Director, Operations

Requisition ID:  108946 

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  and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Primary Role

The Director, Operations (State) is responsible for leading operational areas of water and wastewater treatment, production, field operations, water quality and maintenance within a defined region of a state and deliver cost-effective, high quality customer service and operational integrity.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop operations strategies, direct and manage the water quality, environmental compliance, field operations, production and maintenance for water and wastewater operations within the state.
• 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.
• Ensure that operational integrity is maintained, including regulatory compliance across all areas of operations.
• 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.
• Lead, motivate and develop staff in assigned operations areas. Build shared commitment to improving business performance and develop both individual and team capabilities.
• Drive performance by linking business units' objectives to company goals and values. Communicate a shared vision, energize and empower staff, and champion diversity.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Knowledge/Skills

• Extensive knowledge of the regulated water and wastewater utility business and its operations.
• 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.
• Knowledge of the assessment of operating practices and the establishment of best practices.
• Strong leadership ability and strategic planning skills.
• Detail oriented to conduct thorough analysis and evaluations, render and implement timely decisions and recommendations.
• 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)
• Strong written and verbal communications and keen listening ability (fluency in report writing and presentations).
• Interpersonal Skills (persuasion, negotiation, listening, collaboration, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting).
• Leadership presence: ability to engage and communicate effectively and maintain cooperative and collaborative working relationships with senior management and other key stakeholders).

Experience/Education

• 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.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 50% travel throughout the state.

Certifications & Licenses

• Valid Driver's License
• Water and Wastewater licenses preferred 

Work Environment

• Standard office with field visits where necessary

Competencies Decision Quality Develops Talent Drives Engagement Plans, Aligns, & Directs Prioritizes & Role Models Safety Self-Awareness

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.

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