Vice President, Distribution Operations

Toronto Hydro is a leading electricity utility committed to delivering excellent customer service, providing a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and delivering long-term value to the city of Toronto. As a diverse, inclusive and high performing organization, we accelerate the city’s modernization, growth and sustainability in a safe and innovative manner. As we navigate a rapidly evolving energy landscape, we are seeking a Vice President, Distribution Operations.

As a member of the Senior Leadership team, the Vice President will have direct accountability for provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the end-to-end execution of distribution operations processes for the organization. Operations include design and construction (performed for internal resources), control centre, power system event management (dispatch), grid response, grid operations technology and analytics, stations and distribution automation, streetlighting operations and management and metering operations.  The incumbent will manage the relationships, attainment and performance for all elements of the portfolio, including safety management, performance management, adherence to standards and quality, budget and schedule attainment and resourcing. They will foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture, leading and mentoring a diverse team, identifying best practices and opportunities for improvement in safety, productivity, and technology. They will also be responsible for root cause identification in reliability, quality, and failure investigations to ensure continual improvement and operational excellence.

In this role the Vice President will have a major cross-functional impact within Toronto Hydro, and in turn, on the City of Toronto, our customers, and other critical stakeholders with a focus in developing and executing organizational strategy, and be fully accountable for delivering on Toronto Hydro’s commitments to stakeholders.

The incumbent is expected to behave ethically and follow the established code of business conduct, policies and internal control procedures, laws and regulations governing Toronto Hydro.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees and guides the forecasting, planning, execution and reporting for the on time, on budget, end-to-end design and construction of planned and operating distribution system and distributions stations program portfolio.

• Develops business unit plans to build capabilities and drive productivity in internally executed work program design and construction to advance organizational strategies and productivity to achieve outcomes and agility in the delivery of capital and operating program execution.

• Oversees the safe and efficient coordination and control of work on the distribution system arising from capital and operating programs and system disturbances 365 days/year and 24 hours/day, safe and reliable operation and control of distribution system in coordination with the provincial transmitter (HONI) and control authority (IESO), perimeter utilities, other agencies, and large customers 365 days/year and 24 hours/day, the development of “real time” work management processes, systems, and procedures to support efficient delivery of dispatch services to first responder agencies (PFA), system repair and maintenance calls, and customer-initiated requests and emergency grid response field operations. 

• Acts as escalated point of contact to resolve execution work program issues and risks and system disturbances while collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to develop, review and implement solutions as required and maintain and executes (as needed) Power System restoration plans for the provincial bulk energy system.

• Develops strategies and oversees plans to advance operational technology and analytics to improve distribution system safety, reliability and performance.

• Monitors outcomes and continuously improves as needed to mitigate risks and make recommendations that advance the organization’s position as a partner of choice and build future capabilities to modernize grid operations and maximize the value it provides through advanced technology (i.e. Distribution System Operator, Load Serving Entity).

• Oversees Distribution Operations to confirm that safety and environmental requirements, compliance and standards are met.

• Responsible to achieve organizational goals related to safety, productivity and reliability through safely managing resources effectively, maintaining operational excellence as part of the organization’s internal responsibility system.

• Reviews inspection and investigation findings (proactive and reactive), and acts to continually mitigate risks and create opportunities to improve safety performance.

• Develops strategies and provides leadership for metering and streetlighting operations and management.

• Oversees and guides the forecasting, planning, execution and reporting for the delivery of streetlighting capital and maintenance services, planned and reactive capital and maintenance metering programs (including planned metering infrastructure upgrades).    

• Confirms day-to-day systems, processes and activities are delivered safely, on time, on budget in accordance with quality standards and customer and expectations; while monitoring the net income from unregulated business and directs decision-making for additions or changes to streetlighting program to accelerate or modify annual program and plans in accordance with financial targets for streetlighting operations.

• Coaches and develops a diverse team of senior leaders to facilitate the day-to-day distribution operations functions.

• Confirms systems, processes, standards and methodologies are in place to provide safe, reliable distribution operations activities that comply with required internal and external quality standards and applicable regulations and legislation. 

• Manages business unit performance, attendance, employee labour relations, talent acquisition, development, succession and engagement in accordance with organizational systems and programs and acts to close gaps as required.

• Builds and manages relationships with external contractor vendors (based on scope of role) to confirm capacity and capabilities for capital and operating work program completion and the delivery of distribution stations, streetlighting operations and management and metering operations services for the organization.

• In collaboration with Supply Chain, leads the competitive bid-process for the outsourcing activities within portfolio. Manages compliance and performance based on agreed upon terms and conditions for contracts.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate degree in Engineering; a combination of relevant technical education and utility operations experience may be considered.

• Fifteen (15) or more years experience with a focus on electrical utility operations (design and construction, asset management, engineering). Experience in gas or telecommunications may be considered.

• A minimum of ten (10) years progressive leadership experience, preferably in a unionized environment.

• Registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng) in the Province of Ontario preferred.

• Masters level degree in Business Administration or Engineering preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and managing strategic partnerships with internal/external stakeholders.

• Proven ability to engage with executives, senior leadership teams, and board members (as required) on operational matters.

• Strong knowledge of the utilities sector, including electrical and civil design and construction.

• Senior leadership level problem solving and decision-making, strategic planning and project management skills.

• Strong financial acumen and budget management, including management of budget and scope changes for external projects.

• Crisis and emergency response leadership skills.

• Strong talent development and team leadership skills.

• Strong Influence and negotiation skills.

• Stakeholder management and engagement skills.

• Strong performance management and labour relations management skills.

• Understands best practices in contractor management.

• Invests in building valuable relationships across the organization and externally to support the future of Toronto Hydro.

• Recognizes personal development and a strong organizational culture as integral components of an effective organization supporting diversity, equity and inclusion.

• Invests in innovation, continuous improvement and productivity as essential drivers of long-term sustainability.

• Has a clear sense of corporate direction and expectations, and holds self and others accountable to achieve objectives.

• Manages risks to protect the health and safety of employees and the public, and shows commitment to sustainability.

• Models customer-focussed approach in all decisions and actions.

• Board room verbal and communication skills with an ability to present and communicate concisely and clearly to a variety of audiences, including in times of crisis.

Toronto Hydro has introduced a Hybrid Work Arrangement. This position allows for remote work up to three days per week, based on business needs.  Employees will be required to come onsite on those days when they are involved in activities that they or their leader feel are better conducted in person. You are expected to live in Ontario and within reasonable commuting distance of the office.

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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 our Talent Acquisition team 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.