Area Manager II

At Aqua, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc., we know that water is a precious resource – one that plays a critical role in sustaining life. That’s why we take seriously our mission: protecting and providing Earth’s most essential resource. At Aqua, we are guided by a set of principles that embody the character of our company and inspire our work together. They are embedded within our business practices and our behavior. We are proud to be united by integrity, respect and the pursuit of excellence to be the best we can be for the customers and communities we serve.

Together, the women and men of Aqua, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc. serve over 3 million people across eight states. Aqua uses science, technology, capital investments, and amazing talent to provide communities with clean, safe drinking water and responsibly return wastewater to our rivers and streams. Join our team and make a difference!

What You’ll Do:

• Manages assigned region to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations.  Determines appropriate staffing levels, establishes service level standards and operating procedures, and implements policies and procedures as needed to ensure facilities and operations run safely and smoothly.  Oversees the safety program for the area.
• Directs the development and preparation of the annual capital and operating budgets for assigned operations. Determines short- and long-term budgetary needs including plans for maintenance, labor and major water/wastewater facility upgrades.
• Reviews monthly capital and operating budgets for adherence to budgetary guidelines.  Provides explanations for variances as needed.  Communicates and discusses budget and associated costs with staff to ensure awareness.    
• Manages the site operations team.  Interviews, hires, sets high performance standards and manages performance in accordance with all applicable HR policies and procedures. 
• Creates an energized work environment, fostering an atmosphere that enables employee trust and engagement.  Inspires confidence and motivates others to perform at their best.  Develops and coaches staff while effectively addressing performance issues.
• Acts as a role model for water/wastewater stewardship to minimize environmental risks associated with the assigned water and wastewater systems. 
• Develops and implements a comprehensive plan for maintaining and enhancing facility compliance. Leads compliance-related activities, i.e., capital renovations.
• Supervises maintenance and capital renovations and additions to water and wastewater systems. May be involved in schematics or design work for repairs, replacement parts and new installations.
• Handles elevated issues for the assigned site(s).  Interacts with employees, managers and customers regarding questions, problems or issues, prioritizes and addresses them promptly; notifies customers of upcoming service adjustments or maintenance procedures.
• Partners with the business development team and other internal departments in coordinating and negotiating with developers regarding new systems and municipal acquisitions. Assists in the identification, due diligence and smooth transition of acquisitions.
• Negotiates with vendors regarding supplies and/or services needed. Hires and oversees contractors and subcontractors.
• May serve on Emergency Call or Relief Call.
• Interacts with regulators regarding current regulations, permit compliance and other matters regarding water and wastewater operations.
• Monitors lab results to ensure compliance with operating and regulatory requirements.
• Reviews and prepares operational reports, working with others throughout the organization to develop, implement, track and report on key operational metrics. Uses technology where appropriate to monitor operational statistics. Enhances and improves operational efficiencies while minimizing risks.  Maintains awareness of   trends and new methods to increase productivity and quality within scope of authority and control.
• Leads other related activities as needed.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, business, communications, or a related field
• 5 years operations management experience with demonstrated ability to lead a team
• 2 years water/wastewater utility experience
• Must possess or be able to obtain within 2 years of hire date, North Carolina Grade I wastewater certificate and C-Well water certificate.
• Valid Drivers license
• Thorough understanding of Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act.
• Ability to understand and oversee water and wastewater system operations and equipment, maintenance, repair and renovation of said equipment.
• Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Experience
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills

What You’ll Love:

• Your solution led, can-do approach, will be empowered to add value from day one and affect changes which will impact the entire business!
• Your participation in cross-functional teams is required to analyze business problems as well as recommend solutions or enhancements to current procedures or processes.
• Are you a future leader that wants to take your career to the next level? Let’s talk!