POSITION DEFINITION: General Manager

Under minimal supervision, performs complex professional and administrative work in coordinating and supervising the water operations of the District. The incumbent is also responsible for directing the activities of supervisory, technical, and clerical staff. Employee must exercise initiative and independent judgment to ensure that the water supply and water distribution systems are operated in a safe and secure manner and in accordance with state and federal regulations. The General Manager must also exercise tact and courtesy in contact with public officials, developers, contractors, and the general public. The work of this class involves significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities.

To ensure performance standards of this job, the individual must be able to execute each essential duty to meet the requirements listed below. These functions are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for the Manager.

Areas of Accountability: The Manager in this position has leadership responsibility and accountability in overseeing the daily operations and maintenance of the District. This includes, ensuring that operational and financial targets are met or exceeded. The Manager is accountable and responsible for ensuring that operational integrity is maintained, including regulatory compliance with the appropriate environmental, health, and safety regulations. The incumbent is also accountable for establishing and maintaining effective working relationship with customers, the public, City and County staff, elected officials, the California Public Utilities Commission, community groups and the media to ensure that a positive public image is maintained.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads Company efforts in meeting customer and regulatory service levels across areas of responsibilities
• Implements best operating practices to promote continuous improvement, operational efficiencies, innovation and excellent field customer services in accordance with Companywide standard operating procedures and business processes
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with city and county staff, elected officials, community leaders and other stakeholders within the District
• Implements all corporate goals and objectives related to District operations
• Establishes and maintains franchise agreements with cities and counties and ensures compliance with all terms and conditions
• Manages field customer services, community relations, utility business development, and water systems operations and maintenance
• Implements policies, procedures and systems to ensure efficient and effective service to customers
• Ensures District complies with Company policies and procedures
• Actively participates in wholesale and regional water agency meetings, programs. and functions, and reports on significant issues impacting the Company; acts as the Company spokesperson at these agencies in coordination with the Water Resources Department
• Oversees the development of operations & maintenance budgets; monitors variances and makes operational adjustments as necessary to ensure compliance with authorized budgetary levels
• Provides information in preparation of asset planning documents and capital budgets
• Participates in the preparation of general rate case applications and long-term planning for the District, to include supporting rate case filings for District operations and providing written and verbal testimony as needed
• Coordinates and collaborates with the Customer Service Center Manager and staff to ensure that all customer services are efficient and effective.
• Develops and maintains effective employee relations; evaluates the performance of assigned personnel
• Communicates, both orally and written, with local government officials, Company management and staff, customers, CPUC and other regulatory agency staff, and others
• Acts for the Vice President as directed
• Performs other duties as assigned

COMPETENCIES, WORKFORCE PLANNING, PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

The Manager is competent in leading, motivating and developing staff in assigned areas of responsibilities with the ability to build shared commitment to improving business performance, and developing both individual and team capabilities. The incumbent is skilled in driving performance by linking business units' objectives to Company goals and values, including the ability to communicate a shared vision, energize and empower staff, and champion diversity and inclusion.

Business Planning: Knowledgeable of the utility industry priorities for ensuring that regulatory and company requirements and commitments are met with respect to District operations. Broad knowledge of the applicable regulations, requirements and trends impacting the field customer service environment and the water business, including assessment of operating practices and the establishment of best practices. Ability to conduct cost benefit analyses for all potential approaches and solutions relative to District operations programs and services.

Personal Credibility: Demonstrated history of building and maintaining customer relationships and the ability to serve as operational contact for political and civic leaders and other key external stakeholders. Skilled in supporting and assisting senior leadership in maintaining and enhancing such relationships statewide with the ability to gain credibility and partnership with business leaders and peers in the industry. The Manager has a strong history of consultative, interpersonal, communication and presentation skills to improve quality and outreach to customers.

Business Knowledge: Expert knowledge of the regulated water utility business and its operations. Extensive knowledge of the applicable regulations, requirements and trends impacting the water business, to include areas of new business opportunities. In-depth knowledge of the assessment of operating practices and the establishment of best practices.

Communication and Management: Strong management skills (planning, organizing, analysis, problem solving, team working, employee development). Excellent leadership skills, with the ability to deal effectively with and maintain productive relationships with employees at all levels, senior management and various external stakeholders. Ability to lead, motivate and empower employees. Excellent written and verbal communications, as well as interpersonal skills (persuasion, listening, cooperation, diplomacy). Strong influencing skills.

Data and Trend Analysis: Competent in the use of business metrics to measure program success. The Manager has the ability to use data to identify trends, patterns, issues and opportunities that impact the company’s customers.

Technology: Skilled in a variety of technology and media platforms with proficiency in Microsoft Office products.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Environmental Sciences or related discipline, and demonstrated experience in water system management including water supply, water distribution, water quality, customer service, budgeting, planning, financial reporting and community relations, with a minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience in this field
• A Master’s Degree in the above fields of discipline or Registration as a Professional Engineer desirable
• SWRCB Distribution and/or Treatment Certifications desirable
• Demonstrated experience in working with public agencies, elected officials and regulatory officials is desirable

• Must possess effective oral and written communication skills
• Valid California driver’s license
• May include but not limited to standing, walking, bending, pulling and/or pushing, grasping, lifting, reaching, stooping and crouching, color determination, typing, sitting, reading, speaking and listening

QUALITIES OF A SUCCESSFUL MANAGER IN THIS POSITION

• Displays high standards of ethical conduct; exhibits honesty and integrity
• Works and communicates with internal and external clients, contractors, vendors and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner
• Committed to quality service
• Responds appropriately to supervision
• Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization
• Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity
• Fosters commitment and team spirit
• Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information

NOTE: Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with special needs to perform the essential functions.

The responsibilities of this position will involve access to information that may be considered confidential, private and sensitive. Therefore, the individual filling this position will be required to both allow and pass a background check.

May include but not limited to standing, climbing, walking, lifting, bending, pulling and/or pushing, grasping, reaching, stooping and crouching, sitting, typing, walking, reading, writing, color determination, speaking and listening for extended periods of time.

Golden State Water Company is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colors, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.