Process Optimization Manager (Water Treatment)

Veolia Environnement SA•Boonton, NJ

1d•$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 to support compliance and operational effectiveness, serving as a technical bridge between executive strategy, regulatory requirements, and implementation across multiple projects. It drives continuous improvement and supports operational and water quality compliance teams. The position provides technical guidance on process controls, troubleshooting, water and wastewater treatment optimization, and regulatory interpretation. It oversees and implements efficiency improvements involving 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 to monitor system performance and identify improvements; develops regional compliance frameworks; serves as a liaison among regulators, facility operations teams, and executive leadership; and promotes operational excellence and voluntary industry standards. The role also collaborates with suppliers and contractors, communicates technical strategies to executives, municipal clients, and utility teams, and supports cross-team implementation. Additional duties include leading and supporting staff in laboratory QA/QC plans and monitoring and reporting protocols, and assisting with compliance audits, skills-gap analyses, remediation, and training initiatives across the facility network. Work is primarily in an office and at water and wastewater treatment facilities, with occasional travel to facilities, meetings, and client locations. Employees may encounter outdoor conditions, industrial equipment, chemicals, and wastewater and must follow safety procedures and use required PPE.

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 explain technical and regulatory concepts to 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 across treatment processes, including 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 a culture of operational excellence across decentralized plant portfolios and guide teams toward voluntary standards such as AWOP and Partnership for Safe Water program goals.
Collaborate with chemical and equipment suppliers and contractors to evaluate treatment technologies that may reduce sludge production and 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, identify gaps, and support project-level implementation.
Lead, train, and support project staff in laboratory QA/QC plan implementation and validation of monitoring and reporting protocols and accuracy.
Assist the Municipal Services Water Quality and Compliance Team with compliance audits, skills and gap analyses, and recommendations for remediation and training initiatives.