Vice President, Rates & Regulatory Affairs

California Water Service Group•San Jose, CA

2d•$200,000 - $400,000•Onsite

About The Position

California Water Service Group invites you to build a meaningful career with the third‑largest publicly traded water utility. Guided by our mission to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services, we are dedicated to improving quality of life for the customers, communities, and employees we serve. Our culture is grounded in core values—integrity, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship—and reflected in our recognition as a Top Workplace®, a Great Place to Work®, and a J.D. Power leader in customer satisfaction for multiple years. Join Cal Water and be part of a purpose‑driven organization where your work makes a lasting impact. The Vice President, Rates & Regulatory Affairs, is responsible for managing and directing California Water Service Group’s (Group) economic regulatory activities in each of the states where Group operates, including leading Group’s engagement with each state’s public utilities commission (collectively, the Commissions). The Group currently operates in five states, and it is anticipated that three additional states will be added to the portfolio no later than 2027. The Vice President, Rates & Regulatory Affairs directly develops each state’s regulatory strategy, including managing rate case development and leading negotiations with the Commissions and other interested parties; provides direction and guidance for the Rates & Regulatory Department management and staff; supervises the development of and ultimately approves the business case supporting water rate tariffs; and is responsible for the accuracy of all materials filed with the Commissions. This officer position also plays a key leadership role in developing and executing the Company's business plan, goals, and objectives. This position is directly responsible for and oversees the review of and compliance with all tariffs and rules approved by the Commissions. This position will be a member of the Group’s Officer team and is located in San Jose, CA.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Engineering, or a related field and 10+ years progressive management and multi-state regulatory experience in the Water Utility industry successfully leading complex rate and regulatory proposals or equivalent
Excellent strategic and tactical planning, implementation, and project management skills.
Extensive experience with the regulatory process, including preparing written testimony, testifying, and negotiating settlements.
Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
Proficient in the use of a variety of computer, system, and online applications (e.g., Microsoft Office suite).
Familiarity with industry-specific applications as applicable.
Valid California Driver's License and acceptable driving record for insurability and risk management.
Proven leadership skills and a team player who leads from the front.
In-depth knowledge of regulatory law and policy.
Knowledge of and ability to apply applicable State, Federal, and local laws and regulations.
Ability to understand and apply company policies, procedures, and business practices.
Strong understanding of utility accounting, finance concepts, and rate modelling.
Ability to use appropriate discretion when dealing with confidential or proprietary information.
Excellent interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and commitment to providing outstanding customer service.
Ability to effectively work with a wide range of stakeholders, including customers, employees, agencies, cities, and interveners.
Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with those encountered in the course of conducting business.
Proven leadership, organizational skills, and ability to manage people and programs at multiple levels.
Good problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
Excellent negotiating skills and ability to constructively deal with conflict.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (e.g. MBA), professional certification (e.g., CPA, CMA, CFA, PE), Water treatment and distribution certification are preferred.

Responsibilities

Develops, implements, and manages the Group’s economic regulatory strategy in the current and future states where its subsidiary utilities operate.
Manages the Rates and Regulatory team and related duties, including general rate case (GRC) preparation, tariff changes, annual Commission reporting, and other regulatory policy initiatives.
Develops, manages, and oversees the Company’s cost-of-capital application.
Develops, fosters, and maintains cooperative relationships with Commissioners, Commission Staff, Consumer Advocate offices, interveners, and other parties interested in economic regulatory matters affecting the Group.
Oversees all regulatory matters, including the proper execution of the GRC, Advice Letters, Memorandum/Balancing Accounts or equivalents, and other filings with each Commission.
Participates in industry-wide matters before the Commissions, including Order Instituting Investigations (OIIs), Order Instituting Rulemaking (OIRs), the equivalent of OII/OIR in other states, and other Commission matters affecting Group.
Engages with the Finance, Accounting, and Tax departments on possible regulatory strategies and assesses potential financial statement implications arising from regulatory matters.
Plays an important and influential role within the California Water Association and the broader water utility industry, with a focus on achieving the Group’s key objectives.
Develops, proposes, and approves policies, practices, and procedures that are within the scope of the position’s responsibility.
Oversees information gathering and reporting, policy review and recommendations, and communication with affected or interested parties regarding regulatory compliance and other regulatory matters.
Testifies on behalf of Group in proceedings pending before the Commissions and engages on behalf of Group with various media on regulatory matters in the states in which Group utility subsidiaries operate.
Communicates complex concepts in a manner that will be understood by a variety of audiences.
Uses empathy when evaluating controversial matters and considers such matters from many different perspectives.
Communicates regularly with the Board of Directors and other Officers, particularly with respect to the potential impacts of various economic regulatory matters in the states in which we operate.
Partners with Group officers, functional leaders, and key stakeholders to assess, plan, and implement rate case impacts across headcount and labor costs, capital investment, and broader functional and operational outcomes.
Supports Group’s SEC and other reporting obligations and directly engages in proactive communication to, and education of, Group stockholders and other stakeholders.
Performs other duties as assigned to fulfill business needs and objectives.
Performs work on-site in the assigned office location
Attends and/or lead meetings and trainings as required.