Regional Operations Manager

ISHE; Kansas; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Alliance Water Resources seeks a Regional Operations Manager to lead a portfolio of utility operations in the Midwest, with flexibility for remote or on-site work and frequent travel. You will guide multiple operating divisions, drive budgeting, compliance, and client relations while empowering local managers to deliver reliable water and wastewater services.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership, cross-department collaboration, and a strong focus on safety, quality, and community stewardship

Qualifications

• Progressive experience managing utility or municipal operations, including oversight of people, budgets, and compliance.
• Strong strategic mindset with ability to lead through change and complexity.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Results-driven leadership with ability to set goals and drive performance across multiple teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee general management of assigned operating units and guide local managers on staffing, training, performance, and development.
• Lead budgeting, strategic planning, and client negotiations for each division.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with environmental, safety, and contract standards.
• Foster strong client and public relationships; represent Alliance at board/council meetings.
• Support business development and cross-departmental initiatives.
• Travel to sites regularly to engage with teams and ensure operational excellence.

Skills

Staffing & training

Budgeting

Client negotiations

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Relationship-building

Public administration knowledge

Water/wastewater knowledge

Education

BA/BS in Business, Public Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science

Job description

Join a team that’s shaping the future of water and wastewater services. Alliance Water Resources is a growing, purpose-driven company committed to providing professional water and wastewater operations to clients across the Midwest. We're looking for a Regional Operations Manager to lead and support a dynamic portfolio of utility operations in eastern Missouri.

In this high-impact, executive, leadership role, you'll be at the helm of multiple operating divisions—providing strategic guidance, fostering client relationships, and empowering local managers to deliver excellent service and ensure environmental regulatory compliance. Whether working remotely or on-site, you’ll be a visible and trusted presence for our clients, our team members, and the communities we serve.

This position requires frequent travel (3-6 overnights/month).

What You’ll Do

• Oversee general management of assigned operating units. Guide local managers on staffing, training, performance, and development.
• Lead budgeting, strategic planning, and client negotiations for each division.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with environmental, safety, and contract standards.
• Foster strong client and public relationships; represent Alliance at board/council meetings.
• Support business development and cross-departmental initiatives.
• Travel to sites regularly to engage with teams and ensure operational excellence.

What We’re Looking For

• Progressive experience managing utility or municipal operations (water and wastewater districts are a big plus), including oversight of people, budgets, and compliance.
• A strategic mindset and the ability to lead through change and complexity.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A strong results-driven approach, with proven ability to set goals and drive performance across multiple teams.
• Working knowledge of water and wastewater systems, regulatory environments, and public administration.
• BA/BS in Business, Public Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field (preferred).