VP, Engineering and Client Relations

SUMMARY:

This position oversees and directs the Engineering function with responsibility for all capital projects, contributed capital, Geographic Information Systems, strategic planning, Client Relations and other similar programs. This role develops short- and long-term engineering plans and champions effective execution through collaboration with others within and outside of Columbus Water Works (CWW). This position approves and has accountability for projects with significant cost, complexity, sensitivity, and directs staff and others on navigating challenging project timelines and quality issues that arise. This position oversees the Client Relations Department and works closely with our Fort Moore Officials, City Officials, and Community and Business Leaders.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant Bachelor's degree from accredited university required with 10 years of demonstrated, progressive, and relevant experience successfully leading various projects as well as a sizable staff preferred.
• Professional Engineer's Registration or Project Management Certification required.
• Technical knowledge of principles and practices as they apply to the water works industry. Knowledge of key financials, targets, and metrics and how they impact CWW.
• Ability to establish and set CWW standards, processes, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to comprehend business and technical issues making decisions regarding long-term and day-to-day needs of CWW.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills. Ability to explain difficult technical and financial information and data in non-technical terms.
• Ability to represent the division and build rapport in meetings with general public, agencies, contractors and other governmental entities.
• Embrace Purpose, Vision, and Values. Ability to demonstrate achievement of assigned competencies.
• The Engineering Department must always have an active professional, either on staff or through a defined consulting agreement, who holds a Professional Engineering registration to act with Delegated Authority in compliance with Georgia EPD.
• Must be able to obtain Fort Moore Access.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Technical oversight and direction for the strategic planning, management, and delivery of CWW capital program, as well as leading the team in the development of asset plans for multiple and geographically sparse water and wastewater systems.
• Oversees the design, modification, and improvement of CIP, equipment, and facilitates. Directs staff, managers, and consultants on formulating plans and costs with authority to make challenging judgement calls in order to meet CWW goals.
• Establishes partnerships with various departments and groups ensuring standards and goals are achieved.
• Approves and implements successful Project Management and Engineering Program Management standards.
• Communicates regularly and effectively with various leaders and managers in CWW resolving issues to ensure project coordination is sound, quality standards are being met, assessing, and establishing contingency plans as needed.
• Key participant with executive staff in formulating, developing, and implementing the strategic plans of CWW and other priorities that emerge throughout the year.
• Focuses on establishing, building, and promoting a culture with staff to ensure a high-performance, customer service-riented work environment that supports achieving CWW mission, vision, and strategies. This includes promoting a positive employee experience, providing opportunities for employees to connect their positions to the purpose, vision, and values.
• Develops robust team goals, provides clear direction and feedback, coaching, and other types of feedback individually to employees. Makes staffing decisions and recommendations for hires, advancements, and separations as needed.
• Ensures all safety rules and regulations are observed by managers and staff.
• Champions CWW's goals, priorities, and vision effectively to staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, handle, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, and effectively communicate. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Majority of work will be done in the Engineering office with occasional site visits and off premises meetings.

Job Announcement: 24-59

Pay Grade: 19