Process Optimization Manager

Veolia Environnement SA•Boonton, NJ

2h•$90,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Process Optimization Manager leads operational excellence and regulatory strategy across Veolia’s contract treatment facility portfolio. The role combines regulatory expertise with data-driven process operations and management to maintain high standards of compliance and operational effectiveness. It serves as a technical bridge between executive strategy, regulatory requirements, and implementation across multiple projects, driving continuous improvement and supporting operational and water quality compliance teams. The position provides technical consultation on process controls, troubleshooting, water and wastewater treatment optimization, and regulatory interpretation. It oversees 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. The manager conducts and oversees data analytics programs, develops regional compliance frameworks, serves as a liaison among regulatory agencies, facility teams, and executive leadership, and promotes voluntary industry optimization standards. The role also collaborates with vendors and contractors to evaluate treatment technologies, communicates operational strategies to executive boards, municipal clients, and utility teams, supports project staff with laboratory quality assurance and monitoring protocols, and works with the Municipal Services Water Quality and Compliance Team on audits, gap analyses, remediation, and training initiatives. Work is primarily performed 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 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, process 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 standards such as Area Wide Optimization (AWOP) or Partnership for Safe Water program goals.
Partner 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 implementation at the project level.
Lead, train, and support project staff in laboratory operations plan QA/QC, validation of monitoring and reporting protocols, and accuracy.
Support compliance audits, identify skills and gap analyses, and recommend remediation and training initiatives across the facility network.