Project Manager, Program ​/ Project Manager, Operations 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

The Project Manager supports Research & Development and New Product Development (NPD) initiatives for the Watts Applied Solutions platform. Under the direction of the Director of Research & Development, the role partners cross‑functionally to plan and execute projects through established Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Stage Gate (SG) processes.

This position is primarily responsible for day‑to‑day project execution, ensuring projects progress on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with defined technical and commercial requirements. The role focuses on operational delivery, coordination, risk management, and continuous improvement of project practices within the R&D function.

This position reports to the Director of Research and Development. This role is onsite and is based in Fort Myers, Florida.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Support Research & Development and New Product Development projects by coordinating schedules, resources, and deliverables.
• Develop and maintain project plans aligned with Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Stage Gate requirements.
• Track project progress and milestones, ensuring alignment to scope, schedule, and budget.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams and support collaboration between engineering, operations, quality, and commercial partners.
• Identify and communicate project risks and issues; assist with mitigation planning.
• Facilitate project meetings, core team reviews, and required gate reviews.
• Provide regular project status updates to stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to established R&D, NPD, and project management processes.
• Maintain basic project metrics and documentation (schedule, resources, cost tracking).
• Capture lessons learned and support continuous improvement of project execution practices.
• Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by Director of Research and Development or Company management.
• Responsibility directly tied to Watts Value (Integrity, Accountability, Continuous Improvement, Transparency).
• Travel Requirements: up to 25%

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical discipline
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in project coordination or project management
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
• Working knowledge of project management principles, schedules, and cross‑functional execution
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a structured, deadline‑driven environment
• 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

• Experience supporting R&D or New Product Development projects
• Familiarity with Stage Gate, TRL, or similar phased development models
• Experience using project management tools such as Gantt charts, WBS, or MS Project
• Exposure to Agile or hybrid project management approaches
• Technical background in electrical, mechanical, chemical, or electrochemical engineering (preferred but not required)

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…