Description

General Manager Search

Fairfax Water has engaged the executive search firm, Korn Ferry, to manage the recruitment of its next General Manager. Additional information about the position is below.

If you have questions, or would like to apply, please send your resume to [email protected].

The Role

The General Manager plans, directs, and coordinates the operations of Fairfax Water and the utility’s 500+ professionals. This executive reports directly to the Board of Directors, composed of ten Fairfax County citizens appointed by the elected Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

The GM of Fairfax Water is responsible for ensuring that the utility remains a respected industry leader, upholding its customers’ trust by providing water of exceptional quality and reliability, at a reasonable price, while supporting the high quality of life and economic vitality of the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide actionable insights and recommendations to the Board to inform governance and strategic decisions.
• Direct operations in alignment with regulatory requirements, Board policies, and industry standards.
• Execute and report progress on strategic initiatives, including Strategic Plan 2030.
• Lead system planning efforts to ensure long-term supply reliability and infrastructure resilience.
• Oversee operating and capital budgets, including a large-scale, long-term capital improvement program.
• Guide financing strategies, rate setting, and overall financial performance, including debt management.
• Advance technology modernization, cybersecurity, and operational efficiency initiatives.
• Build and lead a high-performing organization, including talent development, succession planning, and workforce strategy.
• Develop strong relationships with regulators, elected officials, wholesale partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Champion water quality, regulatory compliance, sustainability, and system reliability initiatives.

Requirements

Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of senior leadership experience in utilities or comparable infrastructure-intensive sectors.
• Deep knowledge of utility operations, regulatory frameworks, and industry best practices.
• Proven track record managing large-scale capital programs ($100M+) and complex projects.
• Demonstrated financial acumen, including budgeting, rate structures, and fiscal oversight.
• Strong leadership and organizational capability, including team building and talent development.
• Experience driving strategy execution and organizational transformation at scale.
• Strong political acumen and experience operating in highly visible, regulated environments.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, communication, and influence skills across public and private sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, collaborate, and build trust across diverse constituencies.
• Undergraduate degree from an accredited institution is required; advanced degree preferred (engineering, business, finance, or related field).