Materials Manager

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 bycustomers in residential and commercial settings across the world.We areat theforefront of innovation, working with cutting-edge technology to provide smart andconnected, sustainable water solutions for the future. Watts is a leading brand with aquality reputation - and we have a dynamic future ahead.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Materials Manager at Watts Water Technologies is responsible for directing and coordinating the activities of personnel involved in the procurement, inventory control, planning, and distribution of materials, equipment, and supplies. This role ensures efficient material flow in support of production goals, cost control, and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in materials management, a strong understanding of inventory systems, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams. This role also plays a critical leadership role in the plant's Lean transformation journey, with direct accountability for improving flow, driving structured problem-solving, and sustaining Daily Management routines across Planning, Procurement, and Warehousing.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Plan and implement cost-effective procurement, inventory control, planning, and quality control activities for production materials.

• Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and systems for material control to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

• Monitor inventory levels to ensure proper balance between stock availability and cash flow management.

• Maintain adequate inventory turns, minimize backorders, and ensure continuous supply availability.

• Forecast inventory needs over a rolling 90-day period.

• Collaborate with Marketing and Sales to support forecasting and new product rollouts.

• Lead the Planning team in utilizing tools such as the Master Production Schedule (MPS) and Material Requirements Planning (MRP) system.

• Ensure material availability as scheduled, while maintaining minimal inventory levels.

• Guarantee quality and timely delivery of purchased items aligned with production and customer requirements.

• Eliminate past due backlog and manage backorders for stocked products.

• Supervise storeroom and central supply teams in receiving, issuing, and delivering materials.

• Oversee purchase order preparation and administration, including change notices and policy compliance.

• Assign procurement tasks appropriately across the team.

• Optimize office workflows and introduce improved systems and equipment as needed.

• Manage the disposal of surplus materials.

Lean & Continuous Improvement Responsibilities:

• Participate in or facilitate value stream mapping (VSM) workshops to identify material flow bottlenecks and reduce lead times.

• Lead Daily Management for Planning, Procurement, and Warehouse teams with visual metrics and tiered huddles.

• Develop and sustain standard work for critical materials management processes, such as MRP review, Kanban replenishment, and cycle counts.

• Coach team members on Lean material flow principles, including supermarket pull systems, FIFO lanes, and point-of-use storage.

• Lead cross-functional CI projects to reduce inventory, eliminate back-orders, and improve OTIF (On-Time-In-Full) performance.

• Use structured problem-solving tools (e.g., A3 thinking, 5-Why) to address material shortages, supplier issues, and planning discrepancies.

• Champion One Watts CI tools and ensure warehouse layout and procurement practices support Lean flow and visual management.

• Maintain CI visual boards and track improvement activities and results.

EMPLOYEE CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Collaborate Across Workgroups

• Communicate Effectively

• Deliver High Quality Work

• Drive for Results

• Focus on the Customer

• Initiate Positive Change

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• 7+ years of experience in materials management or a related field.

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

• Strong understanding of inventory and SAP/MRP or similar systems

• Experience working with cross-functional teams and in leadership roles.

• Prior experience in a Lean manufacturing environment is highly preferred.

• Experience implementing the SAP system is a plus.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Ability to read and interpret business, technical, and regulatory documents.

• Skilled in writing reports, business correspondence, and procedures.

• Proficient in presenting to leadership and external stakeholders.

• Strong problem-solving abilities in non-standardized scenarios.

• Comfortable with statistical and mathematical reasoning (percentages, ratios, forecasting).

• Proficient in software systems, including inventory, database, spreadsheets, and word processing.

• Knowledge of Lean CI tools such as A3 Thinking, Kanban, VSM, 5S, PDCA, and Tiered Daily Management

Compensation Information:

• 118,000-131,000

• Bonus up to 15%

MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISION:

This role includes direct supervisory responsibilities. The Materials Manager will ensure adherence to company and safety policies and manage the performance of planning, procurement, and warehouse personnel. They will also coach and develop their teams in CI tools and daily management behaviors to support a culture of continuous improvement.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently required to walk, talk, and hear.

• Occasionally required to stand, sit, and use hands to handle materials.

• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.

• Specific vision abilities include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Primarily based in a manufacturing environment.

• May occasionally work in an office or external settings as needed.

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.