VP of Regulatory Affairs

Founded in 1866, San Jose Water Company is an investor owned water company headquartered in Silicon Valley. With a service area of 140 square miles, it is one of the largest and most technically sophisticated urban water system in the United States. We serve over 1 million people with high quality, life sustaining water, with an emphasis on exceptional customer service.

We are actively seeking talented, driven and highly-productive applicants for the position of VP of Regulatory Affairs to join our dynamic team. We offer a challenging and rewarding work environment along with a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Regulatory Affairs provides enterprise-wide leadership for all regulatory strategy, filings, proceedings, and stakeholder engagement before the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and other regulatory bodies. This role is accountable for developing and executing a proactive regulatory strategy that supports high quality, reliable service; just and reasonable rates; infrastructure investment; affordability; and long-term financial and operational sustainability.

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs serves as the primary interface with regulators, policymakers, consumer advocates, and external stakeholders, and advises the President and senior leadership on regulatory risk, opportunity, and outcomes.

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs serves as the primary interface with regulators, policymakers, consumer advocates, and external stakeholders, and advises the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, and senior leadership on regulatory risk, opportunity, and outcomes.

Specific Responsibilities

Regulatory Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and lead the Company’s long-term regulatory strategy, aligning rate design, cost recovery, capital planning, and policy positions with corporate objectives and customer affordability.
• Anticipate and influence regulatory, legislative, and policy trends impacting California utilities and proactively position the Company for favorable outcomes.
• Serve as the executive owner of the Company’s regulatory roadmap, balancing compliance, innovation, and risk management.

CPUC Proceedings & Filings

• Oversee all major CPUC filings, including General Rate Cases, Cost of Capital proceedings, Advice Letters, Applications, and compliance filings.
• Ensure filings are accurate, defensible, timely, and strategically positioned, supported by sound analysis and testimony.
• Direct the preparation of expert testimony and coordinate internal and external witnesses.

Stakeholder & External Engagement

• Act as the Company’s primary executive representative before the CPUC, Administrative Law Judges, the Public Advocates Office, and intervenors.
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with regulators, staff, industry associations, legislators, and local governments.
• Represent the Company in industry forums, working groups, and policy discussions.

President and Sr. Leadership Advisory

• Provide clear, concise regulatory guidance to the President and executive leadership team.
• Distill complex regulatory matters into concise, decision-ready insights, articulating financial, operational, reputational, and customer implications.
• Support President and Sr. Leadership decision-making on capital investments, rate strategy, and long-term planning.

Cross-Functional Integration

• Partner closely with Finance, Legal, Operations, Engineering, Customer Service, Communications, IT, and Government Affairs.
• Ensure regulatory positions are informed by operational realities and customer experience considerations.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify, assess, and manage regulatory risks, including adverse decisions and compliance exposure.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and CPUC orders.
• Lead post-decision implementation and compliance tracking.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing regulatory organization.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure succession planning and organizational resilience within the regulatory function.

Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance or Accounting, Economics, Engineering, Public Policy, Law, or a related field.
• 10 years of progressive regulatory experience, including senior leadership roles within a California regulated utility or regulatory agency.
• Deep expertise with CPUC proceedings, processes, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, high-stakes rate cases and regulatory negotiations.
• Exceptional executive communication and influence skills.

Preferred

• Advanced degree (MBA, MPA, JD, or equivalent).
• Experience in water, energy, or other capital-intensive regulated utility sectors.
• Experience presenting to Boards of Directors and executive committees.

Core Competencies

• Regulatory strategy and judgment
• Executive-level communication and influence
• Stakeholder negotiation and relationship management
• Financial and rate design acumen
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• People leadership and talent development

EEO Statement
Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.