Senior Manager, Research & Development

American Water

Skin Corner (NJ)

On-site

USD 98,800 - 165,100

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health and wellness programs

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

American Water is looking for a Senior Manager, Research & Development to provide strategic leadership for applied research initiatives. This role involves guiding a multidisciplinary team to tackle water quality, regulatory, and infrastructure challenges.

Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in the water industry and a strong educational background, with the opportunity for professional development and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

12+ years of full-time research experience in relevant fields.
Experience in water/wastewater or environmental sectors preferred.
Advanced scientific writing capabilities.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership for applied research initiatives.
Oversee research and innovation programs.
Mentor a high-performing research team.

Skills

Laboratory science knowledge

Research methodologies

Analytical methods

Statistical analysis

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD)

Tools

LIMS

SAP

Word and Excel

Job description

Job Title

Senior Manager, Research & Development

Posting Start Date

6/19/26

Compensation

Base Salary Range: $98,800 – $165,100 per year.

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.

Benefits

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 professionally!

Primary Role

The Senior Manager, Research & Development provides strategic and operational leadership for a portfolio of applied research initiatives supporting water and wastewater utility priorities. This role leads a multidisciplinary team responsible for advancing research, pilot studies, and innovation efforts that address treatment, water quality, regulatory, operational, and infrastructure challenges. The Senior Manager translates business needs into actionable research priorities, ensures rigorous and practical program execution, and partners across operations, engineering, compliance, and external organizations to deliver insights and solutions that inform utility decision‑making and performance.

Key Accountabilities

Ensure research programs generate practical recommendations that support regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, system reliability, environmental stewardship, and customer service outcomes.
Oversee a portfolio of research and innovation programs, ensuring alignment of scope, timelines, resources, and deliverables with organizational objectives.
Provide direction and oversight for the design, prioritization, and execution of research initiatives, minimizing risk and ensuring scientific rigor.
Lead, develop, and mentor a high‑performing research team with diverse technical expertise; foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
Lead development and execution of research priorities in alignment with organizational strategy, regulatory drivers, and emerging industry challenges.
Translate complex scientific and technical concepts into clear, actionable insights for internal leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders.
Partner with operations, engineering, compliance, and other business functions to identify research needs and ensure applicability of outcomes.
Build and sustain productive internal and external partnerships to advance research objectives, support knowledge‑sharing, and strengthen organizational capability and industry engagement.
Guide the development of proposals, technical reports, and publications, ensuring quality and alignment with organizational goals and standards.
Drive innovation by supporting teams in scoping exploratory work, evaluating new technologies, and developing creative solutions to complex challenges.
Monitor progress across programs, proactively identify risks or barriers, and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful delivery.
Establish and maintain research governance practices, ensuring adherence to internal standards, safety protocols, and regulatory expectations.
Provide leadership input into research prioritization and long‑term capability development.
Enable effective communication of research findings through presentations, reports, and stakeholder engagement.
Represent the organization in industry forums, technical conferences, and collaborative research initiatives as appropriate.
Align team objectives with broader organizational goals and motivate teams to deliver research outcomes with measurable business impact.

Knowledge and Skills

Broad understanding of laboratory science, analytical methods, and research methodologies relevant to water and wastewater systems.
Knowledge of contaminants of emerging concern and associated monitoring, treatment, and regulatory considerations.
Understanding research program management, including prioritization, governance, and performance tracking.
Familiarity with applicable regulatory frameworks (e.g., EPA standards) and industry practices.
Awareness of emerging technologies, scientific trends, and innovation opportunities within the water sector.
Computer literacy (competent in use of Word and Excel, LIMS, SAP and other software as needed).
Statistical analysis, database and file management techniques.
Experience and ability to perform methods of data analysis.
Advanced scientific writing.
Laboratory management and safety practice.
Knowledge of EPA and/or Standard Methods.
Knowledge of drinking water and wastewater regulations.
Knowledge of conventional, advanced and emerging water treatment technologies.
Strategic thinking and ability to translate organizational goals into actionable research plans.
Strong leadership, coaching, and talent development capabilities.
Effective project and program management, including prioritization and risk management.
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
Stakeholder management and ability to influence across functions and organizational levels.
Problem‑solving and decision‑making in complex, ambiguous environments.
Ability to foster innovation and guide teams in developing creative solutions.
Strong organizational and operational oversight skills.

Experience and Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, environmental engineering, or related field. Advanced degree (e.g., Master’s or PhD) in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline preferred.
12+ years of full‑time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization, relevant in the water industry or laboratory.
Experience in the water, wastewater, or environmental sector preferred.
Experience with external partnerships, grant‑funded research, or industry collaboration preferred.
Experience contributing to or overseeing technical publications or presentations preferred.

Travel Requirements

Occasional travel for site visits, conferences, stakeholder meetings, and industry engagement.

Work Environment

Work is primarily conducted in an office and laboratory environment, with regular engagement across cross‑functional teams.
May include interaction with laboratory and field activities, as needed for oversight and program alignment.

Short Description