National Metrology Manager at Essential Utilities

• Provides oversight and direction for Aqua metering operations and the Cross Connection Control (CCC) program throughout all Aqua service areas.
• Oversee the administration of automated and manual meter reading across the Aqua footprint.
• Develops, updates and maintains relevant data and analytics to drive continuous improvement. Tracks, monitors, and ensures compliance with all relevant federal state and local rules and regulations.  Designs, updates and maintains meter and CCC analytical dashboards which report key compliance, operational and financial metrics.  Analyzes a variety of reports to identify and correct issues.  Manages a root cause analysis program to address issues. Generates and distributes a variety of monthly reports or reports of other frequencies as requested.
• Acts as a liaison between the business and operations, information technology, environmental compliance, customer operations and other departments to deliver training and support for the assigned operations and programs.
• Support the director in developing and updating the long term (5 year) Metrology roadmap: capital budget plans for meters, registers, and related equipment and services.
• Evaluates company-wide standards for (both large and small) meter exchange processes.  Develops tools and techniques for critical revenue and trend data to review large meter flows and check consumption for right sizing and reasonability.  Works on non-revenue water loss management, identifying and quantifying impacts related to meter performance, right sizing, etc.
• Responsible for overseeing execution of states’ annual meter targets and reporting challenges to the director for state follow up.
• Proactively manages the CCC plan:
  • Supports the director with Developing and updating the long term CCC strategy and road map.
  • Updates and maintains the CCC policy, providing support to the states as needed and assisting with implementation of each CCC plan.  Actively monitor and report on the progress of CCC action plans and identify gaps to the director for discussion with state teams.
  • Provides advice, guidance and training as needed on CCC compliance, processes and operational best practices.
  • Ensures each state has an appropriate program in place to ensure compliance.
  • Reviews the effectiveness of each state’s procedures to survey their customers for cross connection hazards and reports findings to leadership.
  • Ensures the appropriate devices are installed and routinely tested.  Maintains records of all installation and testing activities.
  • Fosters the development and routine update of all state’s CCC program manuals.
  • Ensures the annual CCC test letters and enforcement process is documented and administered in a timely manner.
  • Monitors the company internal backflow device program.
• Works with state CCC Champions/leaders to ensure compliance with regulatory and company policy.  Stays abreast of changes and updates to regulations and continuously incorporates them into the CCC program.  Works with states to manage vendor relationships such as budget and schedule of activities to assure contract compliance.
• Oversees and directs meter operations including:
  • Reviews, maintains and updates meter size and class replacement schedules by state.
  • Conducts an annual evaluation of the meter replacement schedule for optimal meter life and effectiveness for revenue opportunities.
  • Supports inventory management efforts.
  • Reviews and updates annual meter and ERTS exchange targets, tracking monthly compliance.
  • Explores meter/ERT innovations and adopts new meter technologies as needed in partnership with state operations and procurement.  Ensures that current hardware and software technologies meet the needs of the meter program, recommending changes as needed.
  • Develops and manages meter replacement, meter-related equipment and contractor installation budgets and tracks expenses against budget by state and subsidiary.
• Develops, updates, maintains and implements a formal testing programs in collaboration with operations.
• Supports the development, updated, and maintenance of metrology and cross connection dashboard(s).
• Assists with Billing or service-related complaints, PUC requests, and internal audits for all states.    
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• Provides oversight and direction for Aqua metering operations and the Cross Connection Control (CCC) program throughout all Aqua service areas.
• Oversee the administration of automated and manual meter reading across the Aqua footprint.
• Develops, updates and maintains relevant data and analytics to drive continuous improvement. Tracks, monitors, and ensures compliance with all relevant federal state and local rules and regulations.  Designs, updates and maintains meter and CCC analytical dashboards which report key compliance, operational and financial metrics.  Analyzes a variety of reports to identify and correct issues.  Manages a root cause analysis program to address issues. Generates and distributes a variety of monthly reports or reports of other frequencies as requested.
• Acts as a liaison between the business and operations, information technology, environmental compliance, customer operations and other departments to deliver training and support for the assigned operations and programs.
• Support the director in developing and updating the long term (5 year) Metrology roadmap: capital budget plans for meters, registers, and related equipment and services.
