Process Optimization Manager (Water Treatment)

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 & Requirements

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.
• 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.

Pay Range

$90000 to $100000 per year.

Benefits

Veolia's comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement.

Sick leave - 56 hours; Observed Holidays - 11 days; Vacation - Flexible Time Off