Director, Operational Performance & Planning

American Water; Camden (NJ); On-site; USD 175,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water seeks a Director, Operational Performance & Planning to lead the Operational Performance & Planning group within the Operational Excellence Team. You will design standardized metrics and report them enterprise-wide to measure performance accurately across states and districts.

You will develop forecasting, drive performance improvements, manage a team of 3–4 direct and 8–10 matrix reports, and partner with executives to ensure actionable insights and strategic alignment with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in engineering/finance/accounting preferred; MBA preferred.
• 15+ years in Operations or Finance.
• 5+ years in leadership with direct and matrix reports.

Responsibilities

• Partner with internal stakeholders to collect performance metric data for reporting.
• Publish enterprise-level reports showing performance to leadership across entities.
• Analyze metrics to identify drivers and support corrective action planning.
• Oversee a portfolio of performance improvement initiatives across levels.
• Benchmark metrics against peers and industry standards.
• Develop forecasting to estimate future performance and identify gaps.
• Lead enterprise-wide projects to drive continuous improvements.
• Develop advanced analytics for workforce and resource planning.

Skills

Metrics development

Data analysis

People management

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Leadership presence

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's Degree

MBA

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Director, Operational Performance & Planning

Posting Start Date: 9/26/26

Position Information

$175,000 - $190,000

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 profession

Primary Role

The Dir, Operational Performance & Planning is responsible for leading and directing the Operational Performance & Planning group within the Operational Excellence Team, responsible for the design and development of standardized operational performance metrics that are reported at the AW enterprise, State, and local District level to measure business performance accurately and reliably, using standardized sources of data.

Key Accountabilities

• Partner and liaise with internal stakeholders and functions to collect performance metric data required for accurate and timely reporting.
• Publish and present reports at different enterprise-levels that contain performance metric results to provide AW, State, and local District leadership with visibility into business performance across operations and related functions.
• Direct the analysis of performance metrics to gain insight into key drivers of business performance at the Service Company, State, and local District enterprise-levels. Partner with the business to identify root cause analysis of performance challenges and support corrective action planning to return performance to desired levels.
• Oversee and deliver a portfolio of business performance improvement initiatives amongst Service Company, State and local District leaders.
• Direct benchmarking of performance metrics to gain a sense for business performance relative to enterprise peers and overall industry standards.
• Develop forecasting of performance metrics to estimate future business performance at the enterprise-levels of the Service Company, to States, to local Districts, and identify gaps and risks to achieving future forecasts.
• Lead enterprise-wide projects and initiatives to drive continuous improvements in operational performance in key strategic areas of focus.
• Develop advanced analytical capabilities in new areas of the business, including workforce and resource planning, to identify opportunities for productivity improvements, support more effective resource planning to compliment financial planning, and understand the resource needs/impacts related to new company initiatives and changes in operational standards and requirements.

Knowledge/Skills

• Sound knowledge of utility/business processes.
• Working knowledge of new technology and current trends in water quality, water treatment, developer services and other related water resource management disciplines.
• Thorough understanding of, and ability to apply, key principles of P&L management, marketing, pricing, offer strategy, financial analysis, and technology principles.
• Expertise in the development of metrics, KPI's and overall business intelligence architecture.
• Strong operational expertise
• Strong understanding of data management, integrity, and controls
• Strong process, project, and program management skills
• Strong quantitative skills (e.g., analytical, technical, problem solving)
• Effective people management skills (e.g., planning, organizing, recruiting, controlling, and leading individual staff and teams)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (e.g., fluency in report writing and presentations)
• Effective interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting)
• Leadership presence (e.g., ability to deal effectively and maintain collaborative relationships with Company senior management and other key stakeholders)

Experience/Education

• Bachelor's Degree required, preferably in engineering, finance, or accounting. MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of work experience in Operations or Finance required.
• 5+ years in a leadership position with direct reports and matrix reports

Travel Requirements

• As necessary, up to 10%

Other

• This is a people leader position with 3 – 4 direct reports and 8-10 matrix reports

Work Environment

• Primarily indoor office environment

Competencies

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