Process Optimization Manager

Job description

Position Purpose

Lead operational excellence and regulatory strategy across the contract treatment facility portfolio. Combine regulatory expertise with data-driven process operations and management to ensure facilities maintain high standards of compliance and operational effectiveness. Serve as the technical bridge between executive strategy, regulatory requirements, and on-the-ground implementation across multiple projects, driving continuous improvement and empowering operational and water quality compliance teams.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities

Technical Guidance : Provide technical consultation on process controls, process troubleshooting, water and wastewater treatment optimization, and regulatory interpretation to elevate the on-the-ground understanding.

Key processes to oversee and implement efficiency improvements

Coagulation and flocculation. Oxidation and disinfection. Disinfection byproduct formation. Corrosion control. Distribution water quality. TOC Removal. Sludge management and disposal. Nutrient removal efficiency (wastewater).

Process Optimization

Conduct and oversee data analytics programs to monitor system performance, identify inefficiencies, and drive operational improvements.

Regulatory Leadership

Develop and implement regional comprehensive compliance frameworks aligned with our Municipal Services Water Quality and Compliance Team goals, the SDWA, state regulations, and industry best practices. Serve as regional liaison with regulatory agencies, facility operations teams, and executive leadership.

Continuous Improvement Culture

Instill and lead with a culture of operational excellence across decentralized plant portfolios, steering operational teams to achieve elite, voluntary industry standards like the Area Wide Optimization (AWOP) or Partnership for Safe Water program goals.

Vendor Collaboration

Partner closely with chemical and equipment suppliers and contractors to evaluate and current treatment technologies that may reduce sludge production, lower chemical consumption, and support O&M budgets.

Communication Bridging

Deliver technical presentations to executive boards, municipal clients, and on-site utility teams, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned on operational strategies and performance goals.

Team Collaboration

Network and build relationships with other Municipal Services Teams (e.g. Project Leaders, Technical Leaders, Water Quality and Compliance Directors) to identify gaps, and support implementation at the project level.

Quality Assurance

Lead, train and support project staff in implementation of the laboratory operations plan (QA/QC), validation of monitoring and reporting protocols and accuracy.

Strategic Planning

Partner with and assists the Municipal Services Water Quality and Compliance Team on compliance audits, identify skills and gap analyses, and recommend remediation and training initiatives across the facility network.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in an office and at water and wastewater treatment facilities. Occasional travel to facility sites, meetings, and client locations may be required. Employees may be exposed to outdoor conditions, industrial equipment, chemicals, and wastewater environments and must follow all applicable safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background

Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, such as Environmental Science, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline. Minimum 15 years of experience in water/wastewater compliance, regulatory affairs, and technical process operations. Experience with data analytics, QA/QC program management, and laboratory oversight.

Preferred

Advanced degree, such as an MS or MBA; a technical MS is highly preferred.

Background in process operations, engineering, or treatment optimization.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Deep knowledge of Safe Drinking Water Act requirements and state and federal regulatory frameworks. Demonstrated project management and strategic planning skills. Strong communication skills and the ability to translate technical and regulatory concepts for diverse audiences. Ability to provide matrix leadership as a technical lead, mentor, and advisor to field operations teams without direct hierarchical authority.

Preferred

Deep technical expertise in analytical chemistry, laboratory instrumentation data, process control, and data management systems used to optimize active treatment processes. Ability to collaborate effectively with regulatory agencies, executive leaders, municipal clients, vendors, contractors, and decentralized facility teams.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training

Preferred: Water and wastewater operator licenses, Professional Engineer (PE) license, or other relevant water-industry credentials.