Utilities Business Operations Manager

Utilities Department Manager

Work Location: 3647 Cortez Road West, Bradenton, Florida 34210 Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00am – 4:00PM (this can be flexible)

Expected Starting Annual Range: $100,531.78 - $133,204.61

This classification performs advanced managerial and administrative activities of considerable difficulty in the management of business operations for the Utilities Department. This work includes, but is not limited to, analyzing and coordinating complex financial, technology, contractual, and administrative matters. Develops and guides innovative programs in conjunction with the Utilities New Services, Business Systems Support, Warehouse, Meter Services, Communications & Safety, and Utility Records. This position will also be a liaison between the Utilities Department and various other departments including, but not limited to, Communications, Customer Care, Human Resources, Financial Management, and Information Technology.

This position is designated by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners as serving at the will and pleasure of the County Administrator. Employment in this position is at will and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Nothing in this job posting, any application materials, or any related communications shall be construed to create a contract of employment or to limit the County Administrator's authority to terminate the appointment at any time, with or without cause and with or without prior notice, subject only to applicable law.

Employment screenings, as outlined in the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual, will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and Florida Laws.

Working Conditions

The work environment may include exposure to high noise levels while performing certain essential job functions. The position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation. Work may involve strenuous physical activity under varying climatic conditions and in both indoor and outdoor environments. Importance of being accurate, and decisive within short timeframes, and under pressure from internal and external sources.

Essential Functions These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Directs activities and provides leadership and organizational management of the Utilities New Services, Meter Services, Warehouse, Communications & Safety, Business Systems Support, and Utility Records. Ensures adherence to applicable laws, regulations, rules, policies and procedures, and that goals, objectives and standards are met in a timely and effective manner. Prepares financial analyses in support of management initiatives and evaluation of policy options, ensuring compliance with County rules and regulations. Directs research, analysis and proposed recommendations to solve complex operational and financial issues. Oversees New Service operations to ensure quality service, settle customer disputes and direct resolution of conflicts of a complex and difficult nature. Directs the development of the annual revenue forecast and provides development oversight of Utility rates, fees and charges necessary to meet revenue requirements. Coordinates with the Communications, Customer Care, Human Resources, Financial Management, and Information Technology Departments to goals and objectives are being met and to ensure regulatory compliance Oversees the department's business technology systems including department specific databases and GIS and direct ongoing system support functions as well as design and implementation of new technology solutions, and improvements to existing systems. Personnel responsibilities include preparing performance evaluations for direct reports and establishing section/program goals and objectives, conducting staff meetings, and reviewing performance evaluations for all indirect reports' preparing and reviewing job descriptions and career ladders; interviewing and selecting new hires for direct reports and other supervisory positions in the division, and dealing with employee discipline matters as needed. Negotiates or participates in negotiation and administration of contracts and agreements related to division projects. Leads department-wide performance management efforts, including development and maintenance of dashboards, key performance indicators (KPis), benchmarking, and standardized reporting to support executive decision-making and continuous improvement. Develops, documents, and implements standardized operating procedures (SOPs) across business functions to ensure consistency, efficiency, regulatory compliance, and institutional continuity. Serves as the Utilities Department's primary liaison for centralized County business functions, including Fiscal Management, Customer Care, Communications, Information Technology, GIS, Human Resources, Grants, and Legal Services, ensuring coordinated execution of priorities and timely issue resolution. Oversees ordinance, rate schedule, and policy updates for Utilities services, ensuring accurate implementation, equitable cost recovery, regulatory compliance, and consistent application across the organization. Coordinates preparation, review, and tracking of Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) agenda items, contracts, agreements, and legislative actions, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with County policies and timelines. Leads process improvement initiatives across Utilities business operations using data analysis, benchmarking, and cross-functional collaboration to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer service. Provides strategic planning support to Utilities executive leadership, including development of business cases, long-range planning initiatives, and alignment of operational objectives with Countywide strategic goals. Manages Utilities-specific grant coordination activities in partnership with County Grants staff and external agencies, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and effective execution of grant-supported initiatives. Oversees coordination of utility system transfers and developer turnover activities, ensuring regulatory compliance, financial fairness, and standardized processes for acceptance of non-County owned infrastructure. Represents the Utilities Department in interdepartmental, intergovernmental, and public forums as assigned, including service as liaison to BOCC Aide de Camp staff when designated. Makes presentations to the Board of County Commissioners, various citizen groups and the general public, as necessary.

Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee's qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Public or Business Administration, or Financial Management, or Accounting, or related field. Minimum of five (5) years' experience in a responsible, similar position. Five (5) years' experience as a senior management/finance professional in government or large entity setting. Minimum of three (3) years supervisory experience. Superior communication and public speaking skills required. Valid driver's license with valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.

Master's degree in Public or Business Administration or related field desired.

Experience with a public or private utility system, highly desired.

Experience dealing with heavy customer service needs in a large customer base is highly desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of principles, standard methods and practices and procedures of public and business administration as applied in a large organization.

Knowledge of accounting principles, practices and procedures as applied in a large fiscal operation.

Knowledge of capital improvement programming and comprehensive planning. Knowledge of supervisor principles and practices.

Knowledge of statistical methods and practices; ability to perform research, analyze data and provide sound recommendations to solve complex operational management and financial problems.

Knowledge of modern management methods and practices, budget preparation and analysis. Knowledge of generally accepted principles of accounting.

Knowledge of billing systems and their integration and reconciliation with a separate financial accounting system.

Knowledge of bill payment collection methods and recovery of delinquent accounts.

Ability to plan, coordinate and supervise technical and administrative programs.

Ability to plan, direct and evaluate the work of a large staff of employees.

Ability to handle multiple projects at the same time and perform duties effectively and efficiently in a high stress, fast paced environment.

Ability to exercise mature judgment and to make independent decisions in accordance with established department or division policies and procedures.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, other County departments and agencies, County officials, employees and the public.

Excellent public relations and presentation skills.

Superior communication and public speaking skills.

High level skills in computer operations and pertinent software applications.