Operations and Non-revenue Water (NRW) Manager at Embu Water And Sanitation Company

JOB REFERENCE: EWASCO/HR/TECH/001/2026

• Reporting to the Head of Technical Services, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating all water distribution activities including plant operations, Non-Revenue Water management, quality assurance and maintenance of minimal levels of water wastage.

Key Responsibilities

Managerial Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and coordination in managing water distribution, sewerage, quality assurance, and non-revenue water functions to ensure efficient utility operations.
• Deliver effective leadership and supervision to departmental staff, fostering performance and professional development.
• Ensure adequacy and proper allocation of working tools, resources, and infrastructure necessary for all operational functions.
• Participate actively in preparing comprehensive annual departmental budgets, ensuring alignment with operational goals.
• Oversee budget compliance by monitoring spending prudently and timely, adhering to approved financial limits.
• Conduct performance management activities for sections under supervision, including evaluation and improvement initiatives.
• Guarantee timely and accurate reporting of sectional performance to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Develop, implement, and maintain sound systems, policies, and procedures to support the effective and compliant functioning of the department.

Operational Responsibilities

• Prepare designs and bills of quantities for various water-related projects to guide project execution and resource estimation.
• Ensure achievement of set targets related to water distribution and plant deliverables through effective operational oversight.
• Develop and submit proposals for water distribution projects, advancing continuous system improvements.
• Establish and maintain collaborative networks with key stakeholders, including government bodies and private institutions, to facilitate effective technical operations.
• Analyze operating targets, modes of operation, and sectional performance to anticipate challenges; implement mitigation measures to resolve operational issues proactively.
• Improve operational quality by evaluating processes, recommending redesigns, workflow modifications, and team structure adjustments to enhance efficiency.
• Set operational priorities by assessing objectives, ensuring efficiency, cost savings, safety, environmental quality, and timeliness in achieving goals.
• Identify and troubleshoot operational problems through monitoring system performance, investigating complaints, and incorporating feedback from supervisors and operators.
• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by enforcing internal and statutory standards and procedures.
• Collect, analyze, compile, and submit required reports to management and regulatory bodies to maintain transparency and accountability.
• Engage in continuous professional development to stay current with engineering and operational trends, including evolving industry standards and technologies.
• Perform any other duties as assigned to support department and utility objectives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Key Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Water Engineering
• At least 10 years’ experience, 3 of which should be in a managerial position.
• Must have experience in the design of water and wastewater infrastructure

Key Skills

• Proficiency in ICT with strong MS office and internet ability
• Excellent Networking and stakeholder management abilities
• Strong project management abilities
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal relations
• Strong leadership skills
• Problem solving skills

Key Attributes

• Teamwork
• Independence of mind
• Confidentiality, integrity and honesty
• Objectivity
• Professionalism
• Good judgement
• Time management
• Strategic insight
• Attention to detail