Dir, Operations (State & MSG)

Requisition ID: 108927

Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role! Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people across 14 regulated jurisdictions and 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

As one of the fastest growing utilities in the U.S., American Water expects to invest $40 to $42 billion in infrastructure repairs and replacement, system resiliency and regulated acquisitions over the next 10 years. The company has a long-standing history of executing its core operations, aligned with sustainable best practices, through its commitments to safety, affordability, customer service, protecting the environment, an inclusive workforce and strengthening communities.

American Water has been recognized on the 2023 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for the fifth consecutive year, ranked 18th on Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies 2023 List, earned the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act designation and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® Excellence Award, among additional state, local and national recognitions.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Primary Role

Lead State and MSG/CSG operations in a state.

Responsible for business development, regulatory and community outreach work.

Oversee operations and capital activities for groups of contracts for the Military Services Group or the Contract Services Group.

Has ultimate responsibility and accountability for operational and capital success, capital program delivery, financial performance, contract compliance, and customer satisfaction across multiple operating locations.

Primary responsibilities include managerial oversight and providing strategic leadership for the assigned project/operating locations.

Posted Range:

$145,600 - $231,400

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.

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!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

Key Accountabilities

- Operate water/wastewater systems in compliance at all times.

- Lead business development efforts for regulated and non-regulated operations if needed.

- Interact with elected and appointed officials, PUC commissioners, community representatives.

- Deliver on AW system metrics.

- Manage the safe and reliable operations of water and wastewater utility systems.

- Ensure public and employee safety in service delivery.

- Maintain compliance with environmental and safety regulations and ensure that operational integrity (quality, environment, reliability, health, safety, security, etc.) is maintained.

- 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.

- Monitor and manage the capital program schedule and financial performance at regional level where applicable.

- Maintain contractual compliance.

- Achieve compliance with all contractual service delivery requirements and ensure compliance with all applicable federal contracting compliance and Department of Defense rules and regulations. (MSG Only)

- Work with the federal government on contracting matters, including negotiating price and scope changes, and overseeing Contract Modifications. (MSG Only)

- Lead employees and processes to achieve efficient operations and service excellence.

- Foster employee growth and development through guidance, training, coaching, and succession planning.

- Communicate regularly with employees. Ensure employee awareness of, and compliance with prescribed AW Policies and Procedures.

- Implement AW Employee performance management plans.

- Achieve approved financial targets, and financial reporting deadlines for operations, maintenance and capital construction programs.

- Develop corrective action plans for expense items that exceed budget, or revenue.

Knowledge/Skills

- Working knowledge of managing and implementing capital improvement programs.

- Working knowledge of water and wastewater system operations and maintenance requirements, including regulatory compliance.

- Excellent organizational and prioritization skills.

- Effective leadership and management. Demonstration of visible “leadership-by-example,” and values-based leadership.

- Strong IT skills - proficient in MS Office especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and comfortable with integrating technology into operational and capital processes.

- Strong team leader and influencer with good relationship & networking skills.

- Effective communication skills written & oral.

- Process-orientation mindset, and comfortable with driving change management activities.

- Highly motivated, innovative, flexible & enthusiastic attitude.

- Ability to interact with a diverse range of individuals and possess excellent functional / technical skills.

- Negotiation skills and experience, preferably within the context of federal contracting.

- Strong public speaking experience.

- Ability to resolve complex issues, and achieve outcomes that effectively balance customer, company, and employee requirements.

- 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.

Experience/Education

- BA/BS in Engineering, preferred or relevant equivalent experience.

- PE and/or water/wastewater operator license desired.

- 15+ years of management experience in Water/ Waste/Wastewater industry and business experience.

- Working experience with federal contract management and negotiation.

- Experience in contracts with the Department of Defense or other federal government agencies.

Travel Requirements

- 25 % across operating units and bases.

Scope

- This is a senior people leader role with a high degree of responsibility & accountability.

Key Relationships:

- Unions, PUC Commissioners and staff, community, local DOD.

Work Environment

- Standard office environment including operating plant visits.

Competencies

Drives Safety Culture

Drives Vision & Purpose

Strategic & Learning Agility

Political & Organizational Savvy

Builds Effective Teams & Network

Situational Adaptability

Persuades

Join American Water...We Keep Life Flowing™

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.