Essential Utilities Corporation - Kankakee, IL
posted 5 months ago
Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, is seeking a Director of Operations for water and wastewater field operations within the Illinois divisions. This role is pivotal in ensuring the administration and operation of Illinois field operations, reporting directly to the President of Illinois. The Director will oversee all personnel, ensuring that company goals are met while fostering a supportive and productive work environment. This position requires a strong focus on operational excellence, utilizing continuous improvement methodologies to enhance efficiency, control costs, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations. The Director of Operations will be responsible for preparing and administering operating and capital budgets for each division, supervising maintenance and capital renovations of water and wastewater systems, and addressing daily operational challenges. This role involves direct interaction with customers to resolve issues and communicate service adjustments, as well as collaboration with business development teams to negotiate with developers on new systems. The Director will also coordinate with vendors for necessary supplies and services, manage contractors, and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements. In addition to operational responsibilities, the Director will implement and supervise Aqua Illinois' Safety Program and vehicle maintenance program, develop performance metrics for resource utilization, and leverage technology to enhance productivity and quality. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for maintaining effective communication with customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders. The role also includes participation in union negotiations and grievance resolutions, ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements.