Sr. Inventory Optimization Specialist

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 data-driven and collaborative individual, as part of Supply Chain Management team, will be responsible for optimizing inventory deployment, network performance, and supply chain execution to achieve targeted service levels while minimizing inventory investment. The position partners closely with Product Management, Manufacturing Operations, Distribution Centers, Demand Planning, Supply Management, Sourcing, Finance, and Sales to identify and implement inventory and network optimization opportunities, resolve supply chain risks, and drive execution through cross-functional collaboration. This role also serves as a key liaison to the agent network for supply chain-related issues and continuous improvement.

This position reports to the S&OE Manager.

This role is hybrid and is based in North Andover, Massachusetts.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the development and refinement of inventory and service dashboards, KPIs, and reporting tools that strengthen visibility and actionability across the Supply Chain.

• Analyze inventory performance across distribution centers, agents, and field locations to identify optimization opportunities and drive implementation through cross-functional teams.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for supply chain issues raised by agent representatives and ensure timely resolution.

• Identify and execute inventory rebalancing opportunities across the network to improve product availability, reduce excess inventory, and optimize working capital.

• Analyze inventory positioning throughout the distribution network and recommend stocking location strategies to improve service and reduce logistics costs.

• Monitor inventory health and service performance metrics, perform root cause analysis of inventory-related issues, and implement preventive actions to improve future performance.

• Facilitate execution-related supply chain reviews and coordinate actions to mitigate inventory shortages, excess inventory, and service risks.

• Proactively identify inventory and service risks, communicate impacts to stakeholders, and coordinate corrective action plans to mitigate customer and operational disruptions.

• Monitor short-term supply, demand, inventory, backlog, and allocation exceptions to identify service risks and translate findings into prioritized corrective actions; including inventory rebalancing for service.

• Partner with Demand Planning, Supply Planning, Manufacturing, Distribution, Sourcing, and Commercial teams to balance customer priorities against available supply, inventory constraints, and network capacity.

• Analyze projected stockouts, fill-rate gaps, aged backlog, and constrained supply situations; recommend mitigation plans including inventory redeployment, prioritization, substitution, expedite avoidance, or escalation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field: Supply Chain, Business, Operations or Finance.

• 5+ years of experience in supply chain management using relevant inventory management tools.

• Experience with ERP systems and an understanding of how ERP systems integrate with supply chain processes (SAP preferred)

• Demonstrated proficiency in inventory management and cost reduction initiatives

• Experience with other software packages including Windows, and Microsoft Office.

• Strong analytical, organizational, decision making, and presentation skills. Strong interpersonal skills are also essential to effectively interact with all teams, areas and levels of business affecting the forecast process - both internal and external.

• Strong facilitation and influencing skills are required.

Preferred Qualifications

• APICS or other related certification

• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel

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 in an office environment. You will be required to work in the office at the North Andover, Massachusetts location three days per week (Monday - Wednesday) and can work remotely two days per week (Thursday and Friday).

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.

Pay Range

The expected salary range for this position is $93,000 - $106,000 yearly. Actual compensation will be dependent upon individual skills, experience, qualifications, and applicable law.

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.

Watts in it for you:

Please note that the followingbenefits 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.