Regional Operations Manager – Industrial Water/Wastewater

Location: Denver, CO
Job Type: Contract-to-Hire

Position Overview

Our client is seeking a Regional Operations Manager – Industrial Water/Wastewater to oversee operations across two Colorado locations supporting a private-sector industrial client. This position will manage and provide leadership to onsite contract operations teams, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations across the assigned portfolio.

The Regional Operations Manager will serve as a key client contact and will be responsible for operational performance, regulatory compliance, safety, personnel development, training, client satisfaction, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives. This position requires a strong understanding of industrial water and wastewater treatment operations, supervisory leadership, and the ability to effectively manage multiple sites and teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage staff and oversee operations across two locations in Colorado.
• Organize, direct, and support onsite contract operations teams and projects within the assigned portfolio.
• Ensure effective client performance in compliance with local, state, and federal water quality and environmental permit requirements.
• Maintain assigned sites in operational, regulatory, safety, and contractual compliance.
• Establish and promote a strong safety culture while ensuring safe work practices are followed by all personnel.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, training, and support to onsite managers, supervisors, operators, and other regional staff.
• Ensure staff remain focused on assigned responsibilities and complete job-related duties effectively and efficiently.
• Ensure personnel comply with corporate and client reporting systems and requirements.
• Lead O&M personnel development and training programs to promote professional advancement and technical growth.
• Develop and implement training programs for associates at all levels across regional sites.
• Identify additional training needs and develop written professional development and mentoring plans for new project managers and members of contract operating teams.
• Ensure required training programs and performance reviews are completed for new and existing projects.
• Lead regional efforts related to O&M safety, maintenance, process control, cost savings, process optimization, and sustainability.
• Participate in the selection, assignment, orientation, and development of onsite supervisors.
• Motivate and encourage a high level of initiative, accountability, and performance among onsite leadership teams.
• Support diversity and equal employment initiatives within the assigned portfolio.
• Ensure appropriate performance discussions and job performance interviews are conducted and that management policies are communicated effectively to all personnel.
• Maintain the technical knowledge and skills necessary to function as an onsite manager during project startup and emergency situations.
• Review, verify, and complete required job-related documents, records, and reports.
• Ensure operations and deliverables meet client expectations and established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), where applicable.
• Travel to assigned sites for client meetings, inspections, operational reviews, and regulatory compliance activities.
• Support business development efforts related to contract operations and other client service opportunities.
• Report competitive contract service opportunities and sales efforts to appropriate management and marketing personnel.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and other materials as required.
• Serve as a primary client relationship contact for client management and technical personnel.
• Regularly communicate client confidence, satisfaction, concerns, and operational issues to management.
• Review monthly contract service reports for each installation and advise management regarding project status, regulatory compliance, technical performance, and operational concerns.
• Support regional personnel in resolving local operational issues and developing client relationship strategies.
• Develop budgets and assist with operational strategies designed to achieve regulatory compliance and organizational objectives.
• Review monthly project reports and use the information to effectively manage client services, ensure compliance with contract requirements, and maintain client satisfaction.
• Participate in regional and local professional organizations and monitor advancements in technology, operational practices, and services that may benefit clients and operations.

Required Qualifications

• Current Grade B Industrial Wastewater Treatment license in the State of Colorado required. Grade A license is also acceptable.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of six years of experience in an industrial water/wastewater treatment facility, municipal water/wastewater facility, public works operation, or related field.
• Experience with project management responsibilities, including technical support and financial accountability, preferred.
• Minimum of three years of supervisory experience.
• Strong understanding of industrial operations, including basic fluid flow, process equipment, and control instrumentation.
• Ability to understand and comply with applicable industrial regulations, standards, permits, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to understand, follow, and reinforce client safety, quality, and operational requirements with team members.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Experience with PDF software, client-specific software programs, SCADA systems, data entry, and other computer-based operational tools.
• Strong virtual communication skills and the ability to maintain effective operations and regulatory compliance while working remotely from client sites.
• Ability to travel approximately 10% of the time.
• Valid driver's license with a satisfactory driving record and no major infractions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing multiple industrial water or wastewater treatment facilities.
• Experience with contract operations and maintenance (O&M) services.
• Experience with industrial wastewater regulatory compliance and environmental permitting.
• Experience with process optimization, cost reduction, maintenance programs, and sustainability initiatives.
• Strong client relationship management and communication skills.
• Experience developing and implementing employee training and professional development programs.