Deputy Chief Operating Officer-Wastewater (Detroit)

Under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer (COO), provide strategic direction, assure compliance with regulatory agencies, plan, coordinate, and supervise the operations and activities of the wastewater operational units within the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA). Benchmark and monitor performance, develop and implement policies and procedures, administer the budget, organize tasks and set priorities that involve a high level of independent judgment, initiative and discretion. The Deputy Chief COO may serve as a liaison between the GLWA and the customer communities, regulatory agencies, and public officials. Provide executive leadership for operation and maintenance of (1) water resource recovery facility (WRRF) with a combined capacity 1,700 MGD, (9) Combine Sewer Overflow facilities with a combined capacity over 30,000 MG of hydraulic capacity, (9) Combine Sewer Pump Stations ranging from 100 MGD to 2.2 BGD, and approximately 195 Miles of interceptor. Wastewater operations serve 30% of Michigan, with 400 staff handling operations, maintenance, engineering, industrial pretreatment, and laboratory work. The current five-year Capital Improvement Plan includes over $1 billion in projects.

Provide support to the Chief COO and GLWA Executive Management on matters as directed; participate in a variety of internal and external meetings as required; ensure processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively; ensure accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, GLWA policies and procedures, rules and regulations
Coordinate and lead the development of the annual budget for assigned units; track projects, CIP; manage annual budgets according to the GLWA fiscal operational goals and key metrics; monitor expenditures and perform periodic cost and productivity analysis; and provide recommendations on GLWA capital expenditures and budgetary reallocations
Promote and practice engagement of customers and staff; coordinate and maintain good relationships with regulatory agencies and customer communities
Plan, develop, and implement strategic decisions to meet organizational objectives; institute measurements and reporting systems to gauge ongoing performance, oversee all administrative activities of assigned units, ensuring that work processes are maximized for efficiency
Instill a high level of customer service values in administrative and operational functions throughout the wastewater service areas
Ensure delivery of quality services through knowledge, innovation, customer response tracking, and fiscal responsibility; partner with individuals, community groups, institutions, and agencies to identify opportunities for improvement through administrative remedies
Develop business planning models to integrate administrative and support services across the operational service units; provide executive management oversight for the management of assets and processes that reliably produce high quality products and services innovate through cost effective and integrated programs within areas of responsibility; interface and collaborate with executive management team to reduce redundancy and ensure coordination of services
Oversee staff assigned to day-to-day administrative and supportive services for the operational units and ensure performance standards are clear, realistic, and consistently met; measure, monitor and assure the performance of assigned units within the operation; plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work of assigned staff, vendors, and contractors; manage workflow and prioritization of projects; coordinate schedules, projects and programs; provide constructive/corrective feedback and/or redirection; review and evaluate performance for compliance with GLWA policies and local, state, and federal regulations
Wastewater management requires a first responder mindset particularly during adverse weather conditions or severe storms necessitate continuous availability. May lead emergency operations, guide teams during critical incidents, and coordinate with various department within GLWA to ensure an effective response

Master’s degree in engineering, chemistry, business administration, public administration, or related discipline
One or more Certifications in a related field including Certified Reliability, Wastewater, Professional Engineering License, or Project Management Professional (PMP)
Experience within a large-scale water, wastewater conveyance, treatment, pumping systems, public works, private utility, or enterprise agency operation

Other Requirements

Valid Driver's License