Senior Continuous Improvement Manager

Overview

Watts is a leader in water solutions, dedicated to providing safe, clean water worldwide. The Senior Continuous Improvement Manager will oversee CI initiatives across 3–6 manufacturing locations, driving measurable business impact and coaching CI leaders and plant staff.

Hybrid – North Andover, MA;
Groveport, OH;
St. Paul’s, NC. Up to 50% travel.

• Provide dotted‑line leadership and coaching to onsite CI managers, hourly leads, and technicians.
• Maintain a consistent, high standard of excellence across the complex.
• Transform the One Watts Performance System (OWPS) into the “heartbeat” of the factory, linking CI activities to shop‑floor wins.
• Lead high‑impact Kaizens and complex problem‑solving events, setting a gold standard for visible, role‑model behavior.
• Translate top‑level business goals into a concrete, cross‑functional improvement funnel that the shop floor owns and executes.
• Identify and prioritize high‑value opportunities, tracking and communicating balanced‑scorecard results to drive measurable AOP success.
• Lead CI Steering Committees, removing barriers and ensuring alignment among Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Finance.
• Spend 40–60% of time on the shop floor, actively coaching, observing, and guiding transformation activities in real time.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of manufacturing/operations experience with a track record of owning results and leading through influence.
• Direct experience in operations supervision or production management; understanding of daily production pressures.
• High‑energy, finish‑focused mindset with passion for completing projects.
• Expert‑level knowledge of Lean methods (VSM, SMED, TPM, Material Flow).
• Proven ability to build engagement and drive outcomes with teams that do not report directly to you.
• Strong communication and data storytelling skills (Excel, PowerPoint).

• Lean Transformation expertise or Six Sigma Black Belt.
• Experience with SAP.

The position requires office work at one of the three locations, three days per week in‑office with two days remote. The role involves extended periods at a desk, repetitive typing, use of standard office equipment, and occasional light lifting. Office and manufacturing floor physical requirements include the use of personal protective equipment as needed.

• Competitive compensation based on skills, qualifications, and experience.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Family‑building benefits, including paid maternity and paternity leave.
• 10 paid holidays and paid time off.
• Professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement.
• Fitness reimbursements and employee discount programs.

Watts is committed to equal employment opportunity and will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Any employee who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources.