Water Utility General Manager

Waukesha Water Utility; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 144,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Pension plan

457(b) plan

Job summary

The Waukesha Water Utility seeks a strategic, experienced leader to serve as General Manager, reporting to the Water Commission. You will direct operations, infrastructure, finance, and talent development, guiding the Utility toward safe, reliable, and sustainable water service for the community.

You will partner with the Water Commission and city leadership, engage with staff and stakeholders, and champion continuous improvement and responsible budgeting to ensure ongoing excellence and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science, Utility Management, or related field.
• At least ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership in utility operations or related field.
• At least six (6) years of senior management or executive leadership experience.
• Experience in infrastructure planning, regulatory compliance, budgeting, organizational leadership, and continuous improvement.
• Experience leading organizational change, workforce development, or succession planning.
• Experience working with governing boards, officials, regulatory agencies, and public stakeholders.
• Annual salary range: $143,620 – $215,431; benefits include health and dental, and a defined benefit pension and 457(b).

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 with 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 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.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory compliance

Budgeting & finance

Asset management

Infrastructure planning

Change management

Public speaking

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree (related field)

Job description

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
• 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.