Project Manager

About the role

The Project Manager supports Research & Development and New Product Development (NPD) initiatives for the Watts Applied Solutions platform, focusing on physical product development, testing/validation, and engineering execution. Reporting to the Director of Research & Development, this role partners cross-functionally to plan and execute projects through established Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Stage Gate (SG) processes.

Responsibilities

• Support Research & Development and NPD projects by coordinating schedules, resources, and deliverables, including build planning, prototype iteration, and engineering change tracking.
• Develop and maintain project plans aligned with TRL and SG requirements.
• Track project progress and milestones, ensuring alignment to scope, schedule, and budget, including design milestones, prototype builds, and validation testing activities.
• Cross-functional coordination with engineering, test/validation, operations, and manufacturing.
• Identify and communicate project risks and issues; assist with mitigation planning.
• Facilitate project meetings, core team reviews, and required gate reviews.
• Provide regular project status updates to stakeholders.
• Affirm adherence to established R&D, NPD, and project management processes.
• Maintain basic project metrics and documentation, including schedules, resources, and cost tracking.
• Capture lessons learned and support continuous improvement of project execution practices.
• Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by Director of Research and Development or Company management.
• Ensure compliance with Watts' values of integrity, accountability, continuous improvement, and innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in project coordination or project management.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a structured, deadline-driven environment.
• Understanding of and adherence to applicable laws, codes, policies, regulations, and safety practices and procedures, as applicable.
• Must successfully establish employment eligibility and satisfactorily complete background checks and required pre-employment testing as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting R&D or NPD projects.
• Familiarity with Stage Gate, TRL, or similar phased development models.
• Experience using project management tools such as Gantt charts, WBS, or MS Project.
• Exposure to Agile or hybrid project management approaches.
• Technical background in electrical, mechanical, chemical, or electrochemical engineering (preferred but not required).