Program Manager - Innovation

The Program Manager – Innovation leads the development and execution of enterprise-wide innovation programs designed to envision, implement and improve operational reliability, resiliency and efficiency. This position will focus on water distribution and wastewater conveyance systems. This role will drive digital transformation, oversee complex research and pilot projects, and foster a culture of innovation and sustainable technology adoption across the organization to ensure compliant, efficient, and affordable water and wastewater services.

Essential Functions

- Develops strategies to ensure programs are aligned with WSSC Water’s overall strategic priorities

- Applies Smart One Water principles to integrate data, people, and processes for improved resource management

- Leads cross-functional teams in developing and implementing innovation initiatives that enhance WFP and WRRF or water distribution and wastewater conveyance systems operations

- Leads the identification, evaluation, and implementation of new technologies, processes, and vendor solutions through pilot testing and proof-of-concept evaluations to address complex engineering and operational challenges

- Delivers technical insights and recommendations to senior leaders and program teams to enable informed, strategic decision-making

- Identifies, engages, and collaborates with internal stakeholders across departments to ensure alignment, transparency, and effective communication of technical and programmatic priorities

- Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with regulatory agencies, local governments, industry partners, and academic institutions; represents WSSC Water at official meetings, forums, and conferences

- Assists in the development of and participates in engagement and outreach activities that foster an innovation-focused culture across WSSC Water

- Directs multiple initiatives simultaneously, managing schedules, budgets, and deliverables through established program management tools

- Establishes and monitors key performance indicators (KPIs), metrics, and tracking tools to evaluate outcomes, identify performance issues, and drive continuous improvement

- Oversees consultant selection, contracting, and performance to ensure alignment with project goals, Commission standards, and regulatory requirements

- Leads post-project evaluations and maintains comprehensive records of pilot results, implementation outcomes, and lessons learned to inform future programs and initiatives

- Facilitates change management by developing and updating policies, procedures, and SOPs to support program implementation

- Contributes to strategic planning, procedure development, and the preparation and management of budgets and funding strategies

Other Functions

- Serves as the Acting Division Manager, Innovation, Technology & Research when designated

- Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business

- Performs other related duties as assigned

Work Environment And Physical Demands

Business casual office environment

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

- Comprehensive understanding of the design and operations of water distribution and wastewater conveyance systems. Advanced knowledge of condition assessment, system hydraulics, maintenance practices, and system monitoring approaches

- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage large-scale initiatives, projects, and programs involving pilot testing, technology implementation, and regulatory compliance

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex technical issues, assess alternatives, and develop practical, cost-effective solutions

- Excellent project management capabilities, including budgeting, scheduling, and performance tracking, supported by proficiency in Power BI and other data analytics or project management tools

- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex technical data for diverse audiences and collaborate effectively across internal and external stakeholders

- Strong understanding of data-driven decision-making and asset management principles

- Excellent interpersonal and facilitation skills to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams

Minimum Education, Experience Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree

- 7+ years water, wastewater, or stormwater project management experience with business and technical professionals in planning, design, construction, construction management, project management, or program management to include the delivery of strategy and innovation programs, capital projects, or related project management experience - 2+ years experience managing large, complex projects