Corporate Utilities Strategist

City Of Edmonton; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 109,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Edmonton seeks a strategic leader to direct utilities supply contracts (power, water, gas) and drive energy transition initiatives. You will manage ~1800 meters and an $80M annual budget, guiding policy, risk management, and vendor relationships across civic operations.

Ideally you bring a Bachelor’s in a related field and 7+ years in power markets, with strong negotiation, analytics, and communication skills. A hybrid work arrangement and ERC benefits may apply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, commerce, engineering, or related discipline is required.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in the power industry, including PPAs, billing, and settlements.
• Strong contract development, negotiation, and governance experience across organizations.
• Knowledge of AESO and AUC regulations and energy market mechanics is essential.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for utilities supply to meet City Council objectives.
• Advise on utility supply and energy markets; develop policies for utilities management and climate resilience.
• Develop strategic plans to drive competitive energy consumption and environmental markets.
• Mitigate risk via established contract-management practices; monitor service levels and billing accuracy.
• Lead energy contracts and vendor relationships for power, water, and gas; ensure compliance and performance.
• Create best practices in utilities management and translate complex issues into actionable strategies.
• Lead the utilities supply team: set goals, supervise, coach, and mentor staff; manage budgets and training.
• Maintain data systems tracking utilities consumption; analyze data to support energy, carbon, and utilities management.
• Stay current with AESO/AUC legislation to ensure compliance and awareness of changes.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Contract management

Stakeholder relationship

Energy markets knowledge

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/engineering

MBA (asset)

Job description

Job Number: 56027Are you a visionary leader ready to drive the future of sustainable municipal operations? Reporting to the General Supervisor of Environmental Management and Utilities Supply, this pivotal role provides strategic direction for the City's utility needs in becoming climate-ready and emission neutral. The Strategist leads the team responsible for managing all utility supply contracts (power, renewable attributes, water, and gas) for civic operations, overseeing approximately 1800 utility meters with an annual budget of $80 million. This role is critical for supporting the Greenhouse Gas Management Plan for Civic Operations 2019-2030 and Climate Resilience Policy C627 through the centralized execution of energy transition pathways.What will you do?Set the strategic direction of utilities supply activities to achieve objectives and targets set by Executive Leadership Team and City CouncilProvide expert advice on utility supply and energy markets, and develop and maintain strategic policies and procedures for utilities management, climate change, and emergency preparednessDevelop and implement strategic plans that drive competitive utilities consumption and environmental attribute marketsMitigate business risk through the implementation of established City contract management practices in alignment with current and emerging utilities-related regulationsEvaluate, recommend, and initiate the procurement of renewable electricity contracts and other utility contracts emerging as the new standard for the CityDevelop, establish, and manage energy contracts and vendor relationships relating to power, water, and gas, as well as monitoring compliance, managing service levels, and resolving billing errorsCreate new best practices in the utilities management field by researching innovations and translating complex utilities issues into innovative and effective strategies, plans, and actionsLead the utilities supply team by setting goals, expectations, plans, priorities, and budgets, as well as by supervising, training, coaching, and mentoring employeesManage and maintain data management systems that track utilities consumption across the organization and conduct analysis to support energy, carbon, and utilities management activitiesMaintain current and comprehensive knowledge of legislation from the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) and the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to ensure compliance and build awareness of upcoming material changesQualifications:Bachelor’s degree in business, commerce, engineering, or a related discipline; a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) is an assetMinimum 7 years of experience in the power industry, including expertise in power settlement, billing processes, and managing Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)Progressively responsible and diverse experience in a complex and multidisciplinary organizationKnowledge of standards, benchmarks and industry best practices, including ASHRAE, LEED, and ENERGY STARSkills required for success:Experience developing and managing complex contracts, including negotiating service level terms, establishing cross-organization governance models, and advanced skills in relationship building and negotiationDemonstrated understanding of how the electricity and natural gas markets work, including the ability to employ hedging strategies; experience with utility billing and rate structures is required, and the ability to optimize rate structures for cost reduction is an assetProven analytical and problem-solving skills to identify trends, opportunities, anomalies, and risks to achieve energy conservation, financial management, and environmental goalsAdvanced written and verbal communication skills for developing documents, making presentations, and educating all levels of City staff about the utilities industryThe ability to ensure timely notification and resolution of performance variances and billing errorsAlignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusionApplicants may be testedConditions of employment & work environment:Up to: 1 permanent full-time positionHours of work: 36.9 hours per week, Monday - FridaySalary: $108,838.80 - $136,046.09 (Annually)This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the flexibility to work from both home and officeThis position is eligible for the EDO program (Earned Day Off)Valid Alberta Class 5 driver's licence (or provincial equivalent)The role may necessitate the use of personal transportation to be reimbursed in accordance with the City of Edmonton policy. This may require business auto insuranceHire is dependent on a Criminal Records Check (CRC) that is satisfactory to the City of Edmonton, and there may be a cost associated with this requirementThe City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [e-mail]. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits.Talent sourced through this process may be considered for similar opportunities within the City of Edmonton.Recruitment Consultant: AS/SBEdmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.IND123#LI-AS1Classification Title: PT3- Architecture and SciencePosting Date: Sep 9, 2026Closing Date: Sep 23, 2026 11:59:00 PM (MDT)Number of Openings (up to): 1 - Permanent Full-timeUnion : ManagementDepartment: Planning and Environment ServicesWork Location(s):8th Floor Edmonton Tower, 10111 104 Avenue Edmonton T5J 0J4