Director, Operations

Director, Operations

Full-Time Permanent Position

Become a team member for the largest Indigenous-led infrastructure project in Canada, which will connect 17 remote First Nation communities in Northern Ontario with clean, reliable, and accessible grid power!  First Nation leadership owners of Wataynikaneyap established the Guiding Principles, endorsed by its partners, that set out expectations for the Company’s development, including respect for the land and First Nation way of life and is reflected in the company’s Guiding Principles.

Wataynikaneyap Power PM Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of FortisOntario Inc., acts as the Project Manager of Wataynikaneyap Power LP (“Wataynikaneyap Power”). Wataynikaneyap Power is a licensed transmission entity, majority-owned by a partnership of 24 First Nation communities in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors. The partnership is an unprecedented undertaking and has constructed 1,800 kilometres of 230 kV, 115 kV, and 44 kV transmission lines and over 22 substations in northwestern Ontario. Located near Thunder Bay in our Fort William First Nation, ON office, Wataynikaneyap Power is currently recruiting for a talented:

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Director, Operations will provide operational, technical and administrative leadership to the Operations and Engineering group (including Lines, Substations, Vegetation Management), System Control, Health/Safety and Environment groups while maintaining a high level of organizational performance and overall financial success of Wataynikaneyap Power PM Inc.  This role will work closely with senior leaders and department heads to develop and implement a variety of plans, strategies and budgets, as required.  This role will also actively engage First Nations partners, community members and team leads for a better understanding of the expectations and the needs of each participating community. The Director, Operations will ensure all practices are consistent with Wataynikaneyap Power’s Guiding Principles and in compliance with all applicable regulatory, legislative and governing entities. 

Please email HR@wataypower.ca for a full job description.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and/or a combination of education and equivalent work experience.
• Business or Finance education/experience considered an asset.
• Minimum ten (10) years’ management experience in the electrical transmission/distribution/energy sector.
• Must be highly respectful of Indigenous peoples and their cultures/traditions.
• Meaningful experience working as a partner with First Nation communities would be considered an asset.
• Advanced knowledge of operational planning and real-time operations.
• Field/site experience with electrical utility operations and knowledge of ISO 45001 and 14001 standards.
• Experience working with IESO, OEB, North American Reliability Corporation (“NERC”), and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) would be an asset.
• A solid understanding of, and experience in, financial budgeting and reporting for an electrical utility.
• Demonstrated communication skills with the ability to provide and receive feedback effectively; explain, advocate, write, express and present facts and ideas in a clear and consistent manner to a variety of audiences.
• Exceptional level of discretion, confidentiality, and judgement with proven problem-solving skills and the fortitude to take initiative where appropriate.
• Working knowledge of electrical system planning concepts – Intermediate to advanced knowledge and experience applying concepts in both real time and study situations would be an asset.
• Must be able to direct and manage employees effectively while encouraging growth and advancement.
• Candidates who speak/understand Anishinaabe or Anishininiimowin and/or have meaningful experience working with or for First Nation communities in Northwestern Ontario (preferred).
• Must have a valid Ontario “G” driver’s license and maintain a clean driver’s abstract.

What we Offer:

• Comprehensive compensation package, pension & benefits plan, paid time off and Share Purchase Plan option.
• Health & Wellness and Education reimbursements.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the company.

To apply for this position, please go to  www.wataypower.ca

Application deadline is May 16, 2025

We encourage First Nation candidates to apply! Wataynikaneyap Power PM Inc. thanks all respondents but we will only contact those selected for an interview. We are committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and will work with applicants that request accommodation(s) during the recruitment cycle.