Director, Operations - Franklin

Director Of Operations

Watts is reimagining the future of water. We're proud of 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.

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.

Scope of Position

This strategic and people-first oriented Director of Operations will oversee all aspects of our Franklin, NH facility. You will successfully manage large-scale manufacturing operations, drive lean methodologies, familiarize yourself with foundry operations, and lead your team to operational excellence.

This position is responsible for oversight of Quality, Engineering, Materials, Continuous Improvement, Facilities, and Operations for our Foundry, Machining, and Valve assembly areas.

You will report to the Vice President of Operations and Manufacturing Engineering and work onsite at our dynamic Franklin, NH facility.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to ensure the success of both manufacturing (machining and assembly) and foundry operations.
• Oversee daily activities, production schedules, and quality control processes.
• Drive Continuous Improvement (CI) initiatives in alignment with our core Centers of Excellence (COE) strategies and productivity improvements to reduce waste and improve resource utilization.
• Champion and implement core Lean manufacturing principles in alignment with our OneWatts Performance System (OWPS).
• Lead and support cross-functional teams in identifying and implementing process enhancements with a Production-Preparation-Process (3P) mentality.
• Build and lead a high-performing team of supervisors, engineers, and operators.
• Promote a collaborative and safety-focused work environment, including Safety Gemba walks with manufacturing teams.
• Support and align core AI strategy for the manufacturing plant, vision systems, and next level inclusion of our decision-making culture.
• Develop and manage budgets, ensuring cost-effective operations, check book spending, and operational alignment to market volumes.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics, per financial targets.
• Keen focuses on driving improved productivity and managing earned hours.
• Ensure core, best-in-class, Quality metrics are a core competency of our operations.
• Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by the VP of Operations and Manufacturing Engineering or Company management.
• Travel Requirements: up to 25%

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field; equivalent senior-level industry experience may be considered.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in large-scale, complex manufacturing operations, including 7+ years in multi-functional plant or site leadership roles with full P&L or substantial budget accountability.
• Proven experience leading a manufacturing facility of comparable scale (e.g., $300M$500M+ in revenue) with responsibility for safety, quality, delivery, financial performance, and workforce engagement.
• Demonstrated mastery of lean manufacturing, operational excellence, and continuous improvement methodologies, with a track record of driving cultural and operational transformation across diverse teams.
• Significant experience implementing strategic change initiatives that improve cost structure, throughput, asset utilization, and overall business performance.
• Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations, as well as industry standards, compliance requirements, and best-in-class EHS practices, ensuring a safe, compliant, and high-performance workplace.
• Strong leadership capability with the ability to develop high-performing teams, build organizational capability, influence senior stakeholders, and effectively manage a workforce of 400+ employees or equivalent scale.

General Applicable Company Competencies

• Commitment to Watts' values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement and innovation, and transparency.
• Punctuality and dependability.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to changing work priorities and stressful conditions.
• Adherence to all personnel policies, procedures, and standards of process as implemented by Watts.
• Maintain productive and collaborative relationships with other Watts employees.
• Adherence to Watts' seven cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer-Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, and Take Action.

Working Conditions

While performing the job duties, you will be working on-site at a manufacturing facility and will perform the majority of your duties in an office environment. You may, at times, be required to be present on the manufacturing floor and will be required to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. You will be required to work in the office at the Franklin, NH location (Monday Friday). Your scheduled work hours will be communicated to you by your manager.

Physical Requirements: Specific physical abilities required for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to remain seated at a desk or workstation for extended periods.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks like typing on a keyboard or using a mouse for extended periods.
• Ability to physically move around the office, organize or transport files, packages, or other office-related materials.
• Ability to read documents, use a computer, and perform data entry tasks.
• Ability to communicate clearly with management and coworkers, particularly in meetings or phone calls.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, phones, and copiers.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry light objects, such as office supplies, documents, or small equipment.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, which may include, but is not limited to, safety shoes, hearing protection, and safety glasses.

Nothing in this job description restricts Watts' right to assign or reassign duties, responsibilities, and working hours/conditions to this position at any time. This position is "at will," which means that either the employee or Watts may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, and for any lawful reason.

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:

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.