Director Operational Excellence and Advance Manufacturing Engineering (AME)

Company: Watts
Location: Andover
Posted on: June 3, 2025

Job Description:

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.

The Director of Operational Excellence / Advance Manufacturing Engineering (AME) will play a crucial role in promoting and leading the successful integration of new companies to Watts, implement and manage common AME processes across manufacturing operations, and drive a process excellence culture.

This role will support Watts in driving growth through operational excellence. In this role, you will be responsible for making sustainable and scalable improvements in key operational processes. In-scope processes include but are not limited to M&A, Manufacturing Automation, CapEx, Insourcing, and major project management.

Key Responsibilities:

M&A Integration Planning & Execution:

• Lead assigned operational integration efforts post-merger or acquisition, ensuring smooth transition and alignment with strategic goals.
• Develop and implement integration roadmaps, focusing on process harmonization, system integration, deliverables management, and resource alignment.
• Identify operational risks during the integration phase and develop mitigation strategies.
• Proactively resolve operational challenges that may arise during M&A and operational excellence activities.
  Manufacturing Automation & CapEx Management:
  
  • Develop roadmap to drive process improvement across factories globally.
  • Manage up to $20M global CapEx.
  • Create an equipment replacement plan that standardizes equipment to enhance efficiency.
    Cross-Functional Collaboration:
    
    • Work effectively with various leadership teams to ensure seamless integration and deliverable management across various functions.
    • Facilitate communication and collaboration between internal teams and external stakeholders during the M&A process.
    • Create standard work; help Plant Leaders implement, and process improve.
    • Collaborate with supply chain & sourcing team to maximize ability to resource Watts.
      Strategy:
      
      • Develop and implement manufacturing & engineering strategy for insourcing.
      • Maximize delivery and cost by creating a core manufacturing strategy globally.
      • Create roadmap to maximize service & cost by partnering with internal stakeholders to identify what we build and where we build it.
        Major Project Management:
        
        • Lead manufacturing projects that impact multiple facilities.
        • Stand up new product lines, consolidate manufacturing facilities, and facilitate the introduction of new products globally.
          Qualifications:
          
          • Bachelor's degree required.
          • 12+ years industrial manufacturing experience.
          • History of M&A operation integrations for small and mid-size companies.
          • Strong project management skills with the ability to effectively and efficiently lead cross-functional teams and manage complex, time-sensitive initiatives.
          • Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
          • Experience developing and implementing automation roadmaps globally.
          • Prior experience leading manufacturing facilities, engineering teams, or sourcing is a plus.
          • Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
            
            The expected starting salary for this position is $186,000 - $223,000. Actual compensation will be dependent upon individual skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable laws.
            
            About the Role:
            
            This position is critical in ensuring that post-merger integration processes are executed efficiently and effectively delivering on identified synergies. The position also must deliver assigned performance improvement targets in areas of operational excellence specified.
            
            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.Required
              Preferred

              Job Industries

              • Other

Keywords: Watts, Somerville , Director Operational Excellence and Advance Manufacturing Engineering (AME), Engineering , Andover, Massachusetts