Associate Director - Utility Distribution Systems

City of Medicine Ha; Medicine Hat; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A Canadian municipality is seeking an Associate Director – Utility Distribution Systems to lead engineering projects and manage the utility's operational performance. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in utilities, particularly in leadership roles within regulatory frameworks. Responsibilities include strategic development, project oversight, and team leadership. A competitive compensation package and relocation assistance are offered to the successful candidate.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Career growth opportunities

Relocation assistance

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in utilities or a related industry, including 5 years in senior management.
• Strong knowledge of electric and natural gas utility systems.
• Proven leadership in stakeholder engagement, budgeting, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering and asset management strategies for the utility.
• Manage major utility projects, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders to drive operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Skills

Relationship building

Contract tendering expertise

Municipal budgeting practices

Industry regulations knowledge

Utility systems experience

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Degree in Engineering (Electrical preferred)

Professional Engineer (P.Eng) designation

Job description

Join the City of Medicine Hat as Associate Director – Utility Distribution Systems

Permanent, Full time, On Site

The City of Medicine Hat is seeking a strategic and technically skilled leader to join our Utility Distribution Systems team. As the Associate Director, you will lead engineering, system planning, and major projects across our electric and gas distribution business units. Serving as the chief engineer for the distribution department, this role is pivotal in ensuring regulatory compliance, delivering capital plans, and optimizing infrastructure performance for the benefit of our community and ratepayers.

This position is an on‑site position located in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Relocation Assistance is available for the successful candidate. We’re a community‑minded city with an entrepreneurial spirit and a vibrant industrial history. Medicine Hat is Canada’s sunniest city; spring starts early and summer stretches out a little further, with an average of 330 days of sunshine per year. With a diverse range of cultural experiences, beautiful parks, and a sunny four‑season climate, Medicine Hat is a place where you can truly feel at home.

Your key responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of long‑term engineering and asset management strategies aligned with City and departmental goals.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight for major utility projects, ensuring timely, on‑budget delivery that meets stakeholder expectations.
• Manage the engineering team's budget and resources, aligning with departmental priorities and optimizing infrastructure performance.
• Oversee electric grid operations and collaborate on asset maintenance and development initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with internal teams, regulatory bodies, and external partners to support operational excellence.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, regulations, and City policies while fostering a psychologically safe and high‑performing team culture.
• Coach, mentor, and lead a team of professionals, promoting collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What you bring

• Proven ability to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including internal departments, consultants, contractors, customers, and regulatory authorities.
• Expertise in contract tendering processes, including principles, procedures, and administration.
• Solid understanding of municipal budgeting practices and financial planning.
• Working knowledge of relevant industry regulations, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Utilities Regulations.
• Practical experience with electric and gas utility systems, including capital planning, operations, and regulated business models.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other standard business technologies.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering (Electrical preferred).
• 15+ years of experience in utilities or a related industry, including 5 years in senior management.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng) designation or eligibility with APEGA.
• Strong knowledge of electric and natural gas utility systems.
• Proven leadership in stakeholder engagement, budgeting, and regulatory compliance.

Why join us?

• Make a difference: Join a forward‑thinking municipality where public service meets innovation and lead impactful projects that shape the future of Medicine Hat's utility infrastructure.
• Career growth opportunities: Access to ongoing training, development programs and advancement opportunities to support your professional growth and career aspirations.
• Competitive total compensation package: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including competitive base salary, health, dental, retirement plans and more.
• Relocation assistance available.

To apply, please email your cover letter and resume (PDF or Word document only – preferably as one document) to Ardyce Kouri or Olesia Linkevych at [e-mail], indicating the job title in the subject line.

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