Program Manager- New Product Introduction

Itron, Inc.; West Union (SC); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

401k matching

Employee stock purchase program

Annual bonus program

Paid vacation

Health and wellbeing programs

Job summary

Itron, Inc. is seeking a Program Manager for New Product Introduction to lead hardware NPI programs from concept through production.

You will coordinate across manufacturing engineering, procurement, logistics, supply chain, product management, and R&D in a fast-paced environment focused on grid management solutions. The role emphasizes cross-functional leadership, risk management, and data-driven continuous improvement using Kaizen, Lean, and Scrum.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Computer Science, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering OR equivalent practical engineering experience.
• Proven program management experience in hardware or manufacturing environments.
• Strong technical knowledge of PCBAs, semiconductor components, and box-build assemblies.
• Experience with Kaizen, Scrum, Lean, and continuous improvement practices.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively across diverse teams.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast paced and high visibility environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead NPI programs from initiation through delivery, ensuring operational readiness and quality.
• Collaborate with Product Units, R&D, marketing, Global Operations (procurement, logistics, manufacturing, quality), and Finance.
• Apply Kaizen, Lean, and Agile methods to optimize processes.
• Provide technical guidance leveraging hands-on engineering experience in mechanical/electrical/industrial domains.
• Identify program risks and implement proactive mitigation strategies.
• Deliver timely updates to stakeholders via reports and meetings.
• Ensure all program activities align with customer expectations.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers; develop contingency and dual sourcing plans.
• Use data analytics to monitor performance and drive resiliency.

Skills

Program management

PCBAs knowledge

Kaizen/Lean/Agile

Communication & collaboration

Dynamic fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Computer Science, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering OR equivalent practical engineering experience

PMP certification or equivalent project management credential

Master's degree a plus

Job description

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.

As a Program Manager- New Product Introduction, you will lead operational excellence for new product introduction initiatives, ensuring successful delivery of hardware programs from concept through production. This role is critical to driving collaboration across manufacturing engineering, procurement, logistics, supply chain, product management, and R&D. You will operate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment at the forefront of innovative grid management solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Program Leadership: Manage NPI programs from initiation through delivery, ensuring operational readiness and quality outcomes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with various teams within the company, including Product Business Units, Research & Development, Product Marketing, Global Operations: procurement, logistics, manufacturing, and quality control, Finance to implement resiliency measures and foster a culture of preparedness.
• Continuous Improvement: Apply Kaizen, Lean, and Agile methodologies to optimize processes and enhance efficiency.
• Technical Oversight: Provide guidance leveraging hands-on engineering experience in mechanical, electrical, or industrial domains.
• Risk Management: Identify program risks and implement proactive mitigation strategies to ensure uninterrupted progress.
• Communication: Deliver timely and relevant updates to stakeholders through reports and meetings, fostering transparency and accountability.
• Customer-Centric Focus: Ensure all program activities align with organizational values and customer expectations.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Build strong relationships with key suppliers and partners. Work together with Global Commodity Managers to develop contingency plans, dual sourcing strategies, and alternative supply routes.
• Data Analysis: Utilize data analytics and technology to monitor and evaluate the performance of the supply chain. Implement data-driven solutions to improve resiliency and responsiveness.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Computer Science, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering OR equivalent practical engineering experience.
• Proven program management experience in hardware or manufacturing environments.
• Strong technical knowledge of PCBAs, semiconductor components, and box-build assemblies.
• Experience with Kaizen, Scrum, Lean, and continuous improvement practices.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively across diverse teams.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast paced and high visibility environment.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• PMP certification or equivalent project management credential.
• Master's degree a plus

Travel

0-10%

Physical Demands

This is a typical office job, with no special physical requirements or unusual work environment.

Candidate must be close to one of the following Itron sites

• Austin, TX
• Oconee, SC

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 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 [e-mail].

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