Location: Saint Pauls,NC, USA
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.
As the Quality Manager, you will lead Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement initiatives to ensure that our products meet or exceed customer requirements. Your focus will be on managing the Quality Business System, overseeing production and supplier quality, and driving continuous improvement processes. Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will be instrumental in maintaining compliance and fostering a culture of excellence.
You Will:
Quality Leadership
* Oversee capability studies on manufacturing equipment, including equipment installation run-offs, and gage R&R studies.
* Coordinate product testing and provide statistical analysis and expertise to support Watts.
* Offer resources to new product development (NPD) for initiatives, ensuring quality requirements, sampling plans, and certifications are met.
* Collaborate with production management to uphold in-process quality standards.
* Represent Quality Assurance on the Watts Radiant Leadership Team.
Supplier Quality
* Conduct supplier and customer capability assessments.
* Support supplier development to ensure they meet documented requirements.
* Communicate with suppliers regarding PPAP, SCAR, and Continuous Improvement (CI) activities.
* Communicate with materials management to align quality processes.
Regulatory Certification Maintenance
* Maintain knowledge of certifying agency standards relevant to our products.
* Coordinate external agency inspection audits and ensure compliance.
* Validate product designs and certification testing, adhering to standards (e.g., ANSI, CSA, NSF, UL).
* Provide QA support for new product ideation teams and participate in domestic or international codes and standards activities.
Quality Management System Support
* Lead In-Process and Supplier Material Review Board meetings, making decisions based on acceptance criteria and product specifications.
* Work with all departments to uphold and improve quality standards.
* Oversee the internal audit process and manage corrective and preventive action systems.
* Be the management representative for ISO 9001 Certification, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.
* Develop and implement quality initiatives that align with business goals.
Team Leadership & Budget Management
* Lead and manage the Quality Department, including performance planning, supervision, and mentoring.
* Develop and review performance plans, ensuring adherence to quality standards.
* Manage the QA budget.
New Product Development (NPD) Quality
* Lead the NPD process from a quality perspective, ensuring process adherence.
* Complete stage gate reviews and approve new products for each stage and launch.
* Collaborate with NPD teams to develop quality strategies.
You Have:
* Bachelor's degree in a related engineering, manufacturing, or related business field.
* Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification preferred.
* 5+ years' experience with the use and implementation of Total Quality concepts in a manufacturing environment.
* 5+ years management experience in a manufacturing environment.
* 5+ years experience with Lean Six Sigma methodologies and training.
* Familiarity with Statistical Process Control and Advanced Analytical Techniques.
* Comprehensive knowledge of quality principles, lean manufacturing, and engineering concepts.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office and statistical packages (Minitab preferred).
* Experience in working with customer and supplier representatives on quality-related issues.
* Basic knowledge of Metrology, Calibration, and design software (e.g., AutoCAD).
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, talk, and/or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
Work in both office and manufacturing environment. May occasionally be required to perform job duties outside the typical office setting.
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:
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.