Plant Manager

About the role

This lean-focused individual will be responsible for planning, directing and coordinating operations for the assigned manufacturing facility in Germantown, WI. The Plant Manager will drive improved results in safety, employee engagement, productivity, quality, efficiency, and profitability, further developing best-in-class manufacturing practices including Lean. The role reports to the Director of Manufacturing and supervises Production Supervisors and Maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain manufacturing operations business plans including program requirements, labor hours, cycle, and production costs.
• Make moderate to significant improvements of processes, systems or products.
• Ensure waste streams are appropriately identified, handled and profiled for disposal; manage the hazardous wastes program and review/update the Hazardous Waste Management Program and contingency plan.
• Establish plant standards and metrics for world-class production floor organization and aesthetics.
• Establish key elements of tactical and operational plans with measurable contributions toward results, focusing on short- to mid-term operational plans (1–2 years).
• Execute production and quality control standards; develop and manage budget and cost controls for operations and team.
• Obtain data on types, quantities, specifications, and delivery dates of products ordered; ensure all established costs, quality, lead times, and delivery commitments are met.
• Develop manufacturing process plans including personnel requirements, material needs, subcontract requirements, facility needs, tooling and equipment needs.
• Coordinate manufacturing activities cross-functionally and with suppliers to optimize production and utilization of human resources, machines, and equipment.
• Review production and operating reports; direct resolution of operational, manufacturing, and maintenance problems to ensure cost control and prevent operational delays.
• Perform administrative activities for effective management of plant operations, including compiling, storing, and retrieving production data for reports.
• Coach, develop, and train staff for internal advancement and succession planning.
• Manage a team of supervisors and experienced professionals (10–20 direct reports) who oversee departments of a plant team of 100–200+ employees; set goals, prioritize workload, and measure work performed.
• Act as an alternate Emergency Coordinator, including assessing hazardous waste releases and implementing the contingency plan.
• Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by the Director of Operations or Company management.
• Demonstrate responsibility tied to Watts Values: Integrity, Accountability, Continuous Improvement, Transparency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university.
• Advanced education and professional training (Lean) preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in diversified manufacturing operations, including at least five years as a plant leader of a manufacturing operation of comparable size.
• High level of integrity; ability to influence outcomes; energized team-based work style; strong project management skills; profile that inspires confidence at all levels.
• Proven experience designing, developing, and implementing continuous improvement/Lean initiatives with a leadership style that aligns purpose, process, and people.
• Understanding of and adherence to applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and safety practices.
• Must successfully establish employment eligibility and satisfactorily complete background checks and required pre-employment testing as a condition of employment.

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

Perform duties on-site at a manufacturing facility; primarily in an office environment with occasional presence on the manufacturing floor and required use of appropriate personal protective equipment. Scheduled work hours Monday–Friday at the Germantown location; specific hours communicated by manager.

Physical Requirements

• 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 and operate standard office equipment such as computers, printers, phones, and copiers.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry light objects; stand for long periods; move around the manufacturing floor; and wear personal protective equipment including safety shoes, hearing protection, and safety glasses.