Director, Operations

Veolia•New Rochelle, NY

About The Position

The Director, Operations reports to and assists the Veolia Water New York, Inc. Vice President of Operations. The role is responsible for the overall management of the Production and Transmission and Distribution (T&D) systems for Veolia Water Westchester, Inc. (VWWC), including oversight of operational, maintenance, and construction activities. The director ensures departmental performance in financial management, regulatory compliance, safety, employee development, customer experience, and continuous improvement, and manages external relations with municipal and community leaders. The position oversees a $32 million annual operating budget and a $30 million capital budget. It has two direct reports—the Manager of Production and Superintendent of T&D—and 62 indirect reports. VWWC serves 48,000 customers and a population of 200,000, with annual revenue of $70 million. The director supports divisional policy and strategy, particularly for non-revenue water and asset management; directs utility operations and compliance; oversees planning, budgets, performance, workforce development, customer service, emergency response, and external relations; and supports rate cases, labor relations, fleet programs, and integration of new operations. The work environment is an office, with occasional 24-hour standby duty approximately every five weeks. The position requires the ability to sit at a computer for long periods.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, business administration, or another management field, or equivalent work experience (degree desired).
7–10 years of experience, including at least five years in a supervisory role.
Experience in various phases of utility operations, construction, engineering, and customer service.
Thorough understanding of water utility construction and water treatment.
Knowledge of water treatment methods, distribution system operations and maintenance, and utility accounting systems and procedures.
Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate clearly.
Leadership, decision-making, planning, managerial, supervisory, and negotiating abilities.
Organizational, project management, interpersonal, and performance management skills.
Ability to work under pressure and serve on 24-hour standby approximately every five weeks.
Ability to sit at a computer for long periods.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a unionized work environment.

Responsibilities

Support the Vice President of Operations of the NY Division in developing policy and strategies for VWWC, particularly regarding non-revenue water and asset management.
Provide direction and management to ensure VWWC follows current management practices and maintains data and records for auditable trails; ensure employees follow Veolia policies and manuals.
Direct statutory and regulatory health and safety requirements to maintain a safe and efficient workplace.
Help provide customers with safe, reliable, adequate service in a cost-effective manner, and maintain compliance with company, governmental, and environmental requirements for safe potable water.
Direct collection of data for risk management and effective decision-making.
Conduct performance reviews and promote continuous improvement in water treatment, transmission, construction, and distribution.
Participate in preparing annual operating and capital plans; monitor key performance indicators; and help control expenditures according to approved schedules and plans.
Review non-revenue water statistics, determine appropriate plans, and implement agreed recommendations.
Direct operations to achieve service and financial goals and major program objectives.
Ensure employee training and cross-training, including on-the-job training, workshops, schools, evaluations, and appraisals; assist with employee and career development through education, seminars, and in-house training.
Oversee laboratory processes, including sampling and testing.
Participate in labor relations, including negotiations, grievances, and arbitrations.
Work with the NY Division Regional President on community relations, including meetings with mayors and town administrators.
Conduct special studies and analyses as requested by the NY Division Vice President of Operations.
Oversee the company's fleet maintenance and fleet leasing program.
Provide testimony in liability and litigation cases when needed.
Document, develop, and maintain the company's Emergency Response Plan, and stay current with federal, state, and local health regulations.
Assist with rate case filings, including data collection, interrogatories, and testimony.
Advise, direct, and recommend work plans for the long-term main replacement program.
Direct budget items related to water treatment, water transmission, and construction and distribution.
Direct personnel in stations to ensure proper operating procedures are maintained.
Ensure timely responses to customer water-quality inquiries and complaints.
Direct SCADA operations.
Participate in due diligence for new business ventures, including operations, workforce plans, and customer service; support and direct integration of new operations into the NY Division portfolio as required.