Executive Head of Engineering and R&D

Summary

The Executive Head of Engineering and R&D is a key member of the senior leadership team reporting to the VP, Product. This role works closely with Product, Operations and Commercial to create innovative solutions that improve our products and manufacturing processes and generate differentiation that can be leveraged by our Commercial group to enhance market share and customer satisfaction. This person will lead the Engineering organization responsible for technical product development, R&D, product compliance testing, sustaining engineering and technical sourcing while also partnering with Operations on the consideration and adoption of new manufacturing technology.

The role’s responsibilities include providing leadership for mechanical, electrical, chemical and design engineering applied to our products which include spas, swim spas, cold plunges, sauna and other key aftermarket products. In addition, this person will oversee the development and utilization of controls and systems used to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and to support effective Product Lifecycle Management.

• Assume direct leadership of multiple departments and cost centers, utilizing resources to develop, test and bring to market new products and features that provide Watkins with meaningful differentiation across product categories and sales channels.
• Possess exceptional organizational leadership, inspire, motivate and build confidence and engagement in the team, creating an environment where associates are highly committed and perform at their best.
• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team and partner with other senior leaders to improve processes, set strategic direction and refine culture.
• Provide R&D strategic and functional leadership in partnership with Product leaders to establish criteria for effective management and measurement of R&D efforts; transition R&D projects into NPI based on established criteria.
• Accountable for engineering expertise and long‑term continuity in tooling development, testing, and manufacturing capabilities.
• Drive cost improvement and sustainability aligned with NPI (Product), Operational Excellence efforts and overall strategic direction.
• Attract, develop and retain strong talent required to implement the strategic plan; provide training and mentorship to optimize departments and function.
• Lead and investigate new techniques, best practices, and technological innovations and present them to business and manufacturing leadership.
• Own technical aspects of product design throughout the entire lifecycle.
• Create solutions for technical problems using systematic problem‑solving methodologies.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Manufacturing, Quality and Supply Chain to ensure designs are manufacturable, meet manufacturing needs and manage complexity.
• Lead evaluation of field warranties to identify manufacturing and distribution related warranty issues and work with Quality, Manufacturing and Distribution on corrective actions.
• Accountable for budget development and management.
• Develop and maintain engineering procedures and systems that assure uniformity and consistency.
• Instill a high degree of process and project management discipline and rigor, solving technical problems, delivering time‑sensitive initiatives, driving continuous improvement and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and safety standards.
• Achieve results under challenging circumstances by establishing capacity and capabilities.
• Build robust succession plans and career advancement paths for engineering technical talent.
• Demonstrate agility to learn and thrive as a servant leader in changing, complex, matrixed environments.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be capable of performing each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Engineering from a four‑year college or university; MBA…