Vice President, System Operations and Program Execution/ Hydro Ottawa

Vice President, System Operations and Program Execution

At Hydro Ottawa, we empower the lives of the people in the communities we serve.

As the electricity distributor to the Nation’s Capital, our work powers the essential activities that make up our lives - at home, at work and at play. And as Ontario’s largest municipally-owned producer of green power, we are leading the way to a greener tomorrow.

We are seeking a Vice President, System Operations and Program Execution, a change champion and innovative leader ready to embrace the opportunity to guide and mentor others, and enable them to do their best work. And in doing so, to leave a legacy.  

Are you ready to make a difference in our community? 

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, Distribution and Generation, the Vice President, System Operations and Program Execution shapes the direction of electricity distribution operations, preparedness, and execution capabilities. The focus is on optimizing 24/7 control room operations, field execution, emergency response, and strategic direction to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service to customers. The position will also foster a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and develop the next generation of leaders within the team.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership 

• Develop and implement long-term strategies for system operations, program execution, and emergency preparedness, aligning with the overall company vision.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
• Anticipate and proactively address emerging trends and challenges in the electricity distribution sector.

24/7 System Control Room Operation and Optimization

• Oversee the 24/7 system control room and dispatch functions, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operations.
• Lead the optimization of system performance in real-time, including voltage regulation, load balancing, and minimizing outage duration.
• Drive continuous improvement for operational efficiency in the control room and the system operations it supports.

Program Execution Excellence

• Lead the execution of critical capital projects and system improvement initiatives, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and schedule constraints.
• Direct a team focused on field execution, including effective contractor management and optimized resource allocation.
• Conduct post-project reviews to capture lessons learned and streamline future executions.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Develop and maintain comprehensive emergency response plans for storms, major electrical system events, and other contingencies.
• Lead the company's response during emergencies, ensuring clear communication, effective resource mobilization, and timely restoration of power.
• Analyze post-event data to identify trends and proactively improve emergency preparedness.

Safety Management

• Champion a strong culture of safety within the team, prioritizing safety in operations, project execution, and emergency response.
• Ensure adherence to all safety regulations, standards, and best practices.

Real-Time Outage Response

• Oversee the real-time response to power outages, minimizing customer disruption and ensuring timely restoration efforts.
• Analyze outage data to identify root causes and implement strategies to reduce future outages. 

Leadership Development

• Build a high-performing team through effective recruitment, mentoring, and training.
• Identify and develop rising talent within the team, preparing them to assume future leadership roles. 

Stakeholder Management

• Maintain positive working relationships with key stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, industry partners, and emergency management officials. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 15 years experience in electric utility operations, program execution, and emergency response, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a closely related field (preferred).
• Proven track record of success in optimizing system performance, project execution, and delivering results under pressure.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate long-term vision into actionable plans.
• Excellent leadership, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience in contractor management and building strong collaborative relationships with external partners.
• Strong computer skills; proficient in the use of office productivity and collaboration tools, preferably Google Workspace
• English essential, both oral and written; Bilingual (English/French) considered an asset 

This is a management group opportunity and salary will be commensurate with qualifications.

Hydro Ottawa offers a Hybrid Work Model. Hybrid work is position specific, the details of which the hybrid model will be discussed with successful candidates.

Hydro Ottawa may use artificial intelligence (“AI”) during the recruitment process to aid in the screening and selection of candidates.

Here is our ATS link to apply!: https://hydroottawa.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/hydro_ottawa_careersite/job/Ottawa-ON/Vice-President--System-Operations-and-Program-Execution_R004188-1