Director, Operations (State)

Overview

Lead state‑wide water/wastewater operations, strategy, compliance, staff and capital projects.

Key Responsibilities

• water operations
• environmental compliance
• capital projects
• process improvement
• team leadership
• stakeholder management

Tasks

-Lead, motivate and develop staff in assigned operations areas. Build shared commitment to improving business performance and develop both individual and team capabilities. -Implement best operating practices to promote continuous improvement, innovation and excellent customer service. Ensure all state regional operations are performed in accordance with company standard procedures and policies. -Develop operations strategies, direct and manage the water quality, environmental compliance, field operations, production and maintenance for water and wastewater operations within the state. -Support the business development function within the region. Assist in due diligence, and acquisition financial and resource planning, and ensure effective integration and performance of newly acquired water and wastewater systems. -Build and maintain strong and collaborative relationships with labor unions that represent American Water employees. Provide input into labor relations planning and support the negotiation of Collective Bargaining Agreements. -Ensure that operational integrity is maintained, including regulatory compliance across all areas of operations. -Drive performance by linking business units' objectives to company goals and values. Communicate a shared vision, energize and empower staff, and champion diversity. -Provide strategic and operational input to annual business plans, control budgets for responsible areas, and ensure that operational and financial targets are met or exceeded. -Establish relationships with and serve as operational contact for political and civic leaders and other key external stakeholders. Support and assist the VP Operations in maintaining and enhancing such relationships state-wide. -Work with the VP Operations and Engineering Leaders to develop the strategy and priorities for capital investment programs and drive the effective implementation of such programs. Directly oversee the successful execution of certain capital investment projects and programs which are the responsibility of the operations team to deliver.

Requirements

• bachelor's degree
• 15+ years
• leadership
• project management
• analytical
• water licenses

What You Bring

-Knowledge of the applicable regulations, requirements and trends impacting the water and wastewater business, both regulated and nonregulated, as it exists throughout American Water locations and areas of new business opportunities. -Valid Driver’s License -Strong leadership ability and strategic planning skills. -Extensive knowledge of the regulated water and wastewater utility business and its operations. -Detail oriented to conduct thorough analysis and evaluations, render and implement timely decisions and recommendations. -Bachelor's degree in operational discipline, management or related field. Role related work experience may be considered as a substitute for a college degree. -With a bachelor’s degree, 15+ years of experience successfully managing operational areas in multiple locations with represented employees. -Standard office with field visits where necessary -Strong written and verbal communications and keen listening ability (fluency in report writing and presentations). -Project and Program Management skills, Quantitative skills (analytical, technical, problem solving). Effective people management (planning, organizing, recruiting, supervising, coaching, developing, and leading individual staff and teams) -Interpersonal Skills (persuasion, negotiation, listening, collaboration, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting). -Knowledge of the assessment of operating practices and the establishment of best practices. -Leadership presence: ability to engage and communicate effectively and maintain cooperative and collaborative working relationships with senior management and other key stakeholders). -Up to 50% travel throughout the state. -Water and Wastewater licenses preferred

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About American Water

-Provides vital water and wastewater services, ensuring communities have access to clean water. -Has a long history of managing water infrastructure in partnership with municipalities. -Recent projects include modernizing infrastructure, expanding service coverage, and improving water treatment facilities. -Known for innovation in water management, offering sustainable solutions to modern water challenges. -A trusted provider for residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the U.S.

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