Water​/Wastewater Regional Operations Manager

Water/Wastewater Regional Operations Manager

DISHER is partnering with a company on their search for a Regional Operations Manager – Water/Wastewater. The Regional Manager will oversee day‑to‑day operations across a group of water and wastewater facilities within a defined region, leading local teams, supporting key clients, and ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient performance. This role is ideal for a proven operations leader ready to own a region and grow into broader responsibility over time.

You will be part of a stable team with a strong emphasis on reliability, safety, and service. The organization values practical, hands‑on leaders. You can expect a collaborative environment where ideas are welcomed, support is available when you need it, and there is room to grow your responsibilities over time. The company takes pride in long‑term client relationships and in being known as a trusted partner.

• Lead and develop project managers, plant managers, supervisors, and operators across multiple water and wastewater facilities in your region, including hiring, training, staffing, and succession planning.
• Set clear expectations for safe, compliant, and efficient operations at each site, and support the implementation of best practices.
• Work closely with site leaders to troubleshoot operational issues, optimize processes, and guide major maintenance and capital/technology upgrades.
• Act as a key regional contact for municipal and private clients, attending meetings, handling issues, and ensuring satisfaction with services and contract commitments.
• Support the development of new business by identifying opportunities within your territory, contributing to proposals, and supporting contract renewals and expansions.
• Help oversee contract details, reporting, and invoicing for your region, and escalate risks or disputes as needed so obligations are met and documented.
• Assist with budgeting and financial performance for regional sites, and help project managers understand and manage their parts of the business.
• Encourage and support teammates in advancing their certifications and technical capabilities so the organization can expand into more communities and take on additional work.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and peers to support long‑term planning, continuous improvement initiatives, and technology adoption.

• 8–10+ years of experience in water or wastewater operations, including multi‑site responsibility or leadership over larger, complex facilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience in water/wastewater operations is also acceptable.
• Experience supervising or managing plant managers, supervisors, or operators, with a track record of coaching and developing people.
• Hands‑on understanding of how treatment plants operate, including compliance, process control, and day‑to‑day field decision‑making.
• Advanced water and/or wastewater operations certifications (or strong experience at those levels).
• Comfort working with municipal and private clients, including participating in meetings, addressing concerns, and maintaining long‑term relationships.
• A collaborative, coaching leadership style—open communication, soliciting input, and then making sound decisions.
• Solid business awareness: comfortable with budgets, costs, basic P&L drivers, and how operational decisions impact financial performance.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly within the region (primarily Michigan and Indiana) to visit sites, meet with clients, and connect with internal teams.