Dir, Operational Compliance

Primary Role

The Dir, Operational Compliance is responsible for designing, developing, and directing the Operational Compliance program strategy, overseeing the day-to-day implementation and performance of American Water’s Compliance Program (CP) for the organization, and overseeing the company’s compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The individual will also be responsible for strategic planning around the CP to ensure that the program remains relevant and viable.

Key Accountabilities

• Design, development, and direct the Operational Compliance program strategy for the organization.
• Lead the Operational Compliance team in conducting proactive risk assessment activities across all programs within the team’s scope.
• Coordinate and/or perform audits/reviews to test compliance with laws, regulations, American Water policies and practices and the company’s operating procedures.
• Lead the Operational Compliance team in crafting and overseeing corrective actions in response to compliance issues and near-misses.
• Coordinate with Environmental, Health and Safety, as well Corporate Compliance & Ethics Department to support the Operational CP to help ensure its effectiveness as well as develop and deliver training to the organization on key compliance requirements.
• Coordinate with Environmental, Health and Safety, and Operational Excellence to design, develop, and implement strategies, processes and tactics focused on ensuring the company’s compliance with laws, regulations, company policies and practices and the company’s operating procedures.
• Continuously collaborate with the subject matter experts (SME’s) responsible for conducting compliance activities within the organization, to facilitate monitoring of compliance implementation of compliance controls for known and anticipated compliance requirements.
• Lead the team of Operational Compliance resources to support operating subsidiaries in the organization, including but not limited to: inquiries received from regulatory agencies, outside audit agencies as well as, questions and inquiries from company personnel.
• Advise senior management on the status of each operating subsidiary’s compliance with laws and regulations through detailed reports.
• Track, analyze, and interpret changes to local, state, and federal laws and regulations that impact the company.

Knowledge/Skills

• Excellent working knowledge of standard business concepts, practices and procedures
• Solid knowledge of compliance processes and programs
• Knowledge of utility operations, policies and business activities
• Knowledge of water and wastewater regulatory requirements
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software applications
• Ability to interpret regulatory requirements
• Strong quantitative skills (e.g., analytical, technical, problem solving)
• Effective people management skills (e.g., planning, organizing, recruiting, controlling, and leading individual staff and teams)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (e.g., fluency in report writing and presentations)
• Effective interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting)
• Strong project and change management skills (e.g. planning, organizing, directing, monitoring and reporting on project activities, managing concurrent projects).
• Leadership presence (e.g., ability to deal effectively and maintain collaborative relationships with Company senior management and other key stakeholders)

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science or related field
• 15+ years related compliance experience, preferably in the utility industry
• 5+ years in a leadership position with direct reports and matrix reports
• Proven track record of maintaining compliance efforts within a regulatory environment

Travel Requirements

• Up to 20%, as required.
• Occasional overnight travel may be necessary

Work Environment

• Standard indoor office environment

Competencies