Director of Continuous Improvement

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.

What we do:

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.​

We are seeking a high-impact Director of Continuous Improvement with a passion for driving true operational transformation inside manufacturing sites. This role is built for a Lean expert who thrives on the shop floor, can diagnose and solve business problems using proven Lean tools, and has a track record of successfully leading change across multiple plant locations.

The ideal candidate will be well-versed in Strategy Deployment (Hoshin Kanri), capable of aligning plant-level initiatives with corporate objectives, and driving sustained performance through a hands-on, floor-focused leadership approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Transformation Leadership: Drive site-level transformation using Lean principles, focusing on cultural and operational change that improves productivity, quality, and delivery performance.
• Multi-Site Influence: Lead and support Lean deployment across multiple plant locations; establish standardized CI systems while tailoring strategies to each site's unique needs.
• Lean Execution: Implement and sustain Lean tools such as 5S, VSM, Kaizen, TPM, Standard Work, and Flow Cells.
• Daily Management Systems: Lead the design and execution of Tiered Daily Management Systems (MDI) to create alignment, accountability, and performance visibility across all plant levels.
• Strategy Deployment (Hoshin Kanri): Collaborate with executive and site leadership to develop, deploy, and manage strategic priorities, ensuring all teams are aligned toward measurable business goals.
• Root Cause Problem Solving: Diagnose business challenges and apply the correct Lean countermeasures to drive impactful improvements.
• Influence Without Authority: Influence plant leadership teams and frontline managers through coaching, credibility, and clear business value—regardless of reporting structure.
• Floor Leadership: Spend 60–70% of time on the shop floor actively coaching, observing, and guiding transformation activities in real time.
• Capability Building: Mentor CI leaders, frontline supervisors, and site teams to ensure a strong, sustainable Lean culture.
• KPI Impact: Monitor and report on the success of initiatives tied to operational KPIs such as OTIF, OEE, Scrap, Labor Productivity, and Cost Savings.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in Lean Transformation across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Demonstrated experience leading CI at a multi-site level, including full ownership of site-level results.
• Deep expertise in Strategy Deployment / Hoshin Kanri methodology and execution.
• Proven ability to implement and sustain Tiered Daily Management and Visual Management systems.
• Skilled in leading Kaizen events and using Lean tools to deliver measurable business value.
• Outstanding communication and coaching skills across all levels of the organization.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent certification preferred.
• Must be willing and able to travel 60–70%.

The expected salary range for this position is $140,000- $180,000 yearly. Actual compensation will be dependent upon individual skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable laws.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, talk, and/or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

Work in office and manufacturing environment and be required to perform job duties outside of the typical office setting.  Regular exposure to the manufacturing plant floor and QA lab areas.

Watts in it for you:

Please note that the following benefits apply only to permanent roles and do not apply to internship roles.

• Competitive compensation based on your skills, qualifications and experience
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits
• Family building benefits, including paid maternity/paternity leave
• 10 paid holidays and Paid Time Off
• Continued professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement
• Additional perks such as fitness reimbursements and employee discount programs
• Learn more about our benefit offerings here: https://tapintowattsbenefits.com/

How we work:

At Watts, our culture is team-oriented and supportive. Employees here genuinely care about the quality of their work, and about each other. Our people are the heart of who we are and contribute to our longevity and continued success.

And this is a place where you can have a big career. No matter your role, there are opportunities for learning and development, and your daily contributions make a meaningful impact on the lives of people who use our products and on the future of water.

Watts is committed to equal employment opportunity. We follow a policy of administering all employment decisions and personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, genetic disposition or carrier status, marital status, military or veteran status, minorities, or any other category protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the obligations of state and federal law, Watts will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Any employee who needs a reasonable accommodation should contact Human Resources.