Director, Business Development (State)

American Water Co.; West Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 211,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water seeks a Director of Business Development (State) to identify and evaluate growth opportunities, including strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and joint ventures.

The role requires leadership across the enterprise, strong financial acumen, and the ability to engage with municipal and state government stakeholders in California. Travel up to 50% may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• 15 years of experience in business or state/municipal government; knowledge of California water/wastewater is a plus.
• Previous experience managing a team is required.
• Strong Excel and PowerPoint knowledge; proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Salesforce experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify and analyze new opportunities, including acquisitions, joint ventures, and partnerships.
• Collaborate with business leaders across the enterprise to provide conclusive recommendations.
• Build a pipeline of target opportunities and develop strategic plans to drive growth in line with the company strategy.
• Lead the offer/bid strategy, deal structuring, financing, and credit assessment of opportunities.
• Direct cross-functional resources to evaluate, risk assess, develop offers/bids and implement plans.
• Represent California American Water with regional industry stakeholders and regulators.
• Prepare proposals for acquisitions and related opportunities, reflecting regulatory and technical trends.

Skills

Communication

Financial acumen

Relationship building

Water/wastewater knowledge

Teamwork

Leadership

Cross-functional

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

PowerPoint

Salesforce

Job description

Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different . We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role!

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

Job Title: Director, Business Development (State)

Posting Start Date: 10/8/26

Position Information

$141,390 - $225,350

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professional.

• #LI-Onsite
• #LI-MR23

Primary Role

This position is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and recommending new business opportunities including acquisitions, joint ventures, and partnerships. Identifystrategic growth opportunities by collaborating with business leaders across the enterprise, conducting analysis, andprovidingleadership with specific, conclusive recommendations.

Key Accountabilities

• Build a pipeline of target opportunities and develop tactical plans to produce sustainablebusiness growth in line with the company’s business plan and strategy.
• Lead the development of theoffer/bidstrategy, deal structuring, financing and credit assessment of opportunities and champion projects through the internal and external processes.
• Identify,secure,and manage cross functional resources to evaluate, risk assess, develop & structureoffers/bids and develop implementation plans which outline resource & capability requirements to deliver the deal.
• Identifycreative approaches to developing & structuring new opportunities which accuratelyreflectclient needs & support business plan priorities.
• Create market awareness and interest inCaliforniaAmerican Water and develop andmaintainCaliforniaAmerican Water brand image with the key industry stakeholders within the designated territory.
• Develop andmaintainan active presence in regional business-related organizations, localgovernment,and state governmentleaders(including environmental regulations, utility regulations, etc.)
• Direct the preparation of proposals for acquisitions and other related business opportunities. Reflect a working knowledge of regulatory and technical developments and trends as theyaffectwater and sewer utilitysectors.
• Participate in meetings and conferences involving local leadersand key stakeholders, presenting the advantages ofCaliforniaAmerican Water

Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Highly developed relationship-building skills to fostereffectiveworking relations across municipal government and within the enterprise.
• Existing knowledge of, or interest in, water and wastewater utility infrastructure.
• Strong teamwork and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and empower employees.
• Demonstrate the ability to work cross functional.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor's Degree required, Master’s Degree preferred.
• Must have a valid driver's license.
• 15 yearsof experience in business or state/municipalgovernment. Knowledge of or interest in California’s water and wastewater industry.
• Previous experience managing a team is required
• Must have experience with Microsoft Office Applications, Strong Excel and PowerPoint knowledge
• Salesforce experience preferred

Travel Requirements

• Up to 50 percent travelrequired

Competencies

• Manages Complexity
• Ensures Accountability
• Directs Work
• Develops Talent
• Builds Effective Teams
• Balances Stakeholders

Join American Water... We Keep Life Flowing ™

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they arean individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.