Operations Leadership Development Program - Watts Applied Solutions

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.

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.​

• Three distinct rotations across Production Engineering, Continuous Improvement, Operations Project Management and Operations Supervision/Leadership.
• A leadership curriculum designed to accelerate learning, broaden exposure, and foster professional growth.
• Experience across key stages of the product lifecycle.
• Meaningful project work with business and customer impact.
• Opportunities to learn from experienced leaders across multiple functions.
• Development of technical, commercial, and customer-focused capabilities.
• A path to a full-time role aligned with your strengths and business needs.

• →Collaborate with cross-functional teams across Engineering, Product Management, Sales, and Operations.
• →Analyze technical data and customer feedback to support decision-making.
• →Provide timely and effective communication of project updates and recommendations.
• →Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in processes, products, and customer experience.
• →Assume responsibility for additional projects and duties as assigned.

• →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/

• Support manufacturing operations by analyzing production processes, equipment performance, and operational metrics.

• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance.

• Participate in troubleshooting manufacturing issues and root cause analysis activities to support continuous operations.

• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to improve workflow efficiency and operational effectiveness.

• Contribute to capital improvement projects, equipment installations, and new product introduction activities within the manufacturing environment.

• Support Lean Manufacturing initiatives focused on waste reduction, process standardization, and operational excellence.

• Facilitate continuous improvement activities including 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 and implement sustainable process improvements that improve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.

• Promote a culture of continuous improvement through employee engagement, training, and best practice sharing.

• Support the planning, execution, and tracking of operational projects to ensure milestones, timelines, and objectives are achieved.

• Coordinate project 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 to support informed decision-making.

• Participate in strategic initiatives involving capacity expansion, process optimization, operational integration, and facility improvements.

• Partner with production leaders to support the daily operation of manufacturing teams while maintaining a safe and productive work environment.

• Assist in managing workforce scheduling, labor utilization, training, and employee development activities.

• Monitor key performance indicators related to safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and employee engagement.

• Support frontline problem-solving efforts and drive accountability for operational performance and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Develop leadership, communication, and team-building skills through direct interaction with employees, supervisors, and functional leaders.

• Travel Requirements: ~10–25% (customer visits, field assignments, and training).
• Willingness to rotate across locations and functions during the program.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• Graduation date of May 2027.
• Proven interest in leadership development and intellectual curiosity with a strong desire and commitment to grow into future leadership positions.
• Strong technical foundation with demonstrated technical acumen and problem-solving ability.
• Internship, co-op, or project experience in engineering or manufacturing preferred.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently and in team environments.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret technical and business data.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to learn, ask questions, and identify areas for improvement.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of professionalism and accountability.
• Must successfully establish employment eligibility and complete required pre-employment screening.

• 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.  

Some rotations may involve work at manufacturing facilities, customer sites, or in the field. You must follow all applicable site-specific safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment when necessary.

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.