Director of Operations (State & Military Services)
American Water
Provides water and wastewater services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
Lead Hawaii state & military water/wastewater ops, overseeing capital, compliance, and growth.
22 days ago ago
$145,600 - $231,400
Expert & Leadership (13+ years)
Full Time
Honolulu, HI
Onsite
Company Size
6,800 Employees
Service Specialisms
Water Treatment
Water Distribution
Environmental Services
Infrastructure Management
Water Resources Management
Sector Specialisms
Water Quality
Wastewater Service
Infrastructure
Water Treatment
Water Distribution
Water Testing and Analysis
Water Resources
Regulatory Compliance
Role
Description
water operations
capital management
regulatory compliance
business development
stakeholder engagement
financial reporting
Builds Effective Teams & Network
Deliver on AW system metrics.
Operate water/wastewater systems in compliance at all times.
Responsible for business development, regulatory and community outreach work.
Lead employees and processes to achieve efficient operations and service excellence.
Primary responsibilities include managerial oversight and providing strategic leadership for the assigned project/operating locations in Hawaii.
Oversee the regional capital investment program (planning, procurement, delivery, close-out) to ensure that it meets the requirements and needs of the installation and other key stakeholders where applicable.
Lead State and Military Services Group/Contract Services Group (MSG/CSG) operations in the state of Hawaii.
Achieve compliance with all contractual service delivery requirements and ensure compliance with all applicable federal contracting compliance and Department of Defense rules and regulations. (Military Service Group Only)
Maintain contractual compliance.
Implement AW Employee performance management plans.
Lead business development efforts for regulated and non-regulated operations if needed.
Work with the federal government on contracting matters, including negotiating price and scope changes, and overseeing Contract Modifications. (Military Service Group Only)
Interact with elected and appointed officials, PUC commissioners, community representatives.
Ensure public and employee safety in service delivery.
Oversee operations and capital activities for groups of contracts for the Military Services Group or the Contract Services Group (MSG/CSG).
Manage the safe and reliable operations of water and wastewater utility systems.
Develop corrective action plans for expense items that exceed budget, or revenue.
Achieve approved financial targets, and financial reporting deadlines for operations, maintenance and capital construction programs.
Communicate regularly with employees. Ensure employee awareness of, and compliance with prescribed AW Policies and Procedures.
Maintain compliance with environmental and safety regulations and ensure that operational integrity (quality, environment, reliability, health, safety, security, etc.) is maintained.
Monitor and manage the capital program schedule and financial performance at regional level where applicable.
Foster employee growth and development through guidance, training, coaching, and succession planning.
Has ultimate responsibility and accountability for operational and capital success, capital program delivery, financial performance, contract compliance, and customer satisfaction across multiple operating locations in Hawaii.
Requirements
15+ years
ms office
engineering degree
operator license
federal contracts
leadership
Drives Vision & Purpose
Strategic & Learning Agility
Situational Adaptability
Effective communication skills written & oral.
Excellent organizational and prioritization skills.
Working knowledge of managing and implementing capital improvement programs.
Strong team leader and influencer with good relationship & networking skills.
Standard office environment including operating plant visits.
PE and/or water/wastewater operator license desired.
Ability to interact with a diverse range of individuals and possess excellent functional / technical skills.
15+ years of management experience in Water/ Waste/Wastewater industry and business experience.
Strong public speaking experience.
Experience in contracts with the Department of Defense or other federal government agencies.
Working experience with federal contract management and negotiation.
Ability to troubleshoot complex problems, beyond area of expertise to ensure safety, environmental, financial, regulatory compliance, personnel, governmental contracting, and individual base issues are addressed effectively.
Process-orientation mindset, and comfortable with driving change management activities.
25 % across operating units and bases.
Strong IT skills - proficient in MS Office especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and comfortable with integrating technology into operational and capital processes.
BA/BS in Engineering, preferred or relevant equivalent experience.
Effective leadership and management. Demonstration of visible “leadership-by-example,” and values-based leadership.
Working knowledge of water and wastewater system operations and maintenance requirements, including regulatory compliance.
Ability to resolve complex issues, and achieve outcomes that effectively balance customer, company, and employee requirements.
Negotiation skills and experience, preferably within the context of federal contracting.
Benefits
$145,600 - $231,400
In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!
The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.
American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!
Training + Development
Information not given or found
Interview process
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Visa Sponsorship
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Security clearance
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Company
Overview
Since 1886
Year Established
The company was founded in this year, marking the beginning of its journey in water and wastewater services.
14M+ People
Serve Millions Daily
The company delivers water and wastewater services to over fourteen million people across the United States.
24 States
National Presence
The company operates and provides essential water services in a significant portion of the U.S., covering two dozen states.
130+ Years
Legacy of Excellence
With over a century of experience, the company has built a reputation as a leader in water systems and operations.
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.
Culture + Values
Safety first – safety is our top focus for every employee, customer and community we serve.
Trust, dignity & respect – being dependable, honest, transparent and accountable; ensuring everyone is acknowledged, heard and empowered to thrive.
One team – leveraging our size, scale and expertise to act as a cohesive team working towards a greater purpose.
Environmental leadership – delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable services while acting as a trusted steward of our most precious resource.
High performance – committed to excellence in everything we do, executing to the best of our abilities and addressing issues quickly and transparently.
Environment + Sustainability
75% reduction
Injury Rate Improvement
The injury rate has been reduced by 75% since 2018, demonstrating a strong commitment to workplace safety.
20 billion kWh
Solar Energy Generation
Deployment of solar panels at six treatment facilities generates approximately 20 million kWh annually.
6.4 billion gallons
Water Saved
Leak-detection technology has prevented the loss of 6.4 billion gallons of water per day over five years.
≤1%
Affordable Water Bills
Average residential bills are capped at ≤1% of median household income, ensuring affordability.
Medium‑term GHG goal: reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2035 from a 2020 baseline.
Long‑term GHG goal: achieve net zero scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050.
Water delivery efficiency: by 2035, reduce water delivered per customer 15% vs 2015 baseline.
Water system resilience: by 2030, increase Utility Resilience Index by 10% vs 2020 baseline.
Drinking water quality compliance tied to employee compensation via Annual Performance Plan.
Infrastructure investment: billions annually, including $28–32 billion over ten years to modernize assets, boost resiliency, reduce leaks and enhance water quality.
In 2022, water‑line replacement rate was 136 years—well ahead of nearly 200‑year industry average.
Inclusion & Diversity
#11 Ranking
Forbes Best Employers for Diversity
Recognized as one of the top employers for diversity in the U.S.
4 Years
Consistently top-scoring utility in the Disability Equality Index.
2022 Pay Equity
Conducted a comprehensive pay equity analysis across the organization.
Four Consecutive Years
Included in the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index for four years.
Chief Inclusion Officer (dual-reporting to CEO & CHRO) leads ID&E strategic plan.
Inclusion & Diversity Advisory Council provides governance and guidance for ID&E efforts.
Four employee business resource groups launched: female empowerment; Black/African American; LGBTQ+; caregivers & disability.
Social-goal tracking includes % female and racial/ethnic diversity based on self-identification.
Annual Performance Plan includes Employee Diversity as performance metric.