Operations Manager

Itron is innovating new ways for utilities and cities to manage energy and water. We create a more resourceful world to protect essential resources for today and tomorrow. Join us.

The Operations Manager leads day‑to‑day production activities to meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery targets at our manufacturing facility in West Union, SC. This role requires strong operational leadership, a solid understanding of manufacturing processes, and the ability to collaborate across engineering, quality, supply chain, and program teams. The Operations Manager enables reliable production performance, supports revenue commitments, and ensures customer‑centric execution across the operation.

Duties & Responsibilities

- Execute operational plans and objectives aligned to overall company strategy, maintaining an agile and customer‑centric mindset.

- Responsible for the Profit and Loss of the assigned operational area.

- Strong Leadership in driving and delivering positive results to the business through both daily management and strategic initiatives.

- Oversee daily production operations, making data‑driven decisions to ensure performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

- Communicate effectively with customers and internal leadership, providing authentic and clear updates on performance and improvement actions.

- Maintain productivity, efficiency, and quality within assigned areas, holding teams accountable for expected outcomes.

- Manage capacity planning, resource allocation, material flow, and budgeting activities.

- Ensure all products meet customer requirements for schedule, quality, and regulatory compliance.

- Drive continuous improvement using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies; promote an innovative, waste‑reducing culture across teams.

- Research and recommend technology, equipment, or system investments to optimize production and reduce conversion cost.

- Ensure operational ownership of safety, quality, cost, and volume targets within the assigned area.

- Track and improve key plant metrics (Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Volume) using structured problem‑solving methods.

- Build and develop strong, collaborative teams—both salaried and hourly—fostering a positive and accountable workplace culture.

- Partner with planning, quality, engineering, supply chain, and R&D to ensure smooth, aligned execution of customer orders.

- Establish operating rhythms to support communication, recognition, and engagement throughout the plant.

- Support resolution of complex cross‑functional issues using structured problem‑solving and root cause analysis.

- Identify and communicate actionable operational insights to support ongoing process improvement and financial impact.

Required Skills & Experience

- Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field.

- Minimum of 5+ years of direct operational leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, including managing hourly personnel.

- Experience implementing Lean/Six Sigma continuous improvement tools and driving sustainable improvements.

- Hands‑on experience managing semi‑automated or fully automated production lines.

- Demonstrated ability in operational planning, forecasting, and budgeting.

- Strong root cause analysis capabilities; able to build and execute effective action plans quickly.

- Experience in complex, inter‑related manufacturing environments.

- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills & Experience

- MBA

- Experience using a world‑class operating system (DBS, HOS, etc.)

- 5S/6S or Lean certification or extensive experience.

Travel

: 0-10%

Benefits Info

This position also includes a competitive benefit package including; financial, social, health and wellbeing programs, paid vacation, 401k matching, employee stock purchase program, hybrid work schedule, and more! This position is eligible for our annual 10% bonus program.

Itron is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce and providing an authentic workplace experience for all employees. If you are excited about this role but your past experiences don't perfectly align with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. In the end, you may be just who we are looking for!

The successful candidate's starting wage will be determined based on permissible, non-discriminatory factors such as skills and experience.

Itron is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. If you require an accommodation to apply, please contact a recruiting representative at 1-800-635-5461 or email Accessibility@itron.com.

Itron is transforming how the world manages energy, water and city services. Our trusted intelligent infrastructure solutions help utilities and cities improve efficiency, build resilience and deliver safe, reliable and affordable service. With edge intelligence, we connect people, data insights and devices so communities can better manage the essential resources they rely on to live. Join us as we create a more resourceful world: www.itron.com