Operations Program Manager

WHAT THIS IS — AND WHAT IT IS NOT

This role IS:
• The planning, scheduling, and program-management backbone across manufacturing, field ops, and O&M
• A systems-and-tools builder who creates dashboards, trackers, automations, and lightweight internal apps
• A cross-functional coordinator who keeps every team aligned and every project on track
• A data and reporting engine that gives leadership real-time visibility
• AI-native and software-fluent; you build tools, not just use them
• A high-versatility Swiss Army knife who can jump across many types of problems

This role IS NOT:
• A single-function production scheduler who only touches the factory floor
• A people-management or P&L-ownership role (the Director of Operations owns that)
• A purely administrative coordinator role (this requires real planning and technical skill)
• A specialist who only does one thing
• A 9-to-5 (more on that below)

We will be direct, because that is one of our values. This role is demanding. VVater moves at an uncommon pace, and Operations sits at the center of it. Production deadlines are real. Field deployments happen on their own schedule. Problems do not wait for Monday.

We are not asking anyone to grind for the sake of grinding. We are transparent and respectful of personal time when the operating tempo allows. But this is a foundational seat in a fast-scaling operations organization, and the right person is energized by that pace rather than drained by it.

If you need rigid, predictable hours and fully defined work, this is not your seat. If you love bringing order to fast-moving complexity and being the person who makes the whole operation run, this is exactly where you want to be.

Key Responsibilities

• 5+ years in operations program management, project management, production planning, manufacturing operations, or a similar structured operations role
• Demonstrated mastery of project planning and scheduling (Microsoft Project, Gantt charts, or equivalent) with a track record of keeping complex projects on time
• Strong data and reporting skills (Power BI, advanced Excel, or equivalent); you can turn operational data into clear dashboards and insights
• Software and technical fluency; comfortable learning and configuring tools, and able to build lightweight internal tools or automations, including vibe-coding with modern AI
• Hands-on fluency with AI tools (Claude, Claude Code, ChatGPT, or equivalents)
• Experience in manufacturing, hardware, industrial, construction, energy, or field services operations
• Familiarity with ERP and MRP systems, work-management platforms, and manufacturing or field-service software
• PMP, CAPM, CPIM, Lean, or Six Sigma certification
• Experience supporting both factory/production operations and field operations or O&M
• Real examples of internal tools, dashboards, automations, or apps you have personally built
• Water, wastewater, or utility industry exposure
• Proven cross-functional coordination experience; you have kept multiple teams aligned and moving
• Exceptional organization, attention to detail, and follow-through
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Comfort with ambiguity and rapid change; ability to work independently and build your own structure
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, supply chain, business, or equivalent practical experience

**As a part of our process to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of all applicants, assessment tests are required as part of our recruitment process. Unfortunately, should you elect not to participate in completing the assessment tests, your application will not be able to progress to the next stage or will not be taken into consideration during evaluation.