Director of Operations

Welland Hydro-Electric System Corp. delivers power to more than 26,000 residential and business customers in the City of Welland with a history as a proven top performer in service delivery, efficiency, safety and system reliability. 

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the Operations department, which includes managing line maintenance, metering, stores, fleet, facilities maintenance, and health and safety. This role ensures that all construction, maintenance, and operational services meet regulatory standards, manages relationships with key stakeholders, and leads the implementation of Welland Hydro’s Health and Safety Management Program, focusing on policy development, training, and compliance.

Main Responsibilities:

• Ensure all procedures and policies adopted by the Corporation or set forth by regulation and/or legislation are followed.
• Lead and direct construction and maintenance projects, ensuring efficient execution and strict adherence to all applicable regulations.
• Manage a monthly work plan, inclusive of weekly work crew assignments in accordance with the Distribution System Plan.
• Develop and monitor departmental budgets with the assistance of the finance and regulatory department as required.
• Oversee the execution of Welland Hydro’s Health and Safety Management System, ensuring strict adherence to policies, standard operating procedures, and corrective actions.
• Ensure full regulatory compliance with health and safety standards, including staff training, inspections, and managing contractor safety through pre-qualification activities and ongoing monitoring.
• Oversee maintenance activities for fleet and facilities, ensuring compliance with certification and regulatory requirements.
• Approve and review fleet replacement schedules within budget limits, while addressing technical issues and researching new tools and processes to enhance operational efficiency.
• Ensure all revenue metering installations comply with Measurement Canada and other regulatory agencies, while providing leadership to metering staff on installations, safety protocols, and data accuracy improvements.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the terms and parameters outlined in the Collective Agreement.
• Provide leadership in resolving grievances, conciliation and arbitration between the Corporation and union members.
• Perform other related duties as needed or required. 

Qualifications & Requirements:

• A degree in Engineering or related industry field.
• 10+ years’ experience in an electrical transmission or distribution operating environment.
• 5 years’ experience in a supervisory role managing non-union and unionized employees.
• A combination of academic credentials and background experience which demonstrates understanding/familiarity with the electric industry, or which exemplifies a viable/desirable transfer of skills and abilities from other industry sectors.
• Familiar with the development, monitoring and compliance with departmental budgets and basic accounting functions.
• Significant work experience in a unionized workplace.
• Experience with resource planning, scheduling and crew management to maximize productivity, efficiency and ensure safe work practices and quality work are adhered to.
• Advanced knowledge of electrical utility construction standards, distribution system operations, Electrical Distribution Safety Regulation O. Reg. 22/04, Distribution System Code, IHSA Electrical Utility Safety Rules, Ontario Utility Work Protection Code, and Occupational Health and Safety requirements.
• Possess excellent communication skills and have the ability to put together concise, supporting documentation and be able to communicate both written and verbally with all levels of the corporation.
• Valid Class G driver’s license in good standing

Applicants are invited to submit a detailed resume outlining their education, experience and related qualifications, in confidence by 12:00 pm Friday, November 29, 2024, to:

careers@wellandhydro.com

Subject: Director of Operations

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please advise if any accommodations are required to process an application for the advertised position as per the Accessibility Act.  In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection Privacy Act, all information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001 and will only be used during the selection process for the subject posting.