Director, Standards, Quality & Policy

Responsible for developing the strategy and directing the development and implementation of distribution standards, engineering policies (including Conditions of Service and Offers to Connect), and quality programs that enable the efficient execution of utility work, construction, maintenance, and innovation initiatives across the organization.

The incumbent establishes utility standards and policy, in accordance with prudent asset life cycle analysis principles to optimize investment, manage utility risks and achieve organizational strategies and plans.

This role plays a critical leadership function in shaping how Toronto Hydro’s standards and policies evolve to support emerging technologies, electrification, changing customer expectations, and future system needs. The Director is responsible for enabling innovation through flexible, forward-looking standards and governance frameworks that balance consistency, risk management, and operational effectiveness.

The role also oversees organizational processes associated with customer connections (load and generation), including engineering analysis and Offers to Connect, and leads audit and compliance processes (including Electrical Safety Authority audits). The incumbent serves as a key point of contact for regulatory and external stakeholders and may participate in regulatory proceedings. 

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops strategy and directs systems and processes to support the development and evolution of engineering standards, standard designs, materials, work practices, and planning criteria.
• Leads the development of modern, flexible, and forward-looking standards that enable innovation, support non-traditional solutions, and respond to emerging grid and customer needs.
• Directs cross-functional teams to continuously improve engineering standards and policies to support safe, efficient, and scalable grid operations.
• Acts as a subject matter expert in assessing and managing technical and public safety risks through effective standards and policy frameworks.
• Ensures engineering standards and policies incorporate considerations related to climate change, system resilience, and evolving environmental risks, including the identification and mitigation of asset and infrastructure vulnerabilities.
• Leads the development and execution of quality assurance and quality control programs related to equipment, materials, and work practices.
• Oversees proactive and reactive quality investigations and technical studies to inform improvements to standards, specifications, and execution practices.
• Drives continuous improvement in governance and quality processes, strengthening consistency, accountability, and adoption across the organization.
• Ensures standards and policies are effectively embedded into operational practices and deliver intended outcomes.
• Leads and develops a team of leaders and professionals responsible for standards, quality, and policy functions.
• Drives a strong safety culture by embedding safety considerations into standards, policies, and decision-making processes.
• Provides coaching, performance management, and development to build a high-performing and engaged team.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators, the Electrical Safety Authority, City of Toronto, and industry partners.
• Leads audit processes, ensuring effective execution, gap closure, and reporting.
• Represents Toronto Hydro in industry forums and engages in discussions shaping evolving standards, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering preferred (other engineering disciplines may be considered)
• Ten (10) years professional experience in: utility distribution system planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance, engineering standards and materials
• Five (5) or more years of progressive operations and/or engineering services experience in a direct supervisory leadership capacity. Candidates who have at least 2+ years of senior management experience within this domain would be strongly preferred.
• Registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng) in the Province of Ontario
• Graduate degree – in business or engineering (preferred)
• Strong knowledge of the utilities industry, related regulations, codes, standards, and policies
• Strong knowledge of the distributions system, customer connection implications, system reliability, and protections and control
• Fully proficient in use of MS Office, MS Project, Visio and other PM tools
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making
• Superior verbal and written communication skills; ability to effectively communicate ideas and influence change with people at all levels of the organization
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
• Strong project management skills
• Strong budget and financial management skills
• Strong change management skills

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.