Manager, Utility Programs

Description

• Work with Purchasing Department in developing associated contract bids to address efficiencies and reduce costs.
• Responsible for administration and review of KPI process.
• Coordinate all municipal and state annual paving programs. Annually coordinate with all municipalities and State DOT to prepare a listing of current year and future anticipated paving projects. This work will be completed in combination with the GIS staff.
• Develop plan for long term and short-term infrastructure improvements, develop master plans and capital improvement plans and review system expansion and replacement plans.
• Manage and direct activities relating to external affairs for various waterworks construction activities. Coordinate interactions with external entities to ensure waterworks projects are executed in a timely, efficient, and courteous manner.
• Manage KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) for pipeline contractors.
• Schedule and run monthly coordination meetings with Utility Operations Staff to discuss projects, timing and coordination. This will include developing agendas, inviting appropriate staff, and preparing meeting minutes.
• Coordinate with local municipalities to identify planned large sewer projects to address line locating issues, facility damage and payment.
• Work with Engineering and Planning team to develop 5-year and 1-year plans for projects that have been assigned.
• Perform liaison activities with sewer departments to identify and resolve issues that may arise.
• Oversee selection and management of pipeline inspectors.
• Work closely with Utility Operations to modify and execute a process/program to address waterworks (e.g. gate boxes, manholes, etc.) that are paved over.
• Coordinate the preparation and processing of any local, federal and State documents (e.g. Conn 40) to ensure reimbursements are maximized for Federal and State reimbursable projects.
• Review data with fire departments for non-metered water use from hydrants for filling tankers or performing maintenance. Research and develop potential metered solutions.
• Plan, develop and implement goals and objectives for target achievements.
• Develop metrics for objectively measuring performance of inspectors.
• Coordinate with Engineering & Planning staff to identify paving projects that may be incorporated in the main replacement program.
• Coordinate regular meetings (e.g. monthly, semi-annual, annual) with fire departments to address issues related to fire flow, hydrant maintenance, in-foot charges, etc. Use meetings to identify program issues and develop and implement solutions.
• Perform liaison activities with fire departments to coordinate emergency response and communicate rate increases and other issues.
• Review unit cost performance and make recommendations for improvement on an annual basis during the 1st quarter.
• Provide technical and/or operational assistance.
• Responsible for overall waterworks installation and documentation process review.
• Participate in the selection of consultants for the design of improvements and review possible addition of water main contractors to the approved list for bidding.
• Monitor and approve invoices associated with water main and paving projects.
• Modify and/or develop appropriate specifications, standards and details and provide input in the prioritization of projects based on information collected from internal and external information gathering efforts.
• Review design drawings, specifications and processes related to waterworks.
• Coordinate external paving programs schedules (local and State) and the appropriate maintenance programs with pipeline contract partners to ensure waterworks assets are properly accessible and in working order (e.g. gate valves).
• Utilize SAP to implement solutions and monitor progress via measurements.
• Responsible for planning, managing and reporting on WICA program in coordination with Rates and Regulations and the Engineering and Planning team.
• Participate in regular meetings (monthly, quarterly) with pipeline contractors to review performance metrics, identify and address issues, implement corrective actions, and address Construction Safety.
• Develop and implement a process with fire departments to document and track hydrant use for firefighting purposes to more accurately track water use.
• Develop and implement integrated policies and procedures to ensure contractors adhere to specifications, improve tracking of expenses on all projects, approve invoices and related expenses, and make recommendations for approval.
• Develop and implement integrated policies and procedures to ensure compliance with local and State regulations, improve efficiency and quality of construction projects through interaction with municipalities and pipeline contract partners.

Requirements

• Must have familiarity with applicable regulations from the CT, MA and NH including State PUC’s, environmental, health and local agencies in the Aquarion service areas.
• Seven to ten years of experience in utility industry or equivalent experience. Professional Engineering License preferred. Must have experience in waterworks construction, contracts, and cost estimating for underground pipeline installations as well as working knowledge of water utility distribution system hydraulics.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving record required.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, chemistry, environmental science, or related field required.
• This role reports out of the Bridgeport, CT office with occasional travel to job sites.
• Excellent computer skills with experience with Microsoft Products (Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, TEAMS) and SAP.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with ability to make sound decisions.
• Experience and ability to manage staff and collaborate effectively with associates, regulators, public officials, and senior management.
• Must be self-motivated and proactive.
• Master's degree in related field preferred but not required.

Benefits

• Paving Program
• Job is classified as an exempt position with a salary range of $115,000 to $130,000.
• After 3 months of successful employment, this role will be eligible for a hybrid schedule (3 days office/2 days remote).

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance