Vice President, California Operations

Job Description:

SUMMARY:

The Vice President of California Operations is responsible for managing and directing the California District Operations and plays a critical leadership role in planning, developing, implementing, executing our annual business plan, rate case planning, and helps ensure strict compliance in protecting public health, emergency preparedness, and response as outlined below. This position will report directly to the Senior Vice President of Operations, and is based in San Jose, California.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

- Supervises California Operations Directors, District Managers, Managers of Special Projects and their staff, including prioritizing and assigning work, such as coaching and counseling, performance evaluations, talent review, and development of staff

- Responsible for ensuring clear directions, open communications, and effective operational performance to support Company goals and objectives with focus on regulatory compliance

- Supports SVP of Operations with driving integration with focus on regulatory compliance and properly maintaining reporting structure

- Supports SVP of Operations and the Chief Risk Officer developing and managing the Company’s Enterprise Risk Management model

- Lead Officer for California’s Emergency Preparedness and Response efforts. Responsible for ensuring prompt and adequate response efforts for California events. Also supports SVP of Operations for any Emergency Preparedness and Response efforts in any of the home states outside of California

- Works with Senior Vice President, Operations, Chief Human Resources Officer, and CEO on labor relations

- Develops, proposes, and approves policies, practices, and procedures, with focus on regulatory compliance and public health

- Confers with staff members, officers, or board members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems

- Oversees budget compliance for district operations, including negotiation, procurement and meeting of established internal and external performance standards, to yield the highest possible return on investment

- Effectively and persuasively develops and communicates strategic vision and related work plans to personnel and other teams

- Communicates complex concepts in a manner that will be understood by a variety of audiences

- Ensures and fosters acceptance of Cal Water districts within the local communities in which we operate

- Key strategic advisor to Senior Vice President of Operations, President and Chief Executive Officer as well as other officers

- Actively collaborates and assists across other states and functions as needed to benefit Company initiatives

- Participates in and supports the Company’s Continuous Improvement program and projects

- Fosters good labor management relations

- Supports One-Team approach and Company culture

- Performs work on-site at assigned work location

- Performs other similar duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field and 10+ years progressive management and operations experience in the Water industry as a Director, General Manager, and/or District Manager or equivalent; advanced degree in a related field is preferred

- Holds active D-5, T-2 certifications. Wastewater certification or experience a plus

- Strong self-starter with strong project management skills

- Sufficient experience to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this position

- Excellent public speaking and presentation skills

- Proficient in the use of variety of computer, system, and online applications (e.g. Microsoft Office suite). Familiarity with industry specific applications (e.g. SCADA)

- Valid California Driver License and acceptable driving record for insurability and risk management

- Proven leadership skills and team player who leads from the front

- Knowledge and thorough understanding of the utility industry

- Knowledge of applicable state, federal, and local laws and regulations

- Ability to interpret and apply business and governmental laws and regulations

- Ability to apply Company policies, procedures, and business practices

- Advanced operational knowledge of water utility processes and procedures

- Ability to anticipate future organizational needs and create operational processes to support continued growth

- Ability to use appropriate discretion when dealing with confidential or proprietary information

- Excellent interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and commitment to providing outstanding operational and customer service

- Ability to effectively work with customers, agencies, Union, and employees

- Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with all internal and external customers and business persons

- Proven organizational skills and ability to manage people and programs

- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills

- Liaison with Water Quality to ensure the protection of public health and drinking water standards

- Strong working knowledge of OSHA and Cal Water safety practices

- Represents the Company at county, city, or other government forums or before the media as required

- Approves capital and operating and maintenance contract expenditures

- Participates in the General Rate Case (GRC) process and provides written justifications and documentation to support the rate case if required

- Monitors and adheres to Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) guidelines to ensure department compliance with audit regulations

- Responds to emergencies and works with district management to assess conditions, coordinate communications with key internal staff, and relay clear and concise information to regulators; makes decisions and provides guidance based on information communicated by all involved parties

- Knowledge of supervisory principles, practices, and techniques

- Knowledge of federal, state, and local water quality regulations

- Understanding of the best available technology for treatment applications

- Knowledge of and ability to apply water and environmental regulations

- Knowledge of treatment technologies, common treatment interferences, causes of failures, and troubleshooting

- Ability to communicate both verbally or in writing with all levels of employees and management

- Demonstrated organizational and time management skills

- Demonstrated leadership ability

- Demonstrated ability to manage projects of various scopes, schedule, complexity, and budget

- Demonstrated commitment to outstanding customer service

- Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and motivate employees

- Flexible and able to prioritize work

Salary Range: $200,000 - $300,000 (DOE)

Deadline to submit resume is: Monday, March 20, 2026

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service and Washington Water Service do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.