General Manager Water Utility

MRA - The Management Association; Menomonee Falls (WI); On-site; USD 144,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

The Waukesha Water Utility seeks an experienced General Manager to provide strategic leadership, directing operations, engineering, finance, and administration while ensuring safe, reliable water service. Reporting to the Water Commission, this role partners with city leadership and stakeholders to guide long-term sustainability and capital programs.

The ideal candidate will bring a track record of executive leadership, regulatory knowledge, and a commitment to workforce development, safety, and

Qualifications

• Ten+ years of progressively responsible leadership in utility operations.
• Six+ years of senior management or executive-level leadership.
• Experience with infrastructure planning, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and organizational leadership.
• Experience presenting to governing boards, elected officials, regulatory agencies, and public stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all water utility functions.
• Partner with the Water Commission to establish policies, priorities, and long-term strategic goals.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, service, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee annual operating and capital budgets, financial planning, and resource allocation.
• Direct infrastructure planning, asset management, and capital improvement programs.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing public water systems.
• Represent the Utility before the Water Commission, Common Council, regulatory agencies, and community organizations.
• Address customer concerns and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders.
• Maintain a visible leadership presence across the organization, including regular engagement with Utility staff.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, operational improvements, and long-term service opportunities to support sustainability and efficiency.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic planning

Regulatory compliance

Budgeting

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science, Utility Management, or a related field

Job description

Job: General Manager Water Utility

Location: Waukesha, WI

Organization: Waukesha Water Utility

Water Utility General Manager

The Waukesha Water Utility is seeking an experienced, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as its next Water Utility General Manager. Reporting directly to the Water Commission, this position is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and strategic direction of the Utility while ensuring the continued delivery of safe, reliable, and sustainable water service to the community.

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a well-respected public water utility with a dedicated workforce, strong operations, and a longstanding commitment to reliable service. The General Manager will provide strategic leadership across operations, infrastructure, financial stewardship, and talent development while partnering with the Water Commission and community stakeholders to ensure the Utility's continued success and long-term sustainability.

The successful candidate will be a visible and engaged leader, comfortable working with the Water Commission, City leadership, department heads, Utility staff, customers, and community stakeholders. This individual will regularly present information, respond to public inquiries, and represent the Utility in a variety of professional and community settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all water utility functions, including operations, engineering, customer service, finance, regulatory compliance, and administration
• Partner with the Water Commission to establish policies, priorities, and long-term strategic goals
• Lead and develop a high-performing team while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, service, and continuous improvement
• Oversee annual operating and capital budgets, financial planning, and resource allocation
• Direct infrastructure planning, asset management, and capital improvement programs
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing public water systems
• Represent the Utility before the Water Commission, Common Council, regulatory agencies, and community organizations
• Address customer concerns and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders
• Maintain a visible leadership presence across the organization, including regular engagement with Utility staff
• Evaluate emerging technologies, operational improvements, and long-term service opportunities to support sustainability and efficiency

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science, Utility Management, or a related field
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in utility operations or a closely related environment
• At least six (6) years of senior management or executive-level leadership experience
• Demonstrated experience in infrastructure planning, regulatory compliance, budgeting, organizational leadership, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Experience leading organizational change, workforce development, employee engagement, or succession planning efforts
• Experience working with and presenting to governing boards, elected officials, regulatory agencies, and public stakeholders
• Strong understanding of utility operations, capital improvement planning, asset management, and the ability to work effectively with engineering and technical professionals

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual salary range: $143,620 - $215,431 (commensurate with qualifications and experience)
• Health and dental benefits
• Participation in a defined benefit pension plan and an optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan

The Waukesha Water Utility is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.