Innovation Consulting

Compensation

Full Description

Remote (California-based preferred, minimal travel to San Jose, CA) $170K$230K DOE + Immediate Benefits About the Role We are seeking a plug-and-play Senior Program Manager to lead the delivery of critical drinking-water well projects for one of Californias largest water utilities. This role requires a proven track record managing California-specific permitting and regulatory approvals (CEQA, DDW, CUP, RWQCB, county well ordinances), as well as hands-on leadership of multi-million-dollar capital delivery programs. This is not a learning opportunity we need someone who can step in on day one and own permitting conversations with agencies, anticipate challenges, and keep complex well development projects on track. Key Responsibilities • Lead program delivery of new potable water well development, rehabilitation of existing wells, and treatment facility tie-ins. • Manage all aspects of California permitting: • CEQA (IS/MNDs, EIRs) • State Water Board Division of Drinking Water (DDW) approvals • County Well Ordinances and Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) • Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) discharge permits • Serve as the permitting authority within the project team able to answer agency questions and guide consultants and contractors through the approval process. • Drive program controls, including scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and reporting. • Develop and maintain project dashboards and performance metrics in MS Project and Power BI. • Coordinate cross-functional teams, contractors, and subconsultants to ensure timely and compliant delivery. • Provide executive-level updates, status reports, and recommendations to utility leadership. Required Qualifications • 10+ years of program/project management experience in California utility capital delivery. • Minimum 5 years managing drinking-water well projects (new, rehab, or treatment-related). • Direct, proven experience with California permitting, including CEQA, DDW approvals, CUPs, county well ordinances, and RWQCB discharge permits. • Strong stakeholder management, contractor oversight, and team leadership skills. • Proficiency in MS Project and Power BI. • Excellent communication and executive reporting ability. Preferred Qualifications • California Professional Engineer (PE) license. • PMP or PgMP certification. • Experience with PFAS-impacted wells or advanced treatment projects. • Prior leadership at a California water utility, municipal water agency, or consulting firm delivering water well permitting projects. Compensation & Benefits • Salary Range: $170,000 to $230,000 per year • Immediate comprehensive benefits (no waiting period): • Medical, dental, and vision via Covered California (40+ plans to choose from) • Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) contributions: • Employee only: $6,600/year ($550/month) • Employee + one: $10,320/year ($860/month) • Family: $14,040/year ($1,170/month) • Carryover up to $5,000 per year • 401(k) with safe-harbor matching: 100% vested day one, dollar-for-dollar match up to 6% + discretionary annual supplemental match • Paid Time Off: • Holidays: ~11 days/year (utility holiday schedule) • Sick: 40 hours/year, bi-weekly accrual, carryover allowed • Vacation: • 02 years: 2 weeks (80 hours) • 34 years: 3 weeks (120 hours) • 5+ years: 4 weeks (160 hours) • Discount program on memberships, travel, electronics, and more • Professional development & career growth opportunities • Supportive, collaborative work environment Ready to step in as a permitting leader? Apply today with your resume or connect directly for a confidential discussion.