Manager, Quality

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.

What we do:

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

To provide leadership in Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement by ensuring that the company meets or exceeds customer requirements by developing, improving and maintaining a consistent methodology for compliance and continuous improvement.  Focus areas include the Management of Quality Business System, Production Quality, Supplier Quality, and Continuous Improvement Processes.  This position reports to the Director of Operations. 

This position is responsible for supervision of the Quality Department (3-4 individuals).

This position reports to Director of Operations. This role is onsite and based in Export, PA.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and maintain the Quality Business System (QMS), serving as Management Representative for the ISO 9001 Certification Program and ensuring compliance with corporate requirements, ISO 9001 standards, and other applicable quality standards.

• Develop, deploy, and drive quality initiatives and continuous improvement efforts that support business goals, objectives, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.

• Manage the Internal Audit Program and Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) System.

• Ensure customers receive the highest level of quality by maintaining customer quality metrics, developing and executing corrective action plans, coordinating RCCAs, managing quality communications, and leading the response process for customer quality spills.

• Partner with Production Management to ensure in-process quality requirements are met, and quality standards are maintained throughout manufacturing operations.

• Provide statistical analysis, technical expertise, and quality support to manufacturing operations, Strategic Business Units, and cross-functional teams.

• Lead and support new product development activities by establishing procedures, identifying critical-to-quality requirements, developing sampling and quality plans, supporting certifications, completing stage-gate requirements, ensuring process adherence, and approving products through launch.

• Coordinate product testing activities and oversee capability studies, equipment installation run-offs, gage R&R studies, and other validation activities to ensure process and product effectiveness.

• Conduct supplier and customer capability assessments and support supplier development initiatives to ensure compliance with documented quality requirements.

• Manage supplier quality performance through PPAP, SCAR, corrective action, continuous improvement initiatives, and resolution of chronic supplier quality issues.

• Collaborate with suppliers, Materials Management, and internal stakeholders to support quality objectives and supply chain effectiveness.

• Maintain expertise in applicable certifying agency, regulatory, domestic, and international codes and standards affecting company products and operations.

• Coordinate external agency inspections, audits, and certification activities and validate certification testing to ensure compliance with applicable requirements and approvals from governing bodies, including ANSI, CSA, NSF, UL, and other applicable agencies.

• Ensure applicable standards and regulatory requirements are accurately incorporated into product designs and provide quality assurance support to new product development teams.

• Lead In-Process and Supplier Material Review Board (MRB) meetings and make product quality decisions based on acceptance criteria and product specifications.

• Interact regularly with all departments to establish, maintain, and improve quality standards across the organization.

• Develop, update, review, and administer employee performance plans; perform supervisory responsibilities; and manage the Quality Assurance department budget.

• Champion and model Watts Values, including Integrity, Accountability, Continuous Improvement, and Transparency.

• Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by Company management.
• Responsibility directly tied to Watts Value (Integrity, Accountability, Continuous Improvement, Transparency)
• Travel Requirements: up to 5%.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering, manufacturing, or business area required;
• Must have 5 to 7 years’ experience with the use and implementation of Total Quality concepts in a manufacturing environment;
• Must have 5 to 7 years management experience in a manufacturing environment; 
• Must have 5 to 7 years Lean Six Sigma experience and training.     
• Prior experience with the implementation and use of Statistical Process Control and Advanced Analytical Techniques are required;
• Comprehensive knowledge of engineering, lean six sigma and quality principles, concepts, practices, and theories;
• Computer proficiency on Microsoft Office and statistical packages (Minitab preferred);
• Ability to work with Customer/Supplier representatives for all quality related issues;
• Excellent organizational skills with focus on detail
• Working knowledge if auto-CAD or other design related software. Must have experience in basic Metrology and Calibration.
• 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

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification preferred. 

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. The temperature in the factory is not temperature controlled. The noise is loud. There is machinery, dust, fumes and particulates in the air. You will be required to work in the office at the Export 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 up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus

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.

#LI (Onsite)

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: https://tapintowattsbenefits.com/

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.