million, up 18.6% year-over-year, with organic sales growing 12.2%. Adjusted earnings increased 18.4% to $3.66 per share, beating consensus estimates by 9.6%. Data centre sales more than tripled year-over-year and now represent 8% of first-half sales, up from 3% in 2025. Management raised its 2026 reported sales growth outlook to 14%–17% from 8%–12%. Organic growth guidance increased to 8%–11% from 2%–6%. Third-quarter organic growth is forecast to moderate to 5%–8%, suggesting the second quarter's pace may not repeat.
Watts Water Technologies reported second quarter 2026 results that surpassed Wall Street expectations. The water management manufacturer posted revenue of $763.2 million, up 18.6% year on year and beating analyst estimates of $727.3 million by 4.9%. The company's non-GAAP earnings per share of $3.66 exceeded consensus estimates of $3.34 by 9.7%. Operating margin held steady at 20.2%, whilst free cash flow margin improved to 12% from 9.2% in the prior-year quarter. Organic revenue rose 12% year on year, outperforming expectations. Over the past five years, Watts Water has grown sales at a 9.9% compound annual growth rate. Analysts project revenue growth of 4.7% over the next 12 months, representing a deceleration from recent trends.