The role also oversees the effective operation, auditing, and maintenance of the ISO 9001 quality system and drives continuous improvement across R&D activities.Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Project Leadership
- Develop, maintain, and execute the R&D Projects Plan.
- Formulate research policies, programmes, and priorities in consultation with the Managing Director and other senior leaders.
- Identify and evaluate new product opportunities and present proposals to the MD.
- Monitor and report on the progress of R&D investigations and initiatives.
- Schedule and lead regular Heads of Department meetings to ensure cross-functional alignment.
Technical Design & Development
- Use SolidWorks 3D modelling to design new products and components.
- Ensure all product designs comply with relevant standards (e.g., WS-026).
- Maintain comprehensive development files for all projects to ensure traceability.
- Manufacture prototypes using in-house conventional machinery.
- Coordinate external rapid prototyping as needed.
- Design and build test rigs and electronic controllers for product testing.
- Conduct and document product testing in accordance with the laboratory manual.
Documentation & Quality Systems
- Create and maintain ISO 9001 documentation including parts lists, product lists, drawings, and work instructions.
- Ensure document control procedures are followed rigorously.
- Support internal audits and continuous improvement initiatives related to quality systems.
Tooling & Production Integration
- Coordinate tooling manufacture and modifications for new and existing products.
- Collaborate with Toolmakers and Manufacturing to ensure smooth product integration into production.
Stakeholder Engagement & Support
- Communicate project progress and outcomes to internal and external stakeholders.
- Work with Sales & Marketing teams in NZ and export markets to support product development and launches.
- Provide technical support for customer issues and marketing collateral.
- Maintain records and reporting for MBIE and Callaghan (R&D funding).
Internal
- General Manager
- R&D Engineers
- Head of Sales
- Financial Controller
- Plant Manager
- Plastics Production Manager
- Assembly Supervisors
- Machine Shop Supervisor
External
- Hydroflow Sales Manager
- Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
- SAI Global
- Suppliers
Top Skills
What We Do
We are a global leader of quality water solutions for residential, industrial, municipal, and commercial settings. Our family of brands offers one of the most varied product lines in the world, with world-class, water-related solutions focused on:
• Plumbing & Flow Control
• Water Quality & Conditioning
• Water Reuse & Drainage
• HVAC
• Municipal Waterworks
Strategic Goals
Watts Water is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “WTS.” As a public company, growing shareholder value is critical. To that end, we focus on a five-part Global Strategy: Growth, Commercial Excellence, Operational Excellence, “One Watts Water,” and a Talent & Performance Culture.
Follow us on all social media platforms @WattsWater
