Assistant General Manager – Public Utility (Water & Wastewater)
4 days ago
Bee Cave
Reliable Service. Responsible Leadership. Resilient Future. The West Travis County Public Utility Agency (WTCPUA) is seeking a strategic, operationally grounded, and governance-minded Assistant General Manager (AGM) to support executive leadership of a growing public water and wastewater utility serving western Travis County and northern Hays County. This is an executive-level role that supports the General Manager and Board of Directors in advancing the Agency’s Strategic/Business Plan, strengthening cross-functional execution, and ensuring responsible public stewardship. Essential Duties & Responsibilities The Assistant General Manager will: • Support the General Manager in executing strategic and operational goals aligned with the Agency’s Strategic/Business Plan, • Lead and coordinate interdepartmental efforts to ensure smooth implementation of policies and initiatives, • Oversee key functional areas including human resources, risk management, governmental and community relations, and organizational development, • Monitor workloads, assess organizational systems, and recommend operational efficiency improvements, • Coordinate development, negotiation, and management of third-party vendor contracts and interagency agreements, • Represent the Agency at public meetings, community events, and governmental forums, • Assist in budget development, monitoring, and resource allocation; provide operational insight in coordination with the Finance Director and General Manager, • Develop and deliver reports and presentations to the General Manager and Board of Directors, • Serve as Acting General Manager when designated, • Respond to and resolve complex citizen inquiries and sensitive issues professionally, • Maintain strong internal communication and cross-department collaboration, • Explain and defend Agency initiatives publicly and negotiate solutions to complex or controversial matters, • Coordinate development and partner outreach efforts, including ongoing relationship management, • Oversee agency communications and public messaging, including long-term communication planning and rate-related messaging, • Coordinate administration and monitoring of wholesale customer contracts, including compliance, amendments, financial impacts, and performance tracking, • Serve as liaison in regional coordination efforts related to policy alignment, water capacity planning, shared resources, and joint initiatives, • Coordinate identification and pursuit of state and federal funding opportunities, including grants and joint-benefit programs, • Support compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Public Information Act, and records retention requirements, • Engage in executive-level strategic planning, governance discussions, and stakeholder interactions to support leadership continuity and succession readiness Core Competencies The ideal candidate demonstrates: • Strategic Execution & Alignment: Ability to translate Board direction and agency goals into actionable, measurable initiatives aligned with long-term priorities., • Organizational Leadership: Cross-functional leadership that fosters accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement., • Operational Insight & Responsiveness: Awareness of field realities and operational challenges; ability to lead updates, site visits, and interdepartmental problem-solving., • Policy & Program Development: Design and implementation of effective administrative policies and programs that enhance efficiency, compliance, and organizational performance., • Human Resources & Organizational Development: Oversight of HR practices, employee relations, training, performance management, and risk mitigation strategies., • Governmental & Community Relations: Strong relationships with elected officials, partner agencies, and community stakeholders; clear and professional communication., • Contract & Vendor Oversight: Experience in procurement processes, contract negotiation, vendor management, and fiscal accountability., • Analytical & Critical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex issues, balance regulatory demands, operational needs, and customer expectations, and develop data-informed solutions., • Financial Stewardship: Understanding of public sector budgeting, capital planning, and cost control practices., • Communication & Presentation: Clear, persuasive verbal and written communication; capable of preparing board materials and public messaging., • Crisis & Risk Management: Composure and sound judgment during emergencies or high-pressure situations., • Ethics, Integrity & Public Service: Commitment to transparency, responsible governance, and ethical leadership., • Utility & Regulatory Knowledge: Working understanding of water and wastewater operations, TCEQ/EPA regulatory frameworks, and public utility governance structures. Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree preferred (experience may substitute), • Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory or managerial experience in a public utility, local government, or similarly regulated environment, • Valid Texas Class C driver’s license, • Utility management certification (AWWA, TRWA, etc.) preferred This position is in-office and requires visible leadership presence across departments, including attendance at board meetings, community events, and field site visits as needed.