WATER BUSINESS OPERATIONS MANAGER

** THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO CURRENT CITY OF MILWAUKEE EMPLOYEES ONLY **

The Water Business Operations Manager provides operational direction to the Business Section of Milwaukee Water Works (MWW) and conducts personnel management for the Section.

Personnel Management

• Perform personnel management for the Business Section, including hiring employees, assisting with interviews, coordinating the completion of documentation for personnel changes, reviewing probationary reports and coordinating disciplinary actions as needed.

Service Unit Management

• Manage various MWW contracts through the City’s Purchasing Division and the Contracts Office of the Department of Public Works (DPW). Draft bid documents and requests for proposals (RFPs), conduct pre-bid meetings, monitor progress to keep managers informed and follow up on expiring contracts to extend or re-let.
• Manage MWW claims, supervising the Water Claims Specialist and ensuring claims are investigated using methods that are thorough, factual, complete and timely. Attend Common Council committee meetings regarding complicated claims. Work with the Water Claims Specialist to initiate process improvements that reduce claim potential.
• Manage the Customer Service and Billing & Collections units, which handle billing, collection and customer service operations related to over 160,000 accounts and generating revenue of more than $200 million annually.  Make continual improvements to service and implement efficiencies using technological innovations and other work improvement practices.
• Manage the Meter Services unit, which handles meter reading service operations related to 160,000 meters and requiring the purchase, installation, replacement, repair and testing of water meters.  Make continual improvements to operations and implement efficiencies and safety enhancements for the unit's field staff.
• Assist managers in investigating anomalies in the customer information system (enQuesta), determining resolutions and requesting modifications of the third-party support vendor to enhance functionality and efficiencies.

Utility and Public Service Representation and Program Oversight

• Represent the Utility in various water industry groups.  Participate in projects that further the Utility’s mission with regard to ratemaking and other business initiatives.
• Manage the Utility’s Cross-Connection Control Program.
• Maintain the MWW Rules and Regulations and Water Service Piping Specifications.
• Provide support to the Public Service Commission (PSC) complaint process.
• Act as the Water Financial Manager in his/her/their absence and assist in aligning section management in meeting goals and objectives.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

1. Current status as a regularly appointed City of Milwaukee employee, having successfully completed a probationary period for a civil service position or status as a City of Milwaukee employee in a fixed term position.
2. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration, public administration or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
3. Five years of business operations management experience performing duties related to the essential functions of this position.
4. Valid driver’s license at time of appointment and throughout employment.  Private automobile allowance may be paid pursuant to Section 350-183 of the Milwaukee Code.  

 Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.  

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.

• Master’s degree in business or public administration from an accredited college or university.
• Supervisory experience. 
• Experience with personnel management.
• Experience with City of Milwaukee contracts, purchasing, and bidding processes, including RFPs.

Technical

• Knowledge of contract and procurement processes and procedures.
• Knowledge and understanding of the steps related to City contracts, bidding, and RFPs.
• Knowledge of business administration concepts and best practices.
• Strong analytical, research, and project management skills.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to utilize standard computer software and programs such as word processing, spreadsheet and databases to create documents and prepare reports.
• Ability to utilize PeopleSoft’s Financial Management Information System (FMIS) and Human Resources Management System (HRMS).
• Ability to learn and understand the Utility’s customer service information system (enQuesta), the interaction between the various sections of the Utility, and plumbing codes.
• Ability to learn the City’s purchasing process and DPW contracting procedures.

Communication and Interpersonal

• Verbal communication skills to be able to express oneself clearly in interactions with others and positively represent the department in multiple formats, including one-on-one and in presentations.
• Written communication skills; ability to produce clear and concise reports, data analysis, letters, and memos.
• Ability to work independently while supporting and mentoring staff members.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse, collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of employees, management, consultants, elected officials, and the public.
• Ability to work cooperatively, effectively, and fairly with coworkers and residents whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.

Leadership and Management

• Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all employees are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.
• Ability to effectively lead, develop and provide guidance to staff members.
• Ability to foster employee career development.
• Ability to encourage positive cross-departmental operations.
• Ability to create and develop a diverse work team in which all members can reach their potential.

Professional, Problem Solving and Judgment

• Ability to work effectively under pressure while handling multiple priorities.
• Ability to maintain complete confidentiality; demonstrate honest, ethical behavior and use of sound judgment.
• Ability to be detail oriented and accurate while adhering to deadlines.
• Professionalism, dependability, integrity and a positive team-oriented attitude.
• Ability to be diplomatic, tactful and courteous, even during adverse situations.
• Ability to learn the City’s purchasing process and DPW contracting procedures.

The current salary range (Pay Range 1IX) is $94,456-$107,782 annually, and the current resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee resident is $97,290-$111,016 annually. Appointment will be made in accordance with the provisions of the salary ordinance.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of related education, experience and accomplishments, an evaluation of written communication, interviews and/or other assessment methods.  The Department of Employee Relations and the Milwaukee Water Works reserve the right to call only the most qualified candidates to proceed in the selection process. Information from the selection process will be used to make a hiring decision. Selected candidates will be transferred and/or promoted to the position.

INITIAL FILING DATE – The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the selection process at the time and place designated by the hiring authority.

NOTE: Transfer/Promotional Opportunities and Promotional Examinations are not open to Milwaukee Public Schools employees or to the public. Only current City of Milwaukee employees and civilian personnel in MFD and MPD hired through a City Service Commission process who have successfully passed a probationary period for a Civil Service position or who have status as a City of Milwaukee employee in a fixed term position will be considered. Individuals with exempt, provisional, temporary, or emergency appointments are not eligible for transfer.

APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting, www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.

• Applications should be submitted no later than the deadline listed above.
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

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The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.