The City of Grand Rapids has entrusted Management Business Solutions as a strategic recruitment partner in their pursuit of a Utilities Director to join their office in Grand Rapids, MI. Aligned with The City of Grand Rapids’ robust talent strategies, we have meticulously structured our processes to adeptly identify, screen, and recruit qualified candidates for this pivotal opening.
About Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids, Michigan’s second-largest city, is a vibrant and growing community of more than 200,000 residents. Located on the banks of the Grand River just 30 miles east of Lake Michigan, Grand Rapids is one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant mid-sized cities in the Midwest. Known for its blend of urban energy and natural beauty, the city offers an exceptional quality of life with a low cost of living, short commutes, and a thriving arts, food, and craft beer scene. Whether enjoying a concert downtown, exploring hundreds of miles of trails and parks, or spending weekends on the lake shore, residents of Grand Rapids enjoy the perfect balance of professional opportunity and lifestyle.
Why Grand Rapids?
- Livable & Welcoming– A city where people come to stay, offering a balance of career opportunities, family-friendly living, and a welcoming community.
- Thriving Economy– Anchored by healthcare, advanced manufacturing, technology, and a nationally celebrated craft beverage industry.
- Culture & Arts– Home to ArtPrize, Frederik Meijer Gardens, live music, museums, and a dynamic local food scene.
- Innovation & Sustainability– A city committed to environmental stewardship and long-term growth planning.
- Outdoor Living– Access to parks, trails, the Grand River, and Lake Michigan beaches just 30 minutes away.
- Quality of Life– Affordable cost of living, diverse neighborhoods, top-ranked schools, and a strong sense of community.
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JOB SUMMARY: This is advanced professional, managerial and leadership work involving the planning, organizing, implementing and directing of programs and activities involving public utilities, including water purification, pumping and distribution, wastewater treatment, collection system maintenance, stormwater management, environmental management, and related engineering and support functions. Work is performed under the executive direction of the Assistant City Manager. Supervision is exercised directly or indirectly over all employees in the Water, ESD, Stormwater, and ELC departments.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Plans, organizes, prioritizes, and provides strategic direction for the activities of the departments and assures the total operational effectiveness of the operations under their supervision.
- Establishes and implements operational policies, goals and objectives for the departments and operations under their supervision.
- Manages the work of administrative project teams.
- Ensures system operations comply with state and federal guidelines and standards.
- Directs development and implementation of safety programs.
- Directs and supervises work on major projects to ensure specifications and project timeliness are met.
- Prepares and presents the annual and multi-year budgets for the departments and operations under their supervision; determines capital resource needs and financing requests; oversees financial performance of the departments and operations under their supervision.
- Plans and participates in technical and administrative studies and reviews reports of program needs and accomplishments.
- Works closely with members of the Utility Advisory Board and the Grand Valley Regional Biosolids Authority.
- Maintains records and prepares reports on a variety of subjects.
- Evaluates the work of division heads and support staff; identifies training needs; provides work counseling as needed.
- Evaluates needs for facilities and services related to freshwater treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, stormwater management; assesses financing possibilities and available resources in relation to needs; recommends priorities accordingly and develops programs to obtain objectives.
- Coordinates activities with contractors; confers with state, local, and federal government officials; confers with business and civic leaders, addresses concerns, and gives speeches before groups and professional organizations; explains department activities to the media.
- Participates on various city and community committees, task forces, and the like.
- Provides leadership as a senior member of the City’s team.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Possession of a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, or public administration.
AND
- Seven (7) years of managerial experience in a field related to utilities management involving water, stormwater, and/or wastewater systems.
OR
- Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience.
- 3 years of demonstrated participation in national and/or state professional organizations such as the Water Environment Federation, American Water Works Association, American Public Works Association, or other related groups.
- Possession of an “F1” or “S1” license as issued by the Michigan Department of EGLE (Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy) is desirable.
- Class A Wastewater license, issued by EGLE.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:
- Stewardship of Resources- Ethical and sustainable management of all resources in a way that supports long-term wellbeing, equity, and resilience.
- Decision Quality- Making timely and informed decisions based on sound judgment, analysis, and stakeholder impact.
- Strategic Planning & Prioritization- Aligning efforts with goals and prioritizing tasks based on impact, urgency, and resources.
- Organizational & Community Savvy- Understanding and navigating internal and external dynamics, policies, and relationships to build positive influence.
- Continuous Improvement- Implementing creative, inclusive, and adaptive solutions that improve outcomes and support collaboration.
- Emotional Intelligence- Recognizing and managing one’s own emotions while showing empathy and adaptability in relationships.
- Servant Leadership- Prioritizes the growth, well-being, and needs of others while sustaining their own capacity and well-being to serve effectively.
- Effective Communication- Sharing timely, clear, and audience-appropriate information that fosters understanding and collaboration.
- Instills Trust- Demonstrating integrity, reliability, and transparency to earn and maintain the confidence of others.
- Manages Complexity- Breaking down complicated issues, anticipating outcomes, and adapting with clarity and logic.
- Drives Results- Achieving meaningful outcomes by setting goals, mobilizing resources, and maintaining focus and perseverance.
- Inclusive Leadership- Fostering a culture of belonging by valuing diverse perspectives, addressing systemic inequities, and modeling equity-driven behaviors to ensure all individuals feel respected, empowered, and included.
How to Apply:Use the apply feature in this listing -The Application Deadline is November 8th. The recruitment will remain open until the position has been filled.
MANAGEMENT BUSINESS SOLUTIONS & THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS ARE EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
