Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager

Watts Water Technologies; Franklin (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical and dental coverage

Family building benefits

10 paid holidays & PTO

Professional development & tuition

Job summary

Watts Water Technologies is seeking a hands-on Continuous Improvement Manager to lead the factory floor with kaizens, daily coaching, and a strong CI culture. You will partner with site leadership and regional teams to drive improvements aligned to the site strategy and customer needs.

The role requires 7+ years in manufacturing/operations, a bachelor's degree, and proficiency in Lean tools. Onsite work in Franklin, NH is expected with travel up to 25%.

Qualifications

• Leads and coaches on the factory floor to deliver hands-on continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates a strong track record in CI delivery with measurable impact.
• Delivers cross-functional support across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain and Finance.
• Uses Lean tools and problem-solving to drive results.

Responsibilities

• Lead kaizens and rapid improvements on real processes with visible role-model behavior.
• Coach hourly and salaried teams daily to build CI capabilities.
• Own site CI execution using OWPS tools and standard work.
• Translate priorities into an active, cross-functional improvement roadmap.
• Deliver measurable business impact and track results via balanced scorecards.
• Run CI governance, remove barriers, and align with site leadership.

Skills

Operations leadership

Floor coaching

Lean methodology

Problem solving

Data analysis

Cross-functional influence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Operations/Business

Tools

SAP

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.

Scope of Position

The Continuous Improvement (CI) Manager is the hands‑on change leader for an important Watts complex—responsible for building a visible, practical CI culture that improves Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Engagement. This role is performed on the floor, at the Gemba, coaching and leading improvements side‑by‑side with teams, especially an energetic hourly CI team (7 direct reports) drawn from the facility workforce that is eager to learn and needs strong daily coaching. The CI Manager partners with site leadership, BU/Platform leaders, and the Regional CI Team to deliver improvements tied to site strategy and the customer.

Reports to: Site Director of Operations • Location: Onsite, Franklin, NH • Travel: up to 25%

Primary Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead by doing personally lead kaizens, rapid improvements, and problem-solving on real processes; set the “how we improve” standard through visible role‑model behavior.


• Coach and develop people daily: train and coach hourly and salaried teams in real time to build confidence and capability in CI basics and disciplined execution.


• Own the site CI execution: Uses One Watts Performance System (OWPS) tools, routines (daily management, standard work, visual management, tiered accountability) and ensure sustainment.


• Drive strategy to execution: facilitate strategy/goal deployment and translate priorities into an active, cross‑functional improvement funnel and roadmap.


• Deliver measurable business impact: identify and prioritize opportunities; track, validate, and multilevel communications and balanced‑scorecard results (AOP and beyond).


• Run CI governance per playbook: lead the CI steering committee, remove barriers, and ensure cross‑functional alignment with Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance.


• Benchmark and spread best practices: identify internal/external best practices and help replicate what works across the site and Watts.

Required Qualifications

• Operations‑minded leader with 7+ years in manufacturing/operations and a track record of hands‑on improvement delivery (not just facilitation).


• Bachelor’s degree (Engineering, Operations, Business, or related) or equivalent experience.


• Demonstrated ability to lead and coach teams on the floor, influence across functions, and build engagement with hourly and salaried workforces.


• Proven results improving productivity; SQDC, with the ability to translate CI work into measurable financial/operational impact.


• Strong capability in practical Lean methods (e.g., VSM, daily management, standard work, visual management, 5S, SMED, TPM, material flow/layout, structured problem solving).


• Excellent facilitation, communication, and organizational skills; comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced plant environment.


• Proficiency in Excel/PowerPoint/Word; strong data sense and the ability to communicate clearly to all levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean transformation or Six Sigma Black Belt strongly preferred.


• Operations supervision or production management preferred.


• SAP experience preferred.

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 be required to be present on the manufacturing floor. You 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.


• 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 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.