Process Optimization Manager

Veolia Environnement SA•Jersey City, NJ

8h•$90,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Lead operational excellence and regulatory strategy across the contract treatment facility portfolio. Combine regulatory expertise with data-driven process operations and management to ensure facilities maintain high standards of compliance and operational effectiveness. Serve as the technical bridge between executive strategy, regulatory requirements, and on-the-ground implementation across multiple projects, driving continuous improvement and empowering operational and water quality compliance teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, such as Environmental Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
Minimum 15 years of experience in water/wastewater compliance, regulatory affairs, and technical process operations.
Experience with data analytics, QA/QC program management, and laboratory oversight.
Deep knowledge of Safe Drinking Water Act requirements and state and federal regulatory frameworks.
Demonstrated project management and strategic planning skills.
Strong communication skills and the ability to translate technical and regulatory concepts for diverse audiences.
Ability to provide matrix leadership as a technical lead, mentor, and advisor to field operations teams without direct hierarchical authority.
Ability to collaborate effectively with regulatory agencies, executive leaders, municipal clients, vendors, contractors, and decentralized facility teams.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree, such as an MS or MBA; a technical MS is highly preferred.
Background in process operations, engineering, or treatment optimization.
Deep technical expertise in analytical chemistry, laboratory instrumentation data, process control, and data management systems used to optimize active treatment processes.
Water and wastewater operator licenses, Professional Engineer (PE) license, or other relevant water-industry credentials.

Responsibilities

Provide technical consultation on process controls, process troubleshooting, water and wastewater treatment optimization, and regulatory interpretation to elevate the on-the-ground understanding. Key processes to oversee and implement efficiency improvements: Coagulation and flocculation, Oxidation and disinfection, Disinfection byproduct formation, Corrosion control, Distribution water quality, TOC Removal, Sludge management and disposal, Nutrient removal efficiency (wastewater).
Conduct and oversee data analytics programs to monitor system performance, identify inefficiencies, and drive operational improvements.
Develop and implement regional comprehensive compliance frameworks aligned with our Municipal Services Water Quality and Compliance Team goals, the SDWA, state regulations, and industry best practices. Serve as regional liaison with regulatory agencies, facility operations teams, and executive leadership.
Instill and lead with a culture of operational excellence across decentralized plant portfolios, steering operational teams to achieve elite, voluntary industry standards like the Area Wide Optimization (AWOP) or Partnership for Safe Water program goals.
Partner closely with chemical and equipment suppliers and contractors to evaluate and current treatment technologies that may reduce sludge production, lower chemical consumption, and support O&M budgets.
Deliver technical presentations to executive boards, municipal clients, and on-site utility teams, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned on operational strategies and performance goals.
Network and build relationships with other Municipal Services Teams (e.g. Project Leaders, Technical Leaders, Water Quality and Compliance Directors) to identify gaps, and support implementation at the project level.
Lead, train and support project staff in implementation of the laboratory operations plan (QA/QC), validation of monitoring and reporting protocols and accuracy.
Partner with and assists the Municipal Services Water Quality and Compliance Team on compliance audits, identify skills and gap analyses, and recommend remediation and training initiatives across the facility network.