Manager, Distribution Construction

Manager, Distribution Construction

Oshawa PUC Networks Inc., a subsidiary of Oshawa Power & Utilities Corporation, and affiliate of fiber optic, district energy and renewable generation businesses, is the local hydro-electric distribution company that supplies electricity to more than 58,000 customers in the city of Oshawa. Located just 45 minutes east of Toronto off the shores of Lake Ontario, Oshawa serves as the economic engine for the Durham Region. Home to Lakeridge Health, Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa boasts a diversified economy ranging from advanced manufacturing and power generation to information technology and transportation. 

Oshawa PUC Networks Inc. maintains 1000 km of overhead and underground distribution lines within a 150 km² service territory, operated at 44 and 13.8 kV, supplied by 9 distribution and 3 transmission substations. The organization is committed to the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of electricity through responsible financial management, strategic reinvestment and continuous innovation. 

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the VP of Engineering & Operations, the Manager of Distribution Construction will provide leadership, direction and support to a team of supervisors and trades staff engaged in the safe and efficient construction, maintenance and operation of the electrical distribution system. This position is directly accountable for the execution of the capital construction and maintenance programs, the safety of all field staff, special projects, and the timely, appropriate and coordinated response to system emergencies. As a champion of change, innovation will be fostered to implement improvements that achieve safety and productivity gains through the use of new technology, processes and procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

General

• Oversee, direct, coordinate, prioritize and instruct day-to-day operations of trades staff; engage with supervisors and applicable internal teams to ensure effective work scheduling, job planning, and the execution of work orders
• Develop, track, monitor and manage departmental capital and operating budgets; strive for project management excellence and the safe, timely, efficient and cost-effective delivery of services
• Establish and promote a safety centric work culture; monitor, enforce and ensure adherence to all rules, regulations, codes, standard operating procedures and safe work practices.
• Prioritize customer service; focus departmental efforts on meeting and exceeding service delivery targets; advance customer engagement initiatives and communication efforts through the adoption of new technology and tools 
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• Work closely with the control room; ensure effective communication, coordination and dispatch of staff; work to resolve emerging field issues
• Maintain positive working relationships with all departments; participate on committees and working groups as required
• Other duties as assigned

Capital Construction and Maintenance

• Execute the annual capital construction and maintenance programs; establish, verify and prioritize timelines, work objectives, and resource requirements
• Prepare, develop and administer supporting work plans and schedules
• Liaise with construction and maintenance contractors; cultivate effective business relationships; ensure projects are well planned, coordinated and executed
• Work with engineering, capital design and finance to prepare and develop annual capital construction and maintenance budgets; monitor, track and adjust work plans to complete projects on time and within budget; perform variance analysis and prepare progress reports

Management

• Manage supervisory, operations administration, and collective bargaining unit trades staff; provide leadership and team development through effective recruiting, coaching, counselling and mentoring
• Administer the collective agreement and represent management in grievance resolution
• Ensure efficient scheduling, job planning and the daily assignment of work; endeavor to maximize productivity
• Set performance targets; routinely review and provide performance feedback to staff
• Enforce corporate policies, procedures and adherence to construction standards
• Manage attendance, performance, interpersonal and customer interaction issues
• Define department specific training plans to maintain skills proficiency and competence
• Research and develop business cases to introduce new technology, tools and work methods to improve construction, maintenance and operational efficiency
• Create, promote and manage career development plans for staff

Safety & Reliability

• Ensure all corporate and health & safety regulatory requirements for the department are met, including adherence to OHSA, EUSR, UWPC, OESC and Ontario Regulation 22/04
• Work closely with health and safety personnel to continuously improve policy, processes and procedures; ensure monthly safety meetings are conducted; follow-up and address all safety concerns in a timely manner
• Conduct field safety audits of supervisors, trades staff and contractors; ensure PPE is worn and that corporate policies and standard operating procedures are followed
• Ensure all incidents, accidents and near misses are reported and promptly investigated; promote self-reporting; ensure follow-up and completion of identified corrective actions 
• Take ownership of, and champion the timely execution of all projects required to improve system reliability; work with engineering to proactively identify and determine required actions that correct, mitigate and prevent emerging reliability issues from causing substantial impact to system performance
• Report and document all observed system problems, equipment failures and defects; review significant issues and root cause analysis with distribution engineers; help determine corrective actions
• Routinely review and analyze system data and incident reports; recommend upgrades, repairs or design alterations to improve system safety & reliability

QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Must have a relevant journeyperson trades certificate or engineering license in the province of Ontario
• Minimum fifteen (15) years’ experience required in electrical distribution system construction, maintenance and operations, with a minimum of five (5) years in a supervisory role
• Must have advanced education in technical and business subjects; completion of a college diploma or university degree considered an asset
• Excellent computer skills; proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Advanced knowledge of overhead and underground distribution system work practices and construction standards; good understanding of substations, metering, protection and control and distribution automation
• Thorough knowledge of applicable safety regulations and standards, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), IHSA Rules, Utility Work Protection Code (UWPC), IHSA Safe Work Practice Guides and O.Reg. 22/04
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver quality workmanship on time and within budget
• Proven experience in continuous improvement and management by objectives
• Strong leadership aptitude; decisive; superior interpersonal, relationship building and communication skills; excellent listener and motivator with the ability to present well and influence others
• Solid understanding of the electric utility business, including: financial, customer service and regulatory aspects
• Ability to recognize and deal with sensitive issues in a discreet and professional manner
• Valid Class G Driver's License in good standing
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COMPENSATION

Commensurate with experience. 

Applications in the form of a cover letter and resume will be accepted by email to careers@opuc.on.ca by March 15^th 2019.

January 30, 2019