• Evaluates company-wide standards for (both large and small) meter exchange processes.  Develops tools and techniques for critical revenue and trend data to review large meter flows and check consumption for right sizing and reasonability.  Works on non-revenue water loss management, identifying and quantifying impacts related to meter performance, right sizing, etc.
  • Responsible for overseeing execution of states’ annual meter targets and reporting challenges to the director for state follow up.
• Proactively manages the CCC plan:
  • Supports the director with Developing and updating the long term CCC strategy and road map.
  • Updates and maintains the CCC policy, providing support to the states as needed and assisting with implementation of each CCC plan.  Actively monitor and report on the progress of CCC action plans and identify gaps to the director for discussion with state teams.
  • Provides advice, guidance and training as needed on CCC compliance, processes and operational best practices.
  • Ensures each state has an appropriate program in place to ensure compliance.
  • Reviews the effectiveness of each state’s procedures to survey their customers for cross connection hazards and reports findings to leadership.
  • Ensures the appropriate devices are installed and routinely tested.  Maintains records of all installation and testing activities.
  • Fosters the development and routine update of all state’s CCC program manuals.
  • Ensures the annual CCC test letters and enforcement process is documented and administered in a timely manner.
  • Monitors the company internal backflow device program.
• Works with state CCC Champions/leaders to ensure compliance with regulatory and company policy.  Stays abreast of changes and updates to regulations and continuously incorporates them into the CCC program.  Works with states to manage vendor relationships such as budget and schedule of activities to assure contract compliance.
• Oversees and directs meter operations including:
  • Reviews, maintains and updates meter size and class replacement schedules by state.
  • Conducts an annual evaluation of the meter replacement schedule for optimal meter life and effectiveness for revenue opportunities.
  • Supports inventory management efforts.
  • Reviews and updates annual meter and ERTS exchange targets, tracking monthly compliance.
  • Explores meter/ERT innovations and adopts new meter technologies as needed in partnership with state operations and procurement.  Ensures that current hardware and software technologies meet the needs of the meter program, recommending changes as needed.
  • Develops and manages meter replacement, meter-related equipment and contractor installation budgets and tracks expenses against budget by state and subsidiary.
• Develops, updates, maintains and implements a formal testing programs in collaboration with operations.
• Supports the development, updated, and maintenance of metrology and cross connection dashboard(s).
• Assists with Billing or service-related complaints, PUC requests, and internal audits for all states.             
• Manages metrology staff. Interviews, hires, sets high performance standards and manages performance in accordance with all applicable HR policies and procedures.  Creates an energized work environment, fostering an atmosphere that enables employee trust and engagement.  Inspires confidence and motivates others to perform at their best.  Develops and coaches staff while effectively addressing performance issues.
• Assists operations with monitoring and improving operational efficiencies and ensuring operational excellence in the areas of water loss and non-revenue water, power, mark-outs or other initiatives as delegated by management.
• Support standard operating procedures development that memorializes practices and steps in writing and provide training as needed.
• Assists with other tasks or projects as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential function(s).

QUALIFICATIONS (Required Experience, Education, Licenses, and Certifications)

• Bachelor’s degree in a related business field
• A minimum of three years program management experience with demonstrated skill in project management, analytics, and leadership
• Experience supporting service/work order processes software, internal or SAP system external, Banner or other billing systems, Itron Field Collection System and Field Deployment Manager is preferred
• Experience supporting financial applications (Infor, Lawson, Power Plan) is preferred
• US Driver’s license required to operate company vehicles

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: (Examples below)

• Knowledge of meters and water industry preferred
• Proficient with computers including the use of Microsoft Office suite and related industry financial systems and applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills; Ability to communicate effectively (clearly, concisely and professionally) 
• Strong customer service skills
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• A team player able to work effectively in a team fostered multi-tasking environment                    

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• May be subject to extreme temperatures, noise, wet and/or humid conditions, mechanical, electrical, gas exposure hazards, fumes, dusts, mists, gases and /or poor ventilation atmospheric conditions
•  Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds frequently                       
• See, hear, talk, and perform tasks requiring manual dexterity.                                
• Operate standard office equipment.      
• Working conditions may include travel to work sites of Essential Utilities and/or other constituents (if applicable)