Sr. Director of Plant Operations - Atlanta Georgia

Position Overview

Neptune Technology Group, a leader in smart water metering and advanced utility infrastructure solutions, is seeking an accomplished Senior Director of Plant Operations with extensive experience leading brownfield/greenfield manufacturing start-ups from concept through full-scale production.

This role will be instrumental in launching Neptune’s next-generation manufacturing facility by overseeing site selection, facility design, construction, operational readiness, and the production ramp-up. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in electro-mechanical manufacturing—preferably within metering, industrial instrumentation, or IoT-enabled devices—as well as expertise in automation and digital transformation.

This position offers the opportunity to build and lead a world-class, digitally enabled manufacturing facility from the ground up, directly influencing Neptune’s operational capabilities, culture, and long-term performance. Neptune is committed to advancing smart water technology and sustainable manufacturing, helping utilities measure, manage, and conserve water through innovation, intelligence, and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

Facility Start-Up Leadership

• Lead all aspects of facility development, from site evaluation through design, construction, equipment commissioning, and production launch.
• Partner with executive leadership to define project strategy, scope, budget, and schedule, ensuring alignment with Neptune’s long-term growth objectives.
• Collaborate with architects, contractors, equipment vendors, and local authorities to ensure successful facility delivery.
• Drive the integration of automation, robotics, and smart manufacturing technologies into facility design and operations.

Operational Excellence

• Build and lead a high-performance manufacturing organization, including production, manufacturing engineering, quality, maintenance, logistics, and inventory management functions.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement, efficiency, and quality.
• Develop operational KPIs and reporting systems to ensure accountability and transparency.
• Manage operational budgets, capital projects, and resource planning to meet performance and cost objectives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with HR, Engineering, Product Development, Supply Chain, IT, and Finance to ensure manufacturing readiness, scalability, and cost optimization.
• Work closely with Human Resources to recruit, train, and retain top operations and production talent.
• Collaborate with HSE to maintain a safe, compliant, and environmentally responsible

Production Ramp-Up & Digital Transformation

• Lead the transition from pilot production to full manufacturing operations, ensuring process validation and production efficiency.
• Champion automation, Industry 4.0, and digital transformation initiatives to modernize Neptune’s manufacturing systems.
• Implement data-driven manufacturing tools, MES systems, and real-time performance dashboards.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Neptune Values

The ideal candidate will embody Neptune’s four core values in everything they do:

Own It Demonstrate full accountability for site performance, project outcomes, and team results. Deliver on commitments and always do what’s right for the business and its people.

Be Humble Roll up your sleeves alongside the team. Build a culture of mutual respect across all functions and levels, putting the success of the organization above personal recognition.

Be a Passionate Solver Approach every challenge—from facility start-up complexity to production ramp-up obstacles—with adaptability, tenacity, and a continuous learning mindset. Take pride in finding solutions that drive measurable impact.

Win Together Champion cross-functional collaboration across HR, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, and HSE. Leverage diverse perspectives to build a stronger, more capable operation and achieve shared goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Operations Management, or related discipline (MBA preferred).
• 15+ years of progressive operations leadership experience in manufacturing environments, ideally with electro-mechanical or industrial products.
• Proven track record leading greenfield or brownfield facility start-ups through site selection, construction, and ramp-up.
• Experience in meter manufacturing, industrial instrumentation, or connected device production
• Experience with automation, robotics, and digital transformation
• Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence principles.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with high visibility and impact.

Neptune Technology Group Inc. does not sponsor U.S. work authorizations for this position, including H-1B, O-1, and TN. Neptune also does not sponsor individuals in F-1 status for this role.