Director Engineering Capital Planning - Water

Primary Role

This position can be located anywhere within a commutable distance to an American Water office. 

Pay range 124,800 - 198,900

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity. 

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more! 

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally! 

• The Dir, Engineering Capital Planning - Water leads a team that is responsible for determining the adequacy of our water systems from a capacity, reliability, and water quality / compliance perspective; and implementing long term planning strategies to manage risks and opportunities. This position is also accountable, through a dash-line reporting structure, for the consistent and efficient delivery of state-level engineering planning activities within the engineering teams of an assigned portfolio of state operating companies. The portfolio of state operating companies that this role will oversee shall have an aggregate annual capital investment of $800+ million.

Key Accountabilities

• Direct an engineering team to plan and prioritize capital investment projects through comprehensive planning studies in our regulated states to enhance service, reliability and resiliency of our water systems in alignment with our capital investment strategy.
• Supports and provides indirect oversight over engineering planning activities in select state operating companies. Works closely with engineering directors and managers in those state operating companies to drive change management, ensure consistency, and optimize performance of the engineering planning teams. Define and help manage the performance of engineering planning activities to meet key performance metrics in alignment with established planning targets for those states.
• Develop and help implement enterprise-wide strategies focused on mitigation of key risks and advancing opportunities to enhance operations and improve service through strategic capital investment programs.
• Recognize the abilities of staff and coaches and counsels individuals through an effective Performance Appraisal and Development Program to ensure continued professional development.
• Develop and maintain strategic and strong working relationships with engineering firms; specifically, as it relates to contracting for completion of Capital Planning / Master Planning Studies and services / technologies focused on asset management.

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong process, project, and program management skills.
• Strong quantitative skills (e.g., analytical, technical, problem solving).
• 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). Leadership presence (e.g., ability to deal effectively and maintain collaborative relationships with Company senior management and other key internal and external stakeholders).
• Ability to influence across the organization to drive operational work and resource planning activities.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively problem solve routine and non-routine issues, developing possible solutions to problems and challenges.
• Ability to execute with urgency, while also maintaining project management discipline and stakeholder engagement.
• Financial analysis skill, including budget management, business modeling, and basic accounting knowledge.
• Strong knowledge of Engineering related to planning, design and operations concepts for water and wastewater resource management facilities, Engineering and utility economics, knowledge of contract administration and construction technology related to water & wastewater facilities.
• Good working knowledge of regulatory developments, new technology and current trends in water quality and water treatment and other related water resource management disciplines.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations.
• Knowledge of Company operations and procedures.
• Knowledge of employee relations, applicable safety and environmental regulations, federal and state water quality and design regulations and technical standards.
• Designated knowledge of engineering design theory and practice, project management, water resources, water/wastewater facilities and utility operations.
• Knowledge of current trends in water quality and treatment and other aspects of the water industry. General understanding of US regulations (commercial and environmental), legislation, and trends impacting the water industry. Sound business acumen and judgment.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil, Mechanical or related field of Engineering
• Advanced management or technical degree preferred
• 15+ years of experience in water resources design, project management, capital program management and/or asset planning
• Commensurate education and/or relevant certification(s) may be considered in lieu of experience requirement.
• 3+ years of direct supervision of engineering staff and/or direct management responsibility for teams delivering engineering projects and/or technical services

Travel Requirements

• Periodic travel with overnight stays required.
• Around 10% of total time is anticipated away from the office.

Certifications & Licenses

• Professional Engineer (PE) preferred
• Valid Driver’s License

Work Environment

• Primarily office with occasional local / overnight work in the field

Competencies