Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Watts is reimagining the future of water. We're 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.

Scope of Position

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading manufacturing, warehouse, inventory, fulfillment, and electronic product assembly operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production, testing, and delivery of quality products. This role drives operational excellence through production leadership, supply chain optimization, workforce development, and continuous improvement initiatives that support business growth and customer satisfaction. The position requires a working knowledge of electronics manufacturing processes, electronic components, testing procedures, and quality standards to support the production of connected and technology-enabled products.

This position is responsible for the supervision of 15+ direct reports.

This position reports to the President of Leak Defense. The role is onsite and based in Escondido, California.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Lead warehouse, production, inventory, and fulfillment operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity goals.
• Develop a working knowledge of company products, including electronic systems, controls, sensors, and connected device technologies, to effectively support manufacturing and operational objectives.
• Develop operational strategies, manage resources, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor KPIs and implement actions to improve performance, efficiency, and cost management.
• Support S&OP processes to align production capacity, inventory levels, and customer demand.

Manufacturing & Production

• Lead manufacturing and assembly operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production.
• Establish production schedules, staffing plans, and resource allocation strategies.
• Monitor key metrics including throughput, labor productivity, scrap, downtime, and on-time delivery.
• Partner with Engineering and Quality to support new product introductions, process improvements, and operational readiness.
• Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Collaborate with Maintenance and Engineering to improve equipment reliability and minimize downtime.

Warehouse, Inventory & Fulfillment

• Direct receiving, storage, inventory control, shipping, and fulfillment activities.
• Ensure inventory accuracy through cycle counts, physical inventories, and ERP/WMS transaction management.
• Optimize warehouse layout, material flow, and logistics operations.
• Manage freight and transportation activities to support customer delivery requirements.

Leadership & Compliance

• Lead, coach, and develop warehouse and production teams.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA requirements, company policies, and quality standards.
• Travel: occasional travel may be required for training, meetings, and other business-related activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 8+ years in manufacturing, warehouse operations, supply chain, logistics, or related operational environments.
• Experience managing end to end operations or multiple functional areas (suppliers, inventory, fulfillment).
• Experience working in scaling operations environments (high growth, new product lines or platform-based businesses).
• 3+ years of supervisory experience managing production, warehouse, or multi-functional operations teams.
• Strong understanding of warehouse operations, inventory control, and order fulfillment
• Experience with ERP and/or Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Proven leadership and team development skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and team development capabilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
• Working knowledge of electronics manufacturing, electronic assembly, testing, and quality control processes.
• Experience managing operations involving electromechanical or electronic products.
• Ability to interpret electronic schematics, bills of materials (BOMs), and manufacturing documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading manufacturing and warehouse operations within a production environment.
• Experience leading continuous improvement or lean initiatives
• Advanced ERP/WMS system experience.
• Experience in electronic, electromechanical, IoT, water technology, or connected-device manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with PCB assemblies, sensors, controllers, low-voltage electronics, and product testing processes.
• Knowledge of ESD controls, electronic quality systems, and failure analysis methodologies.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) for electronic or smart-device products.

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 Escondido, CA 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 light objects, such as office supplies, documents, or small equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Pay Range

The expected salary range for this position is $125K $142K yearly. Actual compensation will be dependent upon individual skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable law.

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