Director, IT Infrastructure and Operational Technology

Job description

Who We Are Nexus Water Group is a leading regulated water and wastewater utility serving more than 1.3 million people across 12 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces. “Nexus” means connection. Through the essential water and wastewater services we deliver, we have a very personal connection to the people, businesses, and communities we serve. This is why our operations are locally led and managed. Every day, over 1,200 professionals deliver vital, safe, and reliable service through over 670 water systems and 360 wastewater systems. Overview The Director, IT Infrastructure and Operational Technology leads the strategy, security, and performance of IT infrastructure and operational technology (OT) systems that support safe, reliable water and wastewater operations. This role will oversee both IT Infrastructure and OT Security functions, ensuring strong integration between enterprise systems and industrial control environments. You’ll partner closely with cybersecurity and operational teams to maintain secure, reliable, and modern technology environments that enable continuous service delivery. Work Location Role is based at our Sugar Land, TX office Primarily office-based with some travel to operational and field locations (up to 20%) What We Offer Paid Time Off: Starting at 3 weeks annually along with 11 company-paid holidays. Health and Wellness Benefits: The first day of the month after your start, you’ll have access to your health, dental, prescription and vision benefits to help you stay well. 401(k) Program with Matching Contribution: We offer a 100% match on contributions up to 4% of your salary, plus an additional 3% employer contribution. Grow With Us: Professional development opportunities through training, professional certifications, and education allowance. Additional Benefits: Other great benefits include company provided life insurance and Employee Assistance Program just to name a few. What You'll Do In this role, the Director, IT Infrastructure and Operational Technology will: Lead two functional teams - an Operational Technology (OT) Security team overseeing industrial control systems and SCADA, and an IT Infrastructure team overseeing data centers, networks, cloud platforms, unified communications, and telecommunications Lead and execute IT and OT strategy aligned with business goals, regulatory requirements, and capital planning Ensure reliability, availability, and lifecycle management of systems supporting utility operations Partner with Cybersecurity to maintain a strong security posture across IT and OT environments Develop teams across IT Infrastructure and OT Security, building a culture of accountability and continuous improvement Manage capital and operating budgets, vendor relationships, and strategic technology partnerships Establish performance metrics, service levels, and operational processes to support a 24/7 utility environment Serve as a senior technology advisor to leadership and represent the organization in industry and regulatory forums What You'll Bring Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field 10+ years of progressive IT leadership experience 5+ years of experience working with operational technology systems (e.g., SCADA, RTUs, PLCs) in a utility, energy, or critical infrastructure environment Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record Preferred (Nice to Have) Experience supporting cybersecurity frameworks, such as NIST CSF Experience leading large, cross-functional technology teams Experience managing large-scale technology investments and vendor partnerships Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure (networks, cloud platforms, data centers, telecommunications) Experience with industrial control systems and industrial networking protocols Understanding of cybersecurity principles in regulated environments Ability to lead and develop technical teams across multiple disciplines Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences Ability to balance operational reliability with modernization and long-term strategy About Our Company We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state, or local law. We are an E-Verify participating employer.