The Executive Director – Energy and Heat Systems for Water Operations is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the integration, optimization, and performance of thermal energy systems within water and wastewater operations. This includes managing energy recovery processes, heating systems, cogeneration (CHP), and related mechanical and utility infrastructure to ensure operational efficiency, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. The executive director sets the vision and direction for energy innovation across treatment plants, pumping stations, and distribution networks to align with corporate and environmental goals.
Strategic Leadership & Energy Governance:
Define and drive the long-term strategy for energy and heat systems across all water operations.
Align utility energy usage with corporate sustainability goals, net-zero initiatives, and cost reduction strategies.
Thermal and Heat System Oversight:
Manage the operation, maintenance, and upgrade of heat exchangers, boilers, digester heating systems, and cogeneration plants.
Lead implementation of energy recovery and thermal optimization in treatment processes.
Energy Efficiency & Decarbonization:
Identify opportunities for energy savings, load balancing, and fuel optimization across facilities.
Champion projects that integrate renewable energy, biogas utilization, and thermal storage systems.
Innovation & Technology Integration:
Promote the adoption of cutting-edge technologies including advanced heat pump systems, thermal analytics, and AI-based energy management platforms.
Lead R&D partnerships and pilot projects with universities, research institutes, and technology vendors.
Asset Management & Capital Planning:
Oversee lifecycle management of heating and energy systems, including CAPEX forecasting and ROI evaluation.
Drive asset reliability and resilience planning for energy-critical infrastructure.
Regulatory Compliance & Reporting:
Ensure compliance with local and national regulations concerning emissions, energy usage, and environmental impact.
Lead audits and reporting aligned with ISO 50001, EPA, and other sustainability frameworks.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work closely with operations, engineering, environmental, and financial departments to support integrated planning.
Represent the organization in regulatory forums, industry groups, and public utilities commissions as needed.
Leadership & Team Development:
Build and lead high-performance teams focused on energy systems engineering, utilities management, and sustainability programs.
Develop internal capability through mentorship and continuous learning programs.
Energy Recovery & Heat Integration:
Optimize use of heat energy from digesters, boilers, and CHP systems to reduce operating costs and increase efficiency.
Cogeneration & Renewable Integration:
Maximize onsite generation of heat and power from renewable sources (e.g., biogas) to enhance plant self-sufficiency.
Thermal Systems Reliability:
Ensure continuous operation and minimal downtime of critical thermal assets like boilers, heat exchangers, and hot water systems.
Sustainability & Carbon Reduction:
Align all heat and energy systems with decarbonization strategies and climate commitments.
Innovation & Smart Utilities:
Implement intelligent control systems, digital twins, and predictive analytics for energy optimization in water infrastructure.
Policy, Risk & Compliance Management:
Maintain full compliance with safety, emissions, and energy codes while managing operational and reputational risks.
Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Systems, or Environmental Engineering.
15–20+ years of experience in energy or thermal system management, with a strong background in water or utility operations.
Demonstrated leadership in managing multi-site or enterprise-wide energy systems, including cogeneration and waste heat recovery.
Familiarity with regulatory frameworks, sustainability standards (LEED, ISO 50001), and climate action planning.
Strong strategic, financial, and communication skills, with experience presenting to boards, regulators, and stakeholders.
Executive-level decision-making, team leadership, and a visionary mindset.