What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manufacturing Planner / Inventory Control Specialist position at Watts Water Technologies?
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.
Position Summary
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Manufacturing Planner / Inventory Control Specialist to join our operations team. This hybrid role is critical to maintaining inventory accuracy, optimizing production schedules, and ensuring seamless communication across supply chain functions. The ideal candidate will have experience in production planning, inventory management, ERP systems (preferably SAP), and lean manufacturing practices.
Key Responsibilities
Production Planning & Scheduling
Physical Requirements
Watts In It For You
Please note that the following benefits apply only to permanent roles and do not apply to internship roles.
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.
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.
Position Summary
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Manufacturing Planner / Inventory Control Specialist to join our operations team. This hybrid role is critical to maintaining inventory accuracy, optimizing production schedules, and ensuring seamless communication across supply chain functions. The ideal candidate will have experience in production planning, inventory management, ERP systems (preferably SAP), and lean manufacturing practices.
Key Responsibilities
Production Planning & Scheduling
- Develop and maintain accurate production schedules to align with customer demand and operational capacity.
- Coordinate with production, procurement, quality, and engineering to meet delivery timelines.
- Monitor production progress, adjust schedules for changes in demand, and resolve resource or capacity constraints.
- Create, release, and manage work orders in the ERP system; ensure accurate documentation and timely closures.
- Validate and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) in collaboration with engineering and procurement teams.
- Investigate and resolve discrepancies in work orders and production materials.
- Conduct regular cycle counts (daily, weekly, monthly) and reconcile physical counts with system records.
- Maintain accurate and real-time inventory records, including adjustments for returns, transfers, and wastage.
- Support full physical inventory audits and ensure documentation integrity.
- Utilize ERP systems (preferably SAP) for planning, scheduling, and inventory management tasks.
- Generate reports on inventory levels, cycle count performance, production progress, and material availability.
- Assist with system improvements and ensure data integrity in all inventory transactions.
- Apply lean principles to reduce waste and enhance efficiency in planning and inventory control.
- Participate in Kaizen events and continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain.
- Recommend and implement improvements to reduce stockouts, minimize overstocking, and improve turnover rates.
- Act as a key liaison between production, warehouse, purchasing, engineering, and quality teams.
- Clearly communicate production plans, changes, and priorities to stakeholders.
- Participate in root cause analysis for variances and contribute to problem-solving efforts.
- Ensure compliance with all safety regulations related to material handling and storage.
- Promote and enforce proper PPE usage and safe material movement techniques.
- Identify and report any safety hazards or concerns related to materials and storage.
- High school diploma required; Associate’s or Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in manufacturing planning and inventory control.
- Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and inventory management software.
- Strong understanding of material flow in a manufacturing setting.
- Ability to interpret production schedules and align material needs accordingly.
- Proficiency in inventory tracking and documentation systems.
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
- Ability to operate forklifts and pallet jacks (certification preferred).
- Excellent time management and organizational skills.
- Strong problem-solving abilities to address material shortages and delays.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
- Exposure to a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures and noise levels.
- Ability to operate material-handling equipment as needed.
- Primarily works in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, and fluctuating temperatures.
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching throughout the shift.
- Requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary.
- May operate forklifts, pallet jacks, or other material-handling equipment.
- Must be able to work flexible hours, including overtime, as needed to support production demands.
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/
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.
