
Meet Our People
Vinifa W.
Location: Indonesia
Q: What was your first job ever?
A: In 2021, I graduated and landed my very first job at Itron. At the time, the world was facing the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused global disruptions across health, finance, business and society. It was a challenging time to think about starting a career, so joining Itron felt like a fortunate twist of fate that I’m truly grateful for.
Q: What was your first job at Itron?
My journey with Itron began in the Management Trainee program within the Logistics department. I graduated with an electrical engineering degree, and at the time, my dream was to work as an engineer. A career in supply chain wasn’t initially on my radar, but passion can be surprisingly adaptive. Looking back, “learning by doing” has always resonated with me. One of Itron’s core values is agility, which means being able to adapt quickly to every challenge. We learn something new every day, we adjust and we grow. We’re often capable of far more than we realize.
Q: What is your alma mater?
A: I earned my bachelor’s degree at Diponegoro University. The reality is that the number of women participating in STEM fields in Indonesia remains low. I was one of very few women in my academic program. Despite the barriers and challenges, I’m grateful to work for a company that partners with organizations like Women in Manufacturing (WiM). It’s encouraging to be part of a workplace that continues to expand opportunities for women to grow together in an inclusive and diverse environment.
Q: What is your current role at Itron?
A: I’m currently working as a material planner and buyer, handling the purchase of direct and indirect materials for the Indonesia site. Through close collaboration with the team, we ensure materials are delivered in accordance with customer demand.
Q: Can you share your career journey and what originally drew you to your current role at the company?
A: Back in 2021, I interviewed with managers at Itron. During the conversation, I introduced myself as a storyteller and shared what I studied in college. To my surprise, I was offered a position in the management trainee program within the logistics department. Looking back, there was clearly a reason for that decision. In supply chain management, we focus on building strong relationships with suppliers and applying the right strategies. The art of communication, networking and negotiation drew me to my current role.
Q: What’s your proudest professional accomplishment at Itron?
A: My proudest professional accomplishment is delivering my best value to the company. With the evolution of supply chain tools at Itron, I was able to increase on-time delivery (OTD) to 95% in Q4 2025 for key suppliers. Another accomplishment I’m proud of is my strong ability to adapt, both individually and as part of a team. This is an important skill to have as a material planner.
Q: How would you describe the culture at Itron’s Indonesia site to someone considering a career at that location?
A: Itron is a multinational company, and we work in a diverse environment that helps us understand other cultures and collaborate with teams across the world. It’s a great opportunity to gain international exposure! Itron Indonesia also offers flexible working hours. If you’re not a morning person, it’s possible to adjust your working hours to fit your routine. To support work-life balance, Itron Indonesia provides several employee communities, including cycling, yoga, swimming, badminton and Zumba. If you love sports, that’s another great reason to join Itron!
Q: What does a typical day in your role look like?
A: A typical day as a material planner revolves around data and collaboration.Our work is data-driven. On a daily basis, we use tools like ERP and Power BI, which are extremely helpful. We collaborate both internally and externally. The industry around the world is experiencing dynamic shifts and unpredictable challenges. We must adapt quickly to stay aligned with these trends.
Q: Inclusion and belonging are important at Itron, what does belonging mean to you at work?
A: In my humble opinion, a sense of belonging means being welcomed, known, included, supported, and connected. I believe belonging starts with recognition that is meaningful, frequent, and easy to give. When people feel seen, it builds stronger retention and motivates them to do their best. This creates achievers across the company.
Q: What is your favorite team event or celebration you’ve attended? And what made it special?
A: At the Indonesia office, we have several cultural celebrations. One example is our “pizza and coffee days” to celebrate Batik Day. My favorite event is the iLYMPIC. The company hosts competitions across several sports, including mini football, badminton, table tennis, basketball, and many more. At the end of the event, which is on Indonesia’s Independence Day, we celebrate with mini games and an awards ceremony for the winners. What makes it special is that people from every department come together to celebrate our national special day.
Q: What advice would you give to someone just starting their career at Itron?
A: Considering my own journey, here is the advice I would give:
- Start with imperfections—sometimes the beginning feels scary and uncertain.
- Passion can be adaptive; it is buildable and developable.
- Empty your glass when entering a new environment.
- We don’t need to be the loudest in the room; instead, focus on being in the right room.
Always remember we are more, and we can do more.
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