Director, Grid Operations

Lead the operation of a large and complex distribution grid while shaping how it will operate tomorrow.

As Director, Grid Operations, you will be accountable for the safe, reliable and resilient operation of Toronto’s electrical distribution system, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, serving the customers and communities who depend on it. Reporting to the VP, Distribution Operations, you will lead the control room, dispatch, emergency response and operational technology teams that keep the lights on and enable the delivery of Toronto Hydro’s capital and maintenance programs.

You will also lead the development and implementation of modernization strategies for the tools, systems and processes at the heart of grid operations, enabling better real-time decision-making and a safer, more reliable and resilient grid. Working closely with internal business units, external partners, Hydro One and the IESO, this is a senior leadership role where day-to-day reliability meets long-term grid modernization.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Accountable for the safe, reliable and resilient operation of the distribution system 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Builds strong relationships and coordinates with Hydro One, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), perimeter utilities, other agencies and large customers.
• Sets the direction for real-time work management to enable effective event response and the efficient delivery of construction, maintenance and commissioning activities.
• Directs emergency grid response and restoration, serving as the senior escalation point during system disturbances and strengthening readiness for extreme weather and other events that test system resilience.
• Sets the strategy to modernize and continuously improve the core operational tools, systems and platforms critical to the control and operation of the grid.
• Drives the adoption of advanced grid control, operational technology and analytics capabilities, partnering with technology and cybersecurity teams to strengthen the security and resilience of operational systems.
• Advances a human and organizational performance (HOP) approach to safety by designing work and controls that anticipate human error, learning from events and everyday work, and equipping leaders to own safety outcomes across planned and emergency work.
• Builds and develops a strong leadership, technical and field talent pipeline through coaching, performance management, succession and development, while engaging employees in achieving corporate and departmental goals.
• Fosters a high-performance culture rooted in respect, curiosity, learning and accountability.
• Owns operating and capital budgets and departmental performance, driving improvement across people, financial, operational and customer measures and overseeing outsourced service agreements to achieve established performance expectations.
• Ensures compliance with regulatory, quality and operating standards through effective governance, policies, procedures and operational controls.
• Represents Toronto Hydro with industry partners and associations, building relationships and influencing practices that support effective distribution operations.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate degree in Engineering, Business, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Seven (7) or more years of progressive leadership experience, including experience leading leaders and managing operating and capital budgets.
• Ten (10) or more years of experience in utility operations, including areas such as control centre operations, trouble dispatch/response, and distribution construction and maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of electrical distribution operations, control room operations, emergency management, work execution practices, and 24/7 work management for both response and planned work.
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable safe work practices, procedures and requirements, including the Utility Work Protection Code and risk management principles.
• Knowledge of distribution operations systems and platforms and how electrical distribution systems are configured and operated, including radial, loop and secondary mesh networks.
• Strong financial and business acumen, with demonstrated project management capability.
• Strategic thinking and strong written and verbal communication, stakeholder engagement and change management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, including the ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain composure under pressure.
• Strong people leadership capability, including performance management and labour relations.
• Experience leading in a unionized environment and building constructive relationships with union leadership is preferred.
• Experience leading in a 24/7/365 operational environment is preferred.

TOTAL REWARDS:

To support the overall well-being and success of our employees, Toronto Hydro provides a comprehensive total rewards package which includes:

• 100% employer paid Health & Dental benefits
• 24/7 access to Employee & Family Assistance Program and Virtual Healthcare
• Company-paid life insurance and long term disability
• Spending account to support fitness goals (e.g. gym memberships)
• Competitive paid time off (including vacation and parental leave)
• Defined Benefits Pension Plan through OMERS
• Career development and tuition reimbursement
• Exciting employee engagement and appreciation events throughout the year

This position is based in a hybrid environment allowing for remote work two days per week, based on business needs. Employees will be required to come onsite Tuesday to Thursday. You are expected to live in Ontario and within reasonable commuting distance of the office.

#lihybrid

Toronto Hydro is committed to leveraging new technologies to support an efficient and inclusive recruitment process. As part of this, artificial intelligence (AI) systems may be used to assist in screening, assessing, or selecting applicants for this position. These tools are used in combination with human decision-making to ensure fairness and consistency. 

ACCESSIBILITY AND APPLICATION SUPPORT

Toronto Hydro is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Thank you for considering a career with Toronto Hydro. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. If you’re having difficulty using our online application system and require accommodation, please email hr_talent@torontohydro.com or call (416) 542-8000. Toronto Hydro is pleased to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals throughout the job application process. Please note this email is for accommodation requests only. Resumes sent to this email address will not be considered. Learn more about our commitment to accessibility.