Director of Utility Operations / Lakefront Utility Services Inc.

The MEARIE Group; Cobourg; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive utility company in Cobourg seeks a Director of Utility Operations. Responsibilities include overseeing water and electric systems, managing strategic projects, and engaging stakeholder relationships. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree, preferably in Engineering, and substantial experience in utility operations. Join us to lead initiatives focused on innovation and environmental sustainability.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in utility operations, with 5+ years in senior leadership.
• Certification in Water Treatment and/or Distribution an asset.
• Experience managing both water and electrical distribution systems are assets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations of all water and electric systems, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Manage projects across different utility services for timely and cost-effective completion.
• Engage with internal customers to improve service satisfaction.

Skills

Utility infrastructure knowledge

SCADA systems

Crisis management

Leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation

Job description

Director of Utility Operations

Lakefront Utility Services Inc. (LUSI) is a progressive, multi-service utility based in the Town of Cobourg delivering essential electric and water services to surrounding communities we serve. We are committed to reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness while continuously embracing innovation to meet the evolving needs of our customers and municipal partners. LUSI leads with a forward-thinking approach, leveraging advanced technologies like intelligent grid systems and sustainable energy and water solutions. Our team collaborates closely with municipalities to design, operate, and maintain critical utility infrastructure with a focus on resiliency and regulatory excellence. At LUSI, we’re not just delivering utility services - we’re building smarter, more connected, and future-ready communities. For more information, please visit our website at: www.lakefrontutilities.com

We are seeking a strategic and experiencedDirector of Utility Operationsresponsible for overseeing the operations of various utility services, including water and electricity.This role involves providing strategic leadership and management for the Engineering and Operations department, participating in the Senior Leadership Team, and actively engaging with internal customers to improve satisfaction.The Director also plays a key role in the unique multi-utility model at LUSI, which involves coordinating projects across different utility services and ensuring the timely and cost-effective completion of these projects.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Management:

• Provides leadership, direction, and management for the Engineer and Operations department.
• Lead infrastructure planning, capital improvement projects, and asset management initiatives.
• Collaborate with Senior Leadership Team on utility policy, budgeting, service delivery improvements and long-term corporate strategies.
• Actively engages with internal customers to understand and improve satisfaction with provided services.

Operations Oversight

• Oversees the operations of all water and electric systems, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Manages distribution planning, production management, inventory management and quality control.
• Ensures the safe and reliable delivery of utility services.
• Oversees the maintenance and replacement of capital infrastructure.
• Enforces company policies related to operations.
• Coordinates projects that combine water and electric, working collaboratively with Municipalities, Developers and Contractors on auxiliary services such as wastewater, stormwater, fiber optic, etc.
• Contributes to the efficient and cost-effective completion of projects.
• Manage relationships with Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Environment, Measurement Canada, etc. coordinating reviews, audits & ensuring compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act, Occupational Health & Safety Act, ESA regulations.
• Lead long-range planning for growth and new developments.
• Promote innovation through AI, automation and system optimization.
• Oversee procurement and contract management.
• Lead, mentor, and evaluate a multidisciplinary team of managers, operators, and technicians.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder & Community Engagement

• Act as the primary contact for utility-related inquiries and public communications.
• Build relationships with regulatory agencies, contractors, and community stakeholders.
• Prepare performance reports and present at board meetings.

Emergency Preparedness & Response

• Develop and maintain emergency response plans for utility failures and public health threats.
• Coordinate with emergency services and provincial agencies during crises.
• Lead post-incident reviews and implement corrective actions.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Environmental, or Electrical), Public Administration, or related field.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in utility operations, with 5+ years in senior leadership.
• Certification in Water Treatment and/or Distribution an asset.
• Experience managing both water and electrical distribution systems are assets.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of utility infrastructure, SCADA systems, GIS, and asset management.
• Proven leadership, communication, and crisis management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience working in unionized environments is an asset.

To Apply:

This is a non-union position, and salary is commensurable with qualifications and experience. Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter, with the subject line: ‘Application – Director, Utility Operations’ , no later than 4:30 p.m. August 29th 2025, to Human Resources at 207 Division Street, PO Box 577, Cobourg, ON K9A 4L3 or by email to [e-mail] .

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful applicant must provide a satisfactory criminal background check and three professional references.

Lakefront Utility Services Inc. is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment process.

This is a job posting for a new vacancy.