Operations Manager, Watertube Boilers

Watts Water Technologies•Hutchinson, KS

15d•Onsite

About The Position

As part of the Superior Boiler team, the Operations Manager oversees the overall performance of a manufacturing unit or value stream defined by product line, group, or family. The role implements the Watts Performance System (WPS) and Lean principles and tools to promote a safe work environment, profitable growth, quality improvement, premier customer service, workforce development, and reductions in operating costs, inventory, and lead times through continuous improvement. The role manages all aspects of the value stream, including associate development, team-based decision-making, budget and production planning, and performance management and employment decisions for direct reports, team leaders, and associates. It supervises two Supervisors, who manage approximately 20–40 production employees, and reports to the Director of Operations. This is an onsite role at the Hutchinson, Kansas location, with 0–10% travel. The workweek is Monday through Friday; scheduled hours are communicated by the manager. The role is primarily performed in an office at a manufacturing facility, with occasional presence on the manufacturing floor, where appropriate personal protective equipment is required. Physical demands include extended sitting and computer work, moving around the office, handling office materials, communicating with colleagues, operating standard office equipment, and occasionally lifting and carrying light objects.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or Operations.
At least 7 years of diverse manufacturing experience across multiple functional areas, such as Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Continuous Improvement, Production, Supply Chain, and Quality.
At least 5 years of leadership experience developing teams and mentoring future manufacturing leaders.
Experience working in scaling operations environments, such as high-growth businesses, new product lines, or platform-based businesses.
Proven record of measurable results in areas such as scrap reduction, cost savings, productivity, throughput, quality, customer satisfaction, or supplier performance.
Knowledge and experience in Lean manufacturing and ability to lead teams in Lean process improvements or implementation.
Understanding of and adherence to applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and safety practices and procedures.
Ability to establish employment eligibility and satisfactorily complete background checks and required pre-employment testing.
Ability to meet the role's physical requirements, including extended sitting and computer work, moving around the office, handling materials, communicating clearly, operating standard office equipment, and occasionally lifting and carrying light objects.
Commitment to Watts' values and cultural beliefs, punctuality and dependability, flexibility, adherence to company policies and procedures, and productive, collaborative relationships with other employees.

Nice To Haves

Previous P&L ownership experience.
Experience and background in accounting, PC skills, manufacturing, inventory control, and strategic planning.
Ability to assess and develop individual and team capabilities and maintain enthusiasm for challenging goals and positive change.
Comfort with change, urgency, and hands-on teamwork.
Well-developed organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Ability to lead effectively as a coach, facilitator, and cross-functional team leader and member.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

Lead daily value-stream operations and continuous improvement, including meeting production goals in support of the AOP, setting manufacturing priorities, managing supply-chain production control, coordinating with off-shift management, and supporting order shipments.
Implement Lean practices to improve productivity, establish continuous product flow, use pull systems where flow is not possible, and level workloads.
Establish and sustain standardized work and processes, implement countermeasures, maintain safety compliance, and use WPS, 5S, and quality tools to support visual controls, conformance, improvement, and problem-solving.
Ensure standard work is followed and equipment remains operational, in good working order, and safe through periodic audits and an auditing system.
Build and maintain a positive team atmosphere by holding regular team meetings, assigning tasks, and coordinating support services outside the team.
Facilitate small-group Lean activities and meet regularly with employees to discuss problems, solutions, and challenges and foster continuous improvement.
Ensure effective cross-training for value-stream associates, including arranging backups from other areas.
Work cross-functionally to develop the future-state value stream map and manage plans to achieve it.
Develop associates and use team consensus to evaluate and rapidly implement decisions.
Manage budget planning, production planning, performance management, and employment decisions for direct reports, team leaders, and associates.
Undertake other projects and duties assigned by the Director of Operations or Superior Boiler management.