General Manager- San Patricio Municipal Water District

Mackenzie Eason & Associates•Ingleside, TX

47d

About The Position

The General Manager serves as the District's chief executive officer, responsible for translating the Board’s policy direction into operational performance and strategic progress. The General Manager will oversee all aspects of administration, finance, operations, engineering, and maintenance, ensuring that SPMWD continues to deliver safe, reliable, and cost-effective water to its customers. The General Manager will work closely with the Board of Directors to establish priorities, manage multi-year budgets and capital programs, and foster collaboration with municipal and industrial partners. Internally, the General Manager will provide direction to a talented management team, including the Assistant General Manager and a total staff of 37, to maintain a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement. Key priorities will include advancing planning and execution of the District’s capital replacement program, strengthening drought contingency and long-term water supply strategies, and guiding operational modernization efforts. The General Manager will also serve as the District’s public face, representing SPMWD before city councils, commissions, state agencies, and industry partners, while building trust with employees, customers, and stakeholders across the region. The Board seeks a proven executive who combines technical understanding with strategic insight, fiscal discipline, and exceptional relationship management skills. The ideal candidate will bring deep familiarity with public utilities, water or infrastructure operations, or other technically complex service environments, paired with the ability to lead long-range planning, capital investment, and policy development. A Professional Engineer license is not required but is preferred; candidates should nonetheless possess a solid grasp of engineering principles and capital project delivery. The next General Manager will demonstrate political acumen, integrity, and the ability to work effectively with a diverse Board of Directors and multiple municipal and industrial customers. Experience navigating state and federal water regulations, financing large-scale infrastructure, and managing drought planning or resource allocation will be especially valuable. This leader will balance operational excellence with strategic foresight, capable of drilling into technical details while articulating a compelling long-term vision. They will be an engaging communicator, a collaborative problem-solver, and a steady hand who can guide the District through both immediate challenges and future growth. The successful candidate’s personality will naturally align with the culture and rhythm of San Patricio County, a place that values authenticity, humility, and steady leadership over visibility or self-promotion. It is preferred that the candidate live within the service area. This individual will be grounded, approachable, and community-minded, able to build trust through consistency and quiet confidence. They will understand and respect the area’s small-town character and pace, working effectively within it while guiding the organization forward with professionalism, integrity, and long-term vision.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, environmental science, public administration, or related field (required); Master’s degree preferred.
Substantial leadership experience in a water utility, public works, or industrial infrastructure organization.
Knowledge of water treatment, distribution, and regulatory compliance in Texas.
Demonstrated success managing budgets of $25 million or more and leading capital projects from design through implementation.
Proficiency in contract negotiation, bond financing, and intergovernmental relations.
Ability to collaborate with engineering consultants, attorneys, and regulatory agencies.
Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License (or ability to obtain).

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (P.E.) license preferred.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Establish organizational goals and policies in concert with the Board and municipal/industrial partners.
Operations & Capital Planning: Oversee three treatment plants, future desalination initiatives, and pipeline replacement programs while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Financial Management: Administer a $42 million budget, guide capital financing and bond strategy, and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
Board Relations: Prepare meeting agendas, provide comprehensive information for decision-making, and maintain transparency and accountability.
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with customer cities, industrial partners, consultants, and regulatory agencies to advance regional projects.
Team Development: Lead and mentor staff (37 FTEs plus seasonal employees), promoting safety, technical competence, and a culture of excellence.
External Relations: Represent the District in public forums and statewide water policy conversations with professional credibility and measured advocacy