Director Operations (Water/Wastewater Utility)

Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (AQN), parent company of Liberty, is a diversified international generation, transmission, and distribution utility. AQN is committed to providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective energy and water solutions through our portfolio of utility investments to over one million customer connections, largely in the United States and Canada.

At Algonquin, our vision is to be the most trusted utility service provider in North America – a premium regulated utility, known for our customer focus, commitment to sustainability, and strong community partnerships. Our employees are at the heart of that vision. We believe that when people are empowered to learn, grow, and contribute their ideas, we can achieve remarkable results together.

We are building a culture that values integrity, inclusivity, and innovation. By joining Algonquin, you’ll be part of a team that is shaping the future of energy and water, while creating long-term value for our customers, communities, employees, and shareholders.

Purpose

The Director of Operations works toward the achievement of Department objectives, leading Water/Wastewater operations in Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas. This Director Operations is responsible for implementing the Company’s business development, growth strategy, budgeting, and forecasting, along with advancing operations management objectives for Liberty's production, treatment, collection, distribution, and disposal activities. Additionally, this position will support the Company’s rate making process. This position is responsible for the operating and capital budget, along with the long term planning and growth of the utility. This position ensures utility compliance with all Environmental, Health, Safety and Security policies and procedures, and compliance with federal, state, and local water and wastewater regulations. This position will direct many ad hoc projects throughout the year and deploy resources to meet changing priorities and focus. This position will set the tone, climate and vision for utility operations in the Division and help shape the same for the entire company. This position will ensure that Liberty Utilities’ Values are adhered to in all that we do.

Accountabilities

The specific responsibilities of the position will include, but not be limited to:

• Directs the Operations and business results of drinking water, wastewater and reclaimed water, including recharge.
• Participates in the planning and development of water and wastewater rates and fees related to the Utility. This may include testifying in front of State regulatory bodies, preparation of testimony, and participating in regulatory strategy matters.
• Ensures Utility compliance with all Federal, State, and Local rules, regulations policies and procedures governing water and wastewater utilities.
• Coordinates short, medium and long term plans for water supply, water demand, facility construction, wastewater conveyance treatment and disposal.
• Reviews and recommends new policies or amendments to policies and procedures of the Company, working with management including but not limited to Legal, HR, EH&S, Development Services, and Engineering Departments on water and wastewater resources, capacity, planning, financing and employee issues.
• Leads and develops Operations staff in executing Company goals and objectives
• Preparation of and adherence to operating and capital improvement budgets for the Utility, including review and approval of Utility invoices.
• Analyzes utility financial data, makes decisions on the information resulting from the analysis, and presents the results to management
• Identifies new issues and strategies related to water resources and conservation programs.
• Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree with 10+ years’ experience with progressively responsible management level experience
• Prior financial and budgetary responsibility required.
• Understanding of key business issues and requirements of the utility and resulting implications of specific legal issues.
• Proficient with computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility with traveling within the US and Canada required

Our purpose is sustaining energy and water for life, and it is demonstrated in everything we do as a business and as an employee team.

As the successful candidate

Our Mission

We provide safe, secure, reliable, cost-effective and sustainable energy and water solutions. Our mission is how we create value as an organization—it is what drives us every day to fulfill our purpose.

Our Vision

We better the lives of our customers and communities. Our vision is what we see as possible. It's where we aspire to be, what we want to achieve and how we'll make an impact. It guides and keeps us on the right path as we work towards fulfilling our purposes.

Our Guiding Principles

• Customer Centric
• Integrity
• Entrepreneurial
• Teamwork
• Owner mindset
• Outcome focused
• Continuous learning

What we offer

Collaborative environment with a genuine flexible working policy

401k Plan with matching

Share purchase/match plan

Leadership Development Program

Volunteer paid days off

Employee Assistance Program

Achievement fund

Free parking

Variety of Health & Wellness programs

Discount and Perks program

We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you are excited about this role and are not confident you meet all the qualification requirements, we encourage you to apply to investigate the opportunity further.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value each person's unique background, diversity, experiences, perspectives and talents.

Full participation of all employees in a safe, healthy and respectful environment is key to individual and company success. We are committed to fully utilizing the abilities of all our employees and expect each of our employees to honour this commitment in their daily responsibilities.