Project 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.

Scope of Position

The Project Manager leads Research & Development and New Product Development (NPD) initiatives for the Watts Applied Solutions platform, with a strong focus on physical product development, testing/validation, and engineering execution. Under the direction of the Director of Research & Development, this role partners cross-functionally to plan and execute projects through established Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Stage Gate (SG) processes and is responsible for managing projects from concept through commercialization.

This position is responsible for independently managing project execution, ensuring projects progress on schedule and within budget, while driving designs from concept through prototype, validation, and commercialization aligned to technical performance requirements. The role collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to achieve project objectives and operational targets.

This position reports to the Director of Research and Development. This role is onsite and is based in Fort Myers, Florida.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• =Lead Research & Development and New Product Development projects by coordinating schedules, resources, budgets, and deliverables, including build planning, prototype iteration, and engineering change tracking.

• Develop and maintain project plans aligned with Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Stage Gate requirements.

• Track project progress and milestones, ensuring alignment to scope, schedule, and budget, including design milestones, prototype builds, and validation testing activities.

• Coordinate cross-functional teams, including engineering, test/validation, operations, manufacturing, suppliers, and other project stakeholders.

• Identify, communicate, and proactively manage project risks and issues; develop and implement mitigation plans to maintain project objectives.

• Facilitate project meetings, core team reviews, and required gate reviews.

• Provide regular project status updates and recommendations to stakeholders, influencing project decisions and priorities as appropriate.

• Ensure adherence to established R&D, NPD, and project management processes while identifying opportunities for process improvements and enhanced project execution effectiveness.

• Maintain project metrics and documentation, including schedules, resources, and cost tracking.

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives by capturing lessons learned and implementing enhancements to project management processes, tools, and practices.

• Manage projects of moderate complexity independently, ensuring achievement of operational, technical, schedule, and budget objectives.

• Coordinate and influence internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, vendors, and cross-functional business partners, to support successful project outcomes.

• Assume responsibility for other projects and duties as assigned by the Director of Research and Development or Company management.

• Responsibility directly tied to Watts Values (Integrity, Accountability, Continuous Improvement, Transparency).

• Travel Requirements: up to 25%.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or Science.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in project coordination or project management.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) training

• Advanced knowledge of project management principles, schedules, risk management, budgeting, and cross-functional execution.

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage projects and influence cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives.

• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a structured, deadline-driven environment

• 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

• Technical background in electrical, mechanical, chemical, or electrochemical engineering mechanical engineering strongly preferred.

• Experience leading R&D or New Product Development projects for physical products or engineered systems.

• Candidates with hardware-driven, engineering-centric experience are strongly preferred.

• Familiarity with Stage Gate, TRL, or similar phased development models.

• Experience using project management tools such as Gantt charts, WBS, or MS Project.

• Exposure to Agile or hybrid project management approaches.

• Experience leading cross-functional engineering or product development projects from concept through commercialization.

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 Fort Myers, HF 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.

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.

#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: 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.