Plant 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

This lean focused individual will be responsible for planning, directing and coordinating operations for the assigned manufacturing facility. The Plant Manager is expected to drive improved results in safety, employee engagement, productivity, quality, efficiency, and profitability. This position will be responsible for the further development of best-in-class manufacturing practices including Lean.  They will develop and deploy the operational roadmap necessary to bring our facility to the next level of operational excellence.

This position is responsible for supervision of Production Supervisors and Maintenance.

This position reports to the Director of Manufacturing.  The Plant Manager is an onsite role and is based in Germantown, WI.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains manufacturing operations business plans to include all program requirements, labor hours, cycle, and production costs. Responsible for making moderate to significant improvements of processes, systems or products.

• Ensures that the waste streams are appropriately identified, handled and profiled for disposal. Manages the hazardous wastes program.  Reviews and updates the Hazardous waste management program and the contingency plan

• Establishes plant standards and metrics for world class production floor organization and aesthetics.

• Establishes key elements of tactical and operational plans with measurable contribution towards the achievement of results, with a focus on short to mid-term operational plans (1-2 years)

• Execute production and quality control standards.

• Develops and manages budget and cost controls for operation and team.  

• Obtains data regarding types, quantities, specifications, and delivery dates of products ordered; ensuring all established costs, quality, lead times, and delivery commitments are met.

• Develops manufacturing process plan, including personnel requirements, material needs, subcontract requirements, facility needs, and tooling and equipment needs.

• Coordinates manufacturing activities cross functionally and with suppliers to obtain optimum production and utilization of human resources, machines, and equipment.

• Reviews production and operating reports and directs the resolution of operational, manufacturing, and maintenance problems to ensure cost control and prevent operational delays.

• Performs administrative activities associated with the effective management of plant operations, including compiling, storing, and retrieving production data for reports

•  Coach, develop and train staff appropriately for internal advancement and succession planning.

• Manages, reviews and updates the Hazardous waste management program and contingency plan. Ensures emergency response equipment is available and properly maintained.  Acts as an alternate Emergency coordinator, including assessing a situation involving the release of  hazardous waste and the implementation of the contingency plan.

• Manage a team of supervisors and experienced professionals (10-20 direct reports) who oversee departments of a plant team of 100-200+ employees.  Management of direct reports - setting goals, prioritizing workload, and measuring the work performed. 

• Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by Director of Operations or Company management.

• Responsibility directly tied to Watts Values (Integrity, Accountability, Continuous Improvement, Transparency)

• Travel Requirements: up to 10%

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university. Advanced education and professional training (Lean) preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in diversified manufacturing operations. This experience must include at least five years of being a plant leader of a manufacturing operation of comparable size.

• Must possess high level of integrity, the ability to influence outcomes, a highly energized team-based work style, strong project management skills, and an overall profile which inspires confidence at all levels.

• Proven experience in designing, developing and implementing continuous improvement/lean initiatives, and a leadership style which effectively aligns purpose, process and people.

• 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 requiredto be present on the manufacturing floor and will berequiredto wear theappropriate personalprotective equipment. You willbe requiredto work in the office at the Germantown location (Monday – Friday). Your scheduled work hours will be communicated to you by your manager. 

Physical Requirements: Specific physical abilitiesrequiredfor 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.

• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, phones, and copiers.

• Ability to occasionally lift and carry light objects.

• Ability to stand for long periods of time.

• Ability to physically move around manufacturing floor.

• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, which may include, but is not limited to, safety shoes, hearing protection, and safety glasses.

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.

#LIOnsite

Watts in it for you:

Please note that the followingbenefits 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.