Director, Operations - Franklin

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.

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.

This strategic and people‑first oriented Director of Operations will oversee all aspects of our Franklin, NH facility. You will successfully manage large‑scale manufacturing operations, drive lean methodologies, familiarize yourself with foundry operations, and lead your team to operational excellence.

This position is responsible for oversight of Quality, Engineering, Materials, Continuous Improvement, Facilities, and Operations for our Foundry, Machining, and Valve assembly areas.

You will report to the Vice President of Operations and Manufacturing Engineering and work onsite at our dynamic Franklin, NH facility.

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to ensure the success of both manufacturing (machining and assembly) and foundry operations.
• Oversee daily activities, production schedules, and quality control processes.
• Drive Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives in alignment with our core Centers of Excellence (COE) strategies and productivity improvements to reduce waste and improve resource utilization.
• Champion and implement core Lean manufacturing principles in alignment with our One Watts Performance System (OWPS).
• Lead and support cross‑functional teams in identifying and implementing process enhancements with a Production‑Preparation‑Process (3P) mentality.
• Build and lead a high‑performing team of supervisors, engineers, and operators.
• Promote a collaborative and safety‑focused work environment, including Safety Gemba walks with manufacturing teams.
• Support and align core AI strategy for the manufacturing plant, vision systems, and next level inclusion of our decision‑making culture.
• Develop and manage budgets, ensuring cost‑effective operations, check book spending, and operational alignment to market volumes.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics, per financial targets.
• Keen focuses on driving improved productivity and managing earned hours.
• Ensure core, best‑in‑class, Quality metrics are a core competency of our operations.
• Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by the VP of Operations and Manufacturing Engineering or Company management.
• Travel Requirements: up to 25%

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field; equivalent senior‑level industry experience may be considered.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in large‑scale, complex manufacturing operations, including 7+ years in multi‑functional plant or site leadership roles with full P&L or substantial budget accountability.
• Proven experience leading a manufacturing facility of comparable scale (e.g., $300M–$500M+ in revenue) with responsibility for safety, quality, delivery, financial performance, and workforce engagement.
• Demonstrated mastery of lean manufacturing, operational excellence, and continuous improvement methodologies, with a track record of driving cultural and operational transformation across diverse teams.
• Significant experience implementing strategic change initiatives that improve cost structure, throughput, asset utilization, and overall business performance.
• Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations, as well as industry standards, compliance requirements, and best‑in‑class EHS practices, ensuring a safe, compliant, and high‑performance workplace.
• Strong leadership capability with the ability to develop high‑performing teams, build…