Lead Program Manager, Operations Training (PA, NJ, WV, VA, MD)

About the position

The Lead Program Manager, Operations Training is responsible for the core development and management of comprehensive hands-on standardized training programs for water and wastewater professionals throughout the American Water footprint. This position includes strategic planning and ensuring the relevance and adoption of training programs continue to be effective. Additionally, this role involves leading the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of operational training programs across the organization, ensuring compliance, and enhancing operational skills and competencies. The Lead Program Manager will collaborate with various regional states and business disciplines, including any advisory committees.

Responsibilities

• Identify and standardize the training needs of the organization through job analysis, career paths, and consultation with managers to improve performance.
• Plan, develop, and lead a comprehensive standard operational training program, including the design and implementation of new-hire and on-going compliance programs, manuals, and supporting material across all levels of operations.
• Select regional resources (both internal employees and external vendors) to standardize delivery of training in an effective and efficient manner.
• Continuously seek, revise, and support new approaches, practices, and processes to improve the efficiency and efficacy of the training services offered.
• Advise regional, state, and regional operations training management on the status of each operating subsidiary’s compliance with laws and regulations through detailed reports.
• Manage the implementation of standards, targets, policies, and plans to ensure continuing and increasing operational efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability.
• Ensure that operational integrity (quality, environment, reliability, health, safety, security, etc.) is maintained.
• Facilitate learning programs (classroom, virtual, hands on) creating a comfortable, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for discovery, discussion, and collaboration as needed to support the state and Operational Excellence initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience with a bachelor’s degree or 14+ years’ experience without a bachelor’s degree of relevant industry experience.
• Advanced facilitation experience in hands-on, classroom, and virtual training settings.
• Experience working in a unionized environment.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• OSHA 10, 30 or advanced certification desired.
• DEP license (water/wastewater) desired.

Nice-to-haves

• Strong process, project, and program management skills.
• Ability to communicate and transfer knowledge and skills to employees.
• Ability to be both visionary and strategic in thinking, as well as tactical in executing training strategies while anticipating and considering how the business may be impacted by training initiatives.
• Strong quantitative skills (e.g., analytical, technical, problem solving, mechanical, reporting, present to leadership).
• Effective people management skills (e.g., planning, organizing, recruiting, controlling, and leading individual staff and teams).
• Leadership presence (e.g., ability to deal effectively and maintain collaborative relationships with Company senior management and other key stakeholders).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (e.g., fluency in report writing and presentations).
• Demonstrated ability to effectively solve routine and non-routine issues, developing possible solutions to problems and challenges.
• Ability to execute with urgency, while also maintaining project management discipline and stakeholder engagement.
• Effective interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting).

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Defined Contribution Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage
• Disability
• Paid time off
• Life insurance
• Voluntary benefits
• Health and wellness programs