Operations Leadership Development Program - Watts Applied Solutions

Watts is a global leader in water solutions, dedicated to providing safe, clean water while protecting the planet’s most valuable resource. The three‑year Operations Leadership Development Program is a rotational, on‑site program for high‑potential recent graduates, designed to develop the next generation of engineering and product leaders through hands‑on experience across Production Engineering, Continuous Improvement, Operations Project Management, and Operations Supervision/Leadership.

About the role

This program consists of three 12‑month rotations at four key locations (Ft. Worth, TX; Ft. Myers, FL; Blauvelt, NY; Hutchinson, KS). Participants will work on real business initiatives, collaborate with senior leaders, and develop technical, commercial, and leadership skills needed for a long‑term career at Watts.

Responsibilities

• Production Engineering
  • Support manufacturing operations by analyzing production processes, equipment performance, and operational metrics.
  • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance.
  • Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and conduct root‑cause analysis.
  • Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to improve workflow efficiency.
  • Contribute to capital improvement projects, equipment installations, and new product introductions.
• Continuous Improvement / LEAN Coordinator
  • Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives focused on waste reduction, process standardization, and operational excellence.
  • Facilitate Kaizen events, value‑stream mapping, 5S, and problem‑solving workshops.
  • Collect, analyze, and report operational performance data to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
  • Partner with site leadership to develop sustainable process improvements that boost safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement through employee engagement and training.
• Operations Project Management
  • Support planning, execution, and tracking of operational projects to meet milestones, timelines, and objectives.
  • Coordinate activities across Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and other functional teams.
  • Assist in developing project plans, schedules, status reports, risk assessments, and mitigation strategies.
  • Analyze project performance metrics, costs, and resource requirements for informed decision‑making.
  • Participate in strategic initiatives such as capacity expansion, process optimization, and facility improvements.
• Operations Supervision / Leadership (second or third rotation)
  • Partner with production leaders to support daily manufacturing operations while maintaining a safe, productive environment.
  • Assist with workforce scheduling, labor utilization, training, and employee development.
  • Monitor KPIs related to safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and employee engagement.
  • Support frontline problem‑solving and drive accountability for performance and continuous‑improvement initiatives.
  • Develop leadership, communication, and team‑building skills through direct interaction with employees and supervisors.
• Program‑wide responsibilities
  • Collaborate with cross‑functional teams across Engineering, Product Management, Sales, and Operations.
  • Analyze technical data and customer feedback to support decision‑making.
  • Communicate project updates and recommendations in a timely, effective manner.
  • Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in processes, products, and customer experience.
  • Assume additional projects and duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (graduation date May 2027).
• Strong technical foundation with demonstrated problem‑solving ability.
• Interest in leadership development and a commitment to grow into future leadership positions.
• Internship, co‑op, or project experience in engineering or manufacturing (preferred).
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and able to work independently and in teams.
• Excellent organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret technical and business data.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to learn, ask questions, and identify areas for improvement.
• Professionalism, accountability, and eligibility for employment (pre‑employment screening required).
• Commitment to Watts’ values: integrity, accountability, continuous improvement, innovation, and transparency.
• Adherence to Watts’ cultural beliefs: Growth Mindset, Customer‑Focused Innovation, Constant Communication, Clear Goals, Collaborate Globally, Be Inclusive, Take Action.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on skills, qualifications, and experience.
• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, plus retirement benefits.
• Family‑building benefits, including paid maternity/paternity leave.
• 10 paid holidays and additional Paid Time Off.
• Professional development opportunities and educational reimbursement.
• Fitness reimbursements and employee discount programs.

Pay

The expected salary for this position is $80,000 per year. Actual compensation will depend on individual skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable law.

Schedule

Travel requirements are approximately 10–25% of the time for customer visits, field assignments, and training. Participants must be willing to rotate across locations and functions during the program.

Working Conditions

• Rotations may involve work at manufacturing facilities, customer sites, or in the field; site‑specific safety procedures and personal protective equipment are required.
• Office tasks include extended periods of seated work, typing, data entry, and use of standard office equipment.
• Occasional lifting of light objects (office supplies, documents, small equipment) may be required.
• The position is “at‑will,” meaning either the employee or Watts may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice, for any lawful reason.