Director of Water Utilities & Public Infrastructure

Job Description

We are seeking a strategic, results-driven Director of Water Utilities & Public Infrastructure ( Capital Program Director ) to lead major capital investments, oversee complex infrastructure projects, and drive long-term planning initiatives supporting the growth and development of communities across South Carolina's Lowcountry.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on essential public infrastructure while leading large-scale water and wastewater initiatives that will serve communities for generations to come.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The successful candidate will provide strategic direction for a major, multi-year about $500 million Capital Improvement Program , focused on expanding, upgrading, and modernizing critical water and wastewater infrastructure.

Working closely with executive leadership, engineering professionals, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders, this leader will oversee the planning and execution of complex capital projects while ensuring alignment with organizational goals, budgets, schedules, and regulatory requirements.

This role offers the opportunity to influence major infrastructure investment decisions, strengthen project delivery practices, and build a high-performing team dedicated to public service and operational excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Capital Planning

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• Lead the execution of a multi-year capital improvement program covering major water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
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• Develop long-range infrastructure strategies, utility master plans, and capital investment priorities.
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• Establish project management standards, governance frameworks, performance metrics, and reporting processes.
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• Advise executive leadership on project priorities, resource allocation, investment decisions, and risk management.
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Infrastructure Project Delivery

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• Oversee the planning, design, construction, renovation, and improvement of water and wastewater infrastructure.
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• Manage capital project budgets, schedules, consultants, contractors, and overall project performance.
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• Monitor project milestones, cost controls, change orders, and delivery risks.
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• Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, permitting requirements, and engineering standards.
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• Coordinate land acquisition, easements, and rights-of-way required for project execution.
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Executive & Stakeholder Engagement

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• Present capital project updates, budget considerations, change orders, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and board-level stakeholders.
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• Build strong working relationships with municipalities, developers, engineering consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and community representatives.
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• Support informed decision-making through clear communication, project reporting, and financial oversight.
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Team Leadership & Organizational Development

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• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of engineering and project management professionals.
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• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
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• Support recruitment, succession planning, employee development, and performance management.
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• Drive organizational improvement initiatives and special projects aligned with long-term strategic goals.
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WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

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• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, or a related field.
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• At least 8 years of progressively responsible project or program management experience , preferably in water, wastewater, utilities, or complex infrastructure.
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• At least 5 years of management and leadership experience .
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• Demonstrated success managing large-scale capital programs from planning and design through construction.
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• Current South Carolina Professional Engineer (PE) license — required.
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• Strong knowledge of capital planning, infrastructure delivery, project controls, budgets, and regulatory compliance.
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PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
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• Experience working with public utilities, municipalities, or government agencies.
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• Background in utility master planning and large-scale infrastructure modernization.
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• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and engage with executive-level stakeholders.
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