Operations Manager, Watertube Boilers

Watts Water•Hutchinson, KS

12d•Onsite

About The Position

As part of the Superior Boiler team, the Operations Manager oversees the 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 support a safe workplace, profitable growth, quality improvement, premier customer service, workforce development, and reductions in operating costs, inventory, and lead times through continuous improvement. The manager oversees 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. The position supervises two Supervisors, who manage approximately 20–40 production employees, and reports to the Director of Operations. It is an onsite role based in Hutchinson, Kansas, working in the office Monday through Friday, with periodic presence on the manufacturing floor and required personal protective equipment there. Travel is 0–10%.

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.
Demonstrated results in areas such as scrap reduction, cost savings, productivity, throughput, quality, customer satisfaction, or supplier performance.
Knowledge and experience in Lean manufacturing, with the ability to lead teams in Lean process improvements and 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.
Commitment to Watts’ values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency.
Punctuality and dependability; flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and stressful conditions.
Adherence to company personnel policies, procedures, and process standards, and ability to maintain productive, collaborative relationships with other Watts employees.
Adherence to Watts’ cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.
Ability to remain seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods and perform repetitive keyboard or mouse tasks for extended periods.
Ability to move around the office and organize or transport files, packages, or other office materials.
Ability to read documents, use a computer, perform data entry, and communicate clearly with management and coworkers in meetings or phone calls.
Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, printers, phones, and copiers.
Ability to occasionally lift and carry light objects such as office supplies, documents, or small equipment.

Nice To Haves

Previous P&L ownership experience.
Sufficient experience and background in accounting, PC skills, manufacturing, inventory control, and strategic planning.
Ability to assess and develop individual and team skills and capabilities.
Ability to create and maintain enthusiasm for new and challenging goals.
Ability to serve as a role model by promoting new ideas and positive changes.
Embraces change and urgency, and demonstrates comfort and command in a hands-on team environment.
Well-developed organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Ability to lead as an effective 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 achievement of production goals, establishment of manufacturing priorities, supply-chain production control, coordination with off-shift management, and order shipments.
Implement Lean improvements that increase productivity, establish continuous product flow, use pull systems where flow is not possible, and level workloads.
Establish standardized work and processes, implement countermeasures, and maintain compliance with safety requirements.
Use WPS, 5S, and quality tools to sustain a visually controlled environment that supports conformance, improvement, and problem-solving.
Ensure standard work is followed and equipment is operational, safe, and in good working order 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 regularly engage employees in discussing problems, solutions, and challenges to foster continuous improvement and organizational learning.
Ensure effective cross-training for value-stream associates, including backups from other areas.
Work cross-functionally to develop the future-state value-stream map and manage plans to achieve it.
Manage all aspects of the value stream, including associate development, team-based decisions, budget planning, production planning, and performance management and employment decisions for direct reports, team leaders, and associates.
Supervise two Supervisors who manage approximately 20–40 production employees.
Take on other projects and duties assigned by the Director of Operations or Superior Boiler management.