🚀 Director, Rates and Regulatory

Director, Rates and Regulatory

American Water – Sacramento, CA

Overview

Key member of California and Hawaii senior leadership team overseeing planning and execution of state rate and regulatory strategy. Drives execution of rate cases, regulatory filings, and strategy coordination across California and Hawaii.

Compensation

Base salary range: $124,800 – $198,900. Eligible for annual incentive pay and continued salary growth. Comprehensive benefits package includes 401(k), defined contribution plan, employee stock purchase plan, medical, prescription, dental, vision coverage, disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, and health and wellness programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead or co‑lead the regulatory approval process for acquisitions and build a diverse talent pipeline.
• Oversee complex rate and regulatory proceedings for California and Hawaii, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Serve as subject matter expert, advising California and Hawaii operations on rates and regulatory matters.
• Represent California and Hawaii operations in rate and regulatory matters internally and to external regulators, government stakeholders, and industry groups.
• Develop and coach employees to their fullest potential, ensuring training in leadership behaviors and complex regulatory policies.

Key Accountabilities

• Shape, drive, and influence rate case, clause mechanism, and regulatory strategy and policy in collaboration with California and Hawaii and functional leadership teams.
• Ensure coordination of California and Hawaii rates and regulatory strategy with American Water rates and regulatory policy objectives.
• Provide proactive advice and expertise to executives, senior managers, and employees.
• Contribute to formulation of American Water’s policies and procedures and ensure compliance.
• Direct, plan, and project manage the rate case process for California and Hawaii.
• Plan, manage, and execute end‑to‑end rate case process including filing and prosecution, negotiating settlements, public hearings, and evidentiary hearings.

Knowledge

• Expert in utility rate and regulation, leading a team of professionals.
• Advanced knowledge of US GAAP, accounting requirements, and regulatory practices.
• Detailed understanding of state‑specific regulations and political and economic factors.

Skills

• Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Effective leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Expert witness in rate and regulatory proceedings.
• Ability to manage multiple complex cases across jurisdictions simultaneously.

Experience / Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or related field (MBA preferred).
• 10+ years driving and executing rate cases and regulatory filings in multiple jurisdictions.
• 5+ years supervisory experience or equivalent.
• Experience managing and coaching direct reports and establishing career development plans.
• Experience in matrixed multi‑state utility environments strongly preferred.

Travel Requirements

Up to 25% travel.

Work Environment

Standard office environment.

Competencies

• Prioritizes & Role Models Safety
• Self‑Awareness
• Develops Talent
• Plans, Aligns, & Directs
• Drives Engagement
• Decision Quality