General Manager Water Utility

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental benefits

Defined benefit pension

457(b) deferred compensation plan

Job summary

Waukesha Water Utility is seeking a General Manager to provide strategic leadership for all water utility functions, including operations, engineering, finance, and administration. You will collaborate with the Water Commission to set priorities and long-term goals, while building a high-performing team dedicated to safety and service.

The role requires a strong track record in infrastructure planning, budgeting, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement, with responsibility for budgets,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and ten years of utility leadership experience.
• Six+ years in senior management or executive leadership roles.
• Experience with infrastructure planning, budgeting, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience presenting to governing boards, officials, and public stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for all water utility functions including operations, engineering, finance, and administration.
• Partner with the Water Commission to set policies and long-term goals.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing team and foster accountability and safety.
• Oversee annual operating and capital budgets and resource allocation.
• Direct infrastructure planning and asset management for capital programs.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations for public water systems.
• Represent the Utility to the Water Commission, Council, agencies, and community groups.
• Engage with staff and stakeholders to address concerns and opportunities for improvement.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and long-term service opportunities to drive sustainability.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration/Business Administration/Engineering/Environmental Science/Utility Management

Tools

Asset management

Regulatory reporting software

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.