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The Deputy Director, Engineering at South Platte Renew (SPR) presents an exciting leadership opportunity for a visionary engineering professional. This role is central to shaping the future of SPR by driving the strategic direction and operational success of a dynamic engineering team. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Deputy Director oversees critical engineering functions, including the capital improvement plan (CIP), electrical instrumentation & controls (EI&C), construction management, asset management, renewable natural gas (RNG) programs, and much more. This position offers the chance to lead research and development through SPR’s Pilot and Research Center (PARC), optimize resources, and champion SPR’s mission to deliver sustainable, cutting-edge solutions to the communities it serves. The Deputy Director’s contributions will directly influence the organization’s success, making a lasting impact on the environment and inspiring innovation across the water industry.

As a key member of SPR’s executive leadership team, the Deputy Director collaborates to develop, align, and execute forward-thinking organizational strategy and present compelling business cases to the Supervisory Committee and City Councils to secure support for key initiatives. Preparing the annual budget, forecasting costs, and ensuring compliance with SPR’s procurement policies and best practices will be essential to maximizing fiscal responsibility. Additionally, the Deputy Director builds and maintains strong partnerships with the Cities of Englewood and Littleton, consultants, contractors, vendors, universities, and other utilities.

This role directs the diverse functions of the Engineering division, ensuring alignment with the vision and mission of SPR and both the Cities of Englewood and Littleton. The Deputy Director leads large-scale capital projects for wastewater services from planning to construction, coordinating with consultants, contractors, and external agencies. They are responsible for the development and implementation of essential organizational programs, including PARC, asset management, and RNG. The oversight of these engineering and construction projects and programs ensure that all engineering initiatives align with and accomplish SPR’s strategic priorities.

Mentorship and guidance of the Engineering team are key aspects of the role, as the Deputy Director fosters growth, collaboration, and effective communication across all levels of the organization while also driving the development, implementation, and administration of engineering projects and programs. Supervision of assigned staff includes coaching and mentorship, goal setting, teambuilding, training and development, resource allocations, and ensuring accountability. Demonstrating respect for diversity and adapting communication styles to accommodate different perspectives is essential.

Priorities

• Collaborate with the team to realize the current projects identified in the CIP and Master Plan. In preparation for future initiatives, collaborate with the City of Englewood and the City of Littleton to identify funding. Develop budgets, forecast and track expenditures, and allocate resources efficiently to ensure successful project implementation.
• Partner effectively with colleagues to develop and implement innovative strategies and creative solutions that support SPR’s mission and achieve sustainable, safe, and efficient water renewal operations.
• Foster a high-performance culture that empowers individuals, cultivates organizational excellence, develops leaders, and prepares the next generation of water professionals.
• Serve as the Executive sponsor for several projects, including a three-year project to improve the electrical and instrumentation infrastructure, installation of electrical equipment, design for sidestream anammox treatment, and design and construction of the Pilot and Research Center Solids Site, among others.
• Lead the continued success of the Pilot and Research Center Program. Ensure the program remains an innovative and collaborative hub for developing sustainable solutions in the renewal industry through partnerships with vendors, manufacturers, educational institutions, and other utilities and research facilities.
• Actively champion innovation within the wastewater industry. Create new opportunities to integrate and interface with industry leaders, sharing successes from innovative efforts and pilot projects that lead to industrywide advancements.
• Build effective relationships with the City of Englewood Utilities by educating, consulting, partnering, and recognizing the connections that facilitate greater efficiencies and improved outcomes.

The Successful Candidate

The Deputy Director, Engineering is a strategic, forward-thinking leader who is passionate about renewing water and is excited by the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across SPR to ensure its long-term sustainability. The Deputy Director is a realistic change agent with the commitment and confidence to assume a leadership role in an industry-leading organization. The successful candidate values transformation and believes in agility and adaptability to support innovation and performance excellence, while seamlessly ensuring alignment with organizational strategic plans, goals, and values.

Focused on high-level strategic outcomes, the Deputy Director understands how to bridge technical expertise with broader organizational goals. Supporting a culture that embraces diverse ideas and new opportunities, the Deputy Director, Engineering offers confidence grounded in experience to make balanced decisions for the best outcomes. The successful candidate is known for being calm under pressure while balancing excitement and passion with patience and flexibility, recognizing when to push forward and when to pull back. They build organic and dynamic relationships both internally and externally, fostering a sense of shared purpose. The Deputy Director effectively partners with the executive leadership team to align people, resources, and programs to better position the organization to deliver on its key strategic outcomes and respond to future challenges and opportunities.

A strategic mindset is essential in anticipating future trends and translating them into actionable strategies that support SPR’s long-term goals. The Deputy Director plans and prioritizes work effectively, ensuring initiatives align with broader organizational objectives and anticipating the steps needed for success. Skilled in analyzing complex engineering problems, the Deputy Director uncovers root causes and evaluates potential solutions. The Deputy Director is also empowered to make independent decisions on design standards, permitting issues, and technical challenges, providing leadership in engineering design, construction, and operations.

With a proactive growth mindset, the Deputy Director provides engineering leadership and is energized by the possibilities of the future. They embrace piloting innovative ideas while steering clear of unnecessary changes, ensuring each initiative is thoughtfully aligned with a clear and purpose-driven mission. Furthermore, the Deputy Director manages their division holistically, balancing creative exploration with practical execution. They do not get bogged down in the weeds but elevate the work of confident and competent team members, connecting the dots between diverse work requirements and the broader mission.

Qualifications

A minimum of 10 years of increasingly responsible experience in project and program management with knowledge of current or developing technologies in wastewater treatment is required. Prior experience in long-range planning of utility systems and administration of utility services is ideal. At least three years in a management role with direct experience building and maintaining a high-functioning team is essential, as is prior experience working with diverse stakeholder groups. A sound financial background with direct experience developing and managing budgets, including capital budgets, is required.

A bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering or a related engineering field is required, with an advanced degree in engineering, business administration, or public administration preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant job experience may be substituted. A Colorado Professional Engineer license or the ability to obtain licensure in Colorado is required. Formal Project or Program Management certifications or training is ideal.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for the Deputy Director, Engineering is $146,880 – $220,320 and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate. South Platte Renew offers competitive benefits that support employees’ professional and personal well-being, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement planning with generous matching, paid time off and wellness programs, professional development and training opportunities, and meaningful work with direct environmental impact. Additional information can be viewed here.

To Be Considered

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. Open until filled with the first review of applications on March 5, 2025.

Questions

Please direct questions to Heather Gantz at [email protected] or Robert Colichio at [email protected].

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