VP of Engineering & IT

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vice President of Engineering & Information Technology serves as the executive leader responsible for the strategic direction, administration, and overall performance of Columbus Water Works' Engineering and Information Technology Departments. This position provides executive leadership for engineering services, capital project planning, infrastructure development, enterprise technology, cybersecurity, geographic information systems (GIS), and digital transformation initiatives that support the organization's operational and strategic objectives.

Working collaboratively with the Executive Vice President and Executive Leadership Team, the Vice President develops long-range engineering and technology strategies that improve operational performance, infrastructure reliability, regulatory compliance, organizational efficiency, and customer service. This position ensures Engineering and Information Technology initiatives align with Columbus Water Works' Vision, Mission, Values, and Strategic Plan.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Leadership

• Provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the Engineering and Information Technology Departments.
• Develops and implements departmental strategic plans that support organizational goals and long-range initiatives.
• Collaborates with the Executive Vice President and Executive Leadership Team to advance organizational priorities.
• Serves as the principal advisor to the Executive Vice President on engineering, infrastructure, technology, cybersecurity, and capital improvement initiatives.
• Establishes departmental goals, objectives, policies, and performance expectations.
• Promotes a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and exceptional customer service.
• Develops leadership talent and succession planning within Engineering and Information Technology.
• Represents Columbus Water Works before regulatory agencies, consultants, developers, contractors, technology vendors, professional organizations, and community stakeholders.

Engineering

• Provides executive oversight of engineering operations and technical services.
• Leads coordination of engineering support for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
• Oversees engineering planning, design, construction administration, utility relocations, and infrastructure development.
• Establishes and maintains engineering standards, specifications, policies, and quality assurance procedures.
• Directs engineering evaluations, feasibility studies, hydraulic analyses, and infrastructure assessments.
• Provides engineering support for development reviews, utility extensions, and system planning.
• Monitors engineering project schedules, budgets, quality, and overall performance.
• Coordinates engineering consulting services and professional service contracts.
• Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local engineering and environmental regulations.
• Provides technical guidance to executive leadership regarding infrastructure investments and engineering priorities.
• Oversees Geographic Information Systems (GIS) strategy, implementation, and integration.
• Collaborates with the Vice President of Finance by providing engineering analyses and technical recommendations to support long-term capital planning and infrastructure investment decisions.

Information Technology

• Provides executive oversight of Information Technology operations.
• Develops and implements the organization's long-range technology strategy.
• Oversees cybersecurity programs and enterprise security initiatives.
• Directs enterprise technology infrastructure, network systems, telecommunications, cloud services, and enterprise applications.
• Ensures business continuity, disaster recovery planning, and technology resilience.
• Supports operational technology systems, automation initiatives, and technology integration across the organization.
• Evaluates emerging technologies and recommends strategic technology investments.
• Ensures technology solutions support organizational objectives and operational needs.
• Develops enterprise technology policies, standards, and governance practices.

Administration

• Coordinates cross-functional initiatives that improve organizational performance and operational effectiveness.
• Develops executive performance metrics, dashboards, and management reporting systems.
• Oversees procurement and contract administration related to engineering, professional services, and technology systems.
• Develops and administers departmental operating and capital budgets.
• Monitors departmental financial performance and recommends budget adjustments as appropriate.
• Ensures efficient utilization of personnel, technology, and financial resources.
• Maintains effective working relationships with internal departments and external agencies.
• Regular and routine attendance is required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this position successfully, an individual must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Leadership experience directing engineering, information technology, utility operations, infrastructure planning, or related technical organizations.
• Strong strategic planning, organizational leadership, and decision-making skills.
• Comprehensive understanding of engineering principles, capital project delivery, enterprise technology, cybersecurity, GIS, infrastructure planning, and organizational operations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while fostering innovation and continuous improvement.
• Strong financial management, budgeting, contract administration, and project management capabilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A college degree is preferred but not required.

An equivalent combination of education, professional training, industry certifications, and progressively responsible leadership experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this position may be substituted for formal education.

Candidates should possess:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in engineering, information technology, infrastructure management, utility operations, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of management or leadership experience with responsibility for strategic planning, budgeting, personnel management, and organizational leadership.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams, managing complex engineering or technology initiatives, and implementing organizational improvements.
• Experience working in a public utility, local government, or similarly regulated environment is preferred.

CERTIFICATES and LICENSES

• Valid Georgia Driver's License required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Comprehensive knowledge of:

• Utility engineering principles
• Water and wastewater infrastructure
• Capital Improvement Program management
• Engineering design and construction administration
• Information Technology operations
• Cybersecurity
• Enterprise software applications
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Network infrastructure
• Cloud technologies
• Budget development and financial management
• Procurement and contract administration
• Strategic planning
• Organizational leadership
• Regulatory compliance
• Risk management

Ability to:

• Develop and implement long-term organizational strategies.
• Communicate effectively with executive leadership, governing boards, elected officials, employees, consultants, and the public.
• Analyze complex technical and financial information.
• Build collaborative partnerships across departments.
• Make sound executive decisions in dynamic environments.
• Successfully lead organizational change and innovation initiatives.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands associated with this position are representative of those necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee is regularly required to communicate effectively, sit, stand, walk, reach, and use hands and arms. Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with periodic visits to construction sites, treatment facilities, pump stations, and other utility infrastructure. Occasional exposure to construction equipment, mechanical systems, outdoor environments, and operational facilities may occur.

The position may require attendance at evening meetings, emergency response activities, professional conferences, and other work assignments outside normal business hours.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: 26-73

PAY GRADE: 18