Manager, Grid Operations & Emergency Management

Our client, within the Utilities / Energy space, is committed and dedicated to delivering outstanding service to their residential clients. They are the fourth largest municipally owned distributors in Ontario. Through their safe and reliable services, they shape stronger, wholesome, and organic communities. They are committed to environmental sustainability and fostering thriving communities. A key priority is the continuous evolution and modernization of the power grid.

They have retained our services to uncover a Manager, Grid Operations & Emergency Management , to evolve manage the Integrated Operations Center, supporting transformation and shaping the future of their vision. This is a pivotal and exciting time to join this employer of choice.

Mandate :

Reporting to VP, Asset Management & Distribution Operations, you will lead the Corporation’s Integrated Operations Center, Emergency Preparedness & Response and Asset System Records; with 24 / 7 operational oversight of the corporation’s distribution system assets for planned and unplanned outages, while leading a team of union and non-unionized professional, technical and trades staff.

Accountabilities :

• Manage the 24 / 7 Operations of the Integrated Operations Centre (IOC), shift staff, and call dispatch lists.
• Oversee the 24 / 7 operations of the IOC, including the safe and reliable operation of the distribution system for planned and unplanned outages, construction and maintenance with accordance with the Utility Work Protection Code.
• Ensures the safe, effective, and efficient operation of all of the system components on a constant and continuous basis by providing accurate and prompt direct system control or control instructions to field staff.
• Performs as the Corporation’s Subject Matter Expert, providing direction on the Utility Work Protection Code and Emergency Preparedness.
• Manages, approves and coordinates overhead and underground distribution system switching, including station switching.
• Restores outages and resolution of all trouble call response activities and power system emergencies.
• Initiates, develops and coordinates all Mutual Assistance Agreements with other LDCs.
• Maintains the Transmission Connection Agreement, Distribution Connection Agreements and other distribution system connected generator operational agreements up to date.
• Maintains emergency preparedness and response procedures, in compliance with the IESO’s emergency preparedness regulations and the Corporation’s Business Continuity program.
• Leads, prepares and maintains the Power Restoration Plan, and coordinating with all other departments as required. Conducting regular emergency response practice scenarios.
• Ensure that real-time outage information is current and accurate and communicated on a timely basis to internal stakeholders including Corporate Communications, Customer Service and Senior Management.
• Leads the development and implementation of plans, strategies, policies, and processes for operational planning and outages.
• Reviews Control Center tools / displays and makes recommendations for additions and updates to operations technologies, such as SCADA, OMS, GIS, IVR etc.
• Participates on committees as required, including the Reliability Committee and provides subject matter expert advice as required.
• Leads the Asset Records team to ensure asset records are accurate, up-to-date and as-builts are reflected in the system in a timely manner.
• Fosters creativity and innovation and actively looks for new ideas to improve the operation of the unit.
• Sets the tone and fosters a culture that promotes ethical practices, the Corporation values including the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct of the enterprise.
• Provides direction and supervision of health and safety policies to ensure the front-line staff operate in a safe environment.
• Enforces all applicable safety standards including the Company’s Health and Safety program.

Qualifications :