Purchasing 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 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

This highly motivated individual, as part of the Superior Boiler Operations team, will be responsible for meeting Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC) objectives by leading purchasing process improvements that support business goals. This role oversees commercial and supplier-related purchasing activities for the assigned site or business unit, with a focus on supplier management, cost reduction, inventory management, and continuity of supply for manufacturing operations.

This position is responsible for supervision of the Purchasing team.

This position reports to Operations Manager, Superior Boiler. This role is onsite and is based in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for leading and developing the purchasing team, and creating & implementing site KPIs aligned with corporate KPIs.

• Accountable for purchased part-related SQDC and metrics such as PPV, SOTD, and SQAR.

• Approve purchase orders in accordance with company policy and negotiated and/or standard terms and conditions.

• Drive make versus buy analyses and recommendations to meet corporate & site objectives.

• Lead a team of Buyers to ensure appropriate inventory levels to stay on schedule.

• Ensure master data for all parts is accurate and maintained.

• Work with the Sourcing Department to develop RFQ/RFP and negotiate best in class price, payment terms, quality levels, and delivery terms for purchased products in compliance with corporate objectives.

• Lead and support on-site supplier assessment/certification audits.

• Assist with supplier cost modeling, supplier opportunity assessments, supplier financial analysis, long-term contract establishment with focus on continued quality, delivery and productivity improvements that lead to better service and cost reductions.

• Acquire and maintain knowledge of commodity & spend category trends, including new technology & manufacturing processes, industry trends, cost drivers, global pricing, and material lead times.

• Develop and drive acceptance of preferred suppliers with SPMs, and coordinate regular supplier technology roadmap reviews.

• Work with engineering and site operations to support adoption l of new product & cost reduction initiatives.

• Facilitate and evaluate Manufacturing Alerts and Engineering Change Notifications to ensure timely implementation and minimize materials obsolescence.

• Facilitate and drive continuous improvement events targeting purchased items.

• Liaise with Accounts Payable department to ensure accurate and timely payment of invoices, and resolve discrepant invoices as necessary to ensure a smooth payment process with suppliers.

• Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by Operations Manager, Superior Boiler or Company management.

• Dedicated to continuous improvement and LEAN principles.

• Travel Requirements: 10%

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Business, Supply Chain, or related field.

• Minimum of 5 years of management experience in supply chain operations with a demonstrated ability to work with frontline operations management and cross-divisional, cross functional teams.

• Sourcing contract administration and negotiation experience.

• Strong oral, written and interpersonal communication and presentation skills for effective dealings with suppliers and Watts team members.

• Experience supporting operations producing highly engineered mechanical product lines is preferred.

• History of managing direct spend and establishing measurable improvements in YOY SQDC.

• Strong technical and analytical skills. Process driven and attention to detail.

• Successful with driving results within a manufacturing organization.

• Working knowledge of ERP systems as related to purchasing.

• Adept with Microsoft Office software, especially Excel and Powerpoint.

• 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, including drug screening and required pre-employment testing as a condition of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA and/or APICS/ISM certifications preferred.

• Experience with Access and Data Warehouse.

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. You will be required to work in the office at the Hutchinson, Kansas location Monday thru 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 light objects, such as office supplies, documents, or small equipment.

#LIOnsite

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.