Area Manager II

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we're delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you're looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.

Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.

We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.

Are you looking for a fantastic career at Aqua? We have a great opportunity for an Area Manager position. The duties of the Area Manager shall include the management and administration of all activities within assigned divisions. The Area Manager shall direct the staff for the efficient operation of the company to ensure quality customer and community service, employee and regulatory relationships and appropriate shareholder return. The Area Manager is responsible for growing the customer base and for acquiring additional systems to make company operations more efficient. The position is one of integrity and appropriate disclosure will be required.

Strategic Planning & Execution

• Develop long-term operational and financial strategies.
• Lead annual operating and capital budget planning and execution for WPA.
• Drive customer growth and support system acquisitions.

Performance & Financial Oversight

• Set divisional goals and objectives.
• Monitor and report on financial and operational metrics using appropriate software tools to identify trends, inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
• Implement financial controls to safeguard company assets.

Operational Management

• Ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations of multiple drinking water and wastewater collections and treatment systems.
• Maintain high standards of service quality and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee preparation and submission of required reports and documentation to regulatory agencies.
• Develop and maintain emergency preparedness plans and protocols.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Foster positive relationships with customers, communities, regulators, public officials, vendors and media.
• Periodically meet with large customers to develop and maintain excellent communication and working relationships.
• Represent the company's image and interests externally.

Team Leadership

• Supervise divisional managers, supervisors, and team leaders.
• Oversee staffing, performance evaluations, training, and disciplinary actions.
• Promote staff development and adherence to company policies and safety programs.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Lead response efforts during system failures, natural disasters, or contamination events.

Collaboration & Change Management

• Work with peers and staff on statewide initiatives.
• Lead and motivate teams, resolve conflicts, improve employee engagement and change adaptation.
• Lead local interactions with collective bargaining units (unions).

Other Duties/Availability

• Be accessible for emergencies and consultations 24/7.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned. Changes to the scope of work may occur because of business expansion and acquisitions.

Required Experience, Education, Licenses, and Certifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the water and/or wastewater utility industry.
• Minimum 3 years of management experience.
• Strong knowledge of operational and financial aspects of water utility management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools.
• Valid U.S. driver's license.
• Pa DEP Water and Wastewater Operator licensure preferred

Working Conditions

Regular travel within the Western Pa service area and occasional travel to other parts of the state, including periodic overnight trips.

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.
Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).
To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to:

• Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship
• Family members cannot work in the same department.