Director, Operations

Veolia Environnement SA•City of New Rochelle, NY

6d•$145,000 - $160,000

About The Position

The Director, Operations is responsible for the overall management of the Production and Transmission and Distribution (T&D) systems for Veolia Water Westchester, Inc. The role reports to and assists the Veolia Water New York, Inc. Vice President of Operations, providing managerial oversight of operations, maintenance, and construction activities. The position supports departmental financial performance, regulatory compliance, safety, employee development, customer experience, and continuous improvement, while managing relationships with municipal and community leaders. The position oversees a business with $70 million in revenue, a $32 million annual budget, a $30 million capital budget, 48,000 customers, and a population served of 200,000. It has two direct reports—the Manager of Production and the Superintendent of T&D—and 62 indirect reports across non-exempt, non-bargaining, and bargaining employees. The role directs water production and treatment, transmission and distribution, construction, laboratory processes, SCADA operations, fleet programs, and related budgets. It also contributes to policy and strategy, planning and performance monitoring, workforce and career development, labor relations, community relations, rate cases, emergency response planning, and the integration of new operations into the New York Division. The work environment is an office environment, and the role requires working under pressure and being on 24-hour standby approximately every five weeks.

Requirements

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 and distribution system operations and maintenance.
Knowledge of utility accounting systems and procedures.
Proficiency with computer skills, including the MS Office Suite.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate clearly.
Leadership, decision-making, and planning skills.
Managerial and supervisory abilities, including effective negotiating.
Organizational, project management, interpersonal, and performance management skills.
Ability to work under pressure and be on 24-hour standby approximately every five weeks.
Ability to sit at a computer for long periods of time.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor's degree in engineering, business administration, or another management-related field, or equivalent work experience.
Experience in a unionized work environment.

Responsibilities

Support the Vice President of Operations in developing policies and strategies for Veolia Water Westchester, particularly for non-revenue water and asset management.
Ensure operations follow current management practices, maintain auditable data and records, and comply with Veolia policies and manuals.
Direct statutory and regulatory health and safety requirements and support safe, reliable, adequate, and cost-effective customer service.
Maintain compliance with company, governmental, and environmental regulations and policies to provide safe potable water.
Direct collection of data to support risk management and effective decisions.
Conduct performance reviews and drive results and continuous improvement in water treatment, transmission, construction, and distribution.
Participate in preparing annual operating and capital plans and monitor key performance indicators.
Help control operating and capital expenditures in accordance with approved plans and schedules.
Review non-revenue water statistics, determine appropriate plans, and implement agreed recommendations.
Direct the operations team to meet service and financial goals and major program objectives.
Ensure employee training and cross-training through on-the-job training, workshops, schools, evaluations, and appraisals.
Oversee laboratory processes, including sampling and testing.
Support employee and career development through continuing education, seminars, and in-house training.
Participate in labor relations matters, including negotiations, grievances, and arbitrations.
Work with the Regional President on community relations, including meetings with mayors and town administrators.
Conduct special studies and analyses as requested by the 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.
Keep 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 water treatment, water transmission, and construction/distribution budget items.
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 planning, and customer service, and support or direct integration of new operations into the New York Division as needed.