Process Optimization Manager (Water Treatment)

Veolia•Boonton, NJ

About The Position

The Process Optimization Manager leads operational excellence and regulatory strategy across Veolia’s contract water and wastewater treatment facility portfolio. The role combines regulatory expertise with data-driven process operations and management to maintain high standards of compliance and operational effectiveness, bridging executive strategy, regulatory requirements, and on-the-ground implementation across multiple projects. The manager provides technical guidance on process controls, troubleshooting, treatment optimization, and regulatory interpretation; leads analytics and compliance programs; and promotes continuous improvement across decentralized facility teams. The role also involves collaboration with regulators, executives, municipal clients, vendors, contractors, and internal teams, as well as supporting quality assurance, laboratory oversight, compliance audits, and staff training. Work is primarily in an office and at water and wastewater treatment facilities. Occasional travel to facility sites, meetings, and client locations may be required. Employees may encounter outdoor conditions, industrial equipment, chemicals, and wastewater environments and must follow applicable safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, such as Environmental Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
At least 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 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, troubleshooting, water and wastewater treatment optimization, and regulatory interpretation.
Oversee and implement efficiency improvements in coagulation and flocculation, oxidation and disinfection, disinfection byproduct formation, corrosion control, distribution water quality, TOC removal, sludge management and disposal, and wastewater nutrient removal.
Conduct and oversee data analytics programs to monitor system performance, identify inefficiencies, and drive operational improvements.
Develop and implement regional compliance frameworks aligned with Municipal Services Water Quality and Compliance Team goals, the SDWA, state regulations, and industry best practices.
Serve as a regional liaison among regulatory agencies, facility operations teams, and executive leadership.
Promote operational excellence across decentralized plant portfolios and guide teams toward voluntary industry standards such as Area Wide Optimization (AWOP) or Partnership for Safe Water program goals.
Collaborate with chemical and equipment suppliers and contractors to evaluate 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.
Build relationships with Municipal Services teams, including Project Leaders, Technical Leaders, and Water Quality and Compliance Directors, to identify gaps and support project-level implementation.
Lead, train, and support project staff in implementing the laboratory operations plan (QA/QC), validating monitoring and reporting protocols, and ensuring accuracy.
Support compliance audits, identify skills and gap analyses, and recommend remediation and training initiatives across the facility network.