Executive Director, Rates

Alberta Utilities Commission; Calgary; On-site; CAD 190,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits incl. EAP and a

Pension program

Paid office closure days

Flex day program

Work‑life integration

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

The Alberta Utilities Commission is seeking an experienced regulatory leader to serve as Executive Director, Rates. Lead the Rates Division, guiding rate-related proceedings, policy development and stakeholder engagement to ensure fair, transparent and efficient rate regulation across Alberta.

The ideal candidate will bring 10+ years of leadership experience in regulatory or public sector environments, with strong communication and collaboration skills, and a deep understanding of utility

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in regulatory, utility, public sector or similarly complex environments.
• Proven ability to lead teams, set priorities, manage change and deliver results through others.
• Strong understanding of utility regulation and the Alberta utility sector, including rate-setting principles and regulatory frameworks.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to explain technical, legal and policy issues clearly.

Responsibilities

• Set clear priorities for the Rates Division and align people, budget and work plans to deliver them.
• Coach and support managers and staff, including development, succession planning and workload management.
• Build a respectful, inclusive and collaborative workplace where issues are addressed early and constructively.
• Oversee the review of rate-related applications and ensure files are managed fairly, efficiently and consistently.
• Provide practical direction on rate-setting issues, regulatory frameworks, service standards and delegated matters.
• Turn AUC strategic priorities into practical divisional plans, projects and measures.
• Identify and implement improvements to rules, policies, procedures and tools that make regulatory work more efficient.
• Support corporate planning, budgeting and modernization initiatives from a Rates Division perspective.
• Maintain constructive working relationships with government, utilities, customers, industry participants and other stakeholders.

Skills

Regulatory leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

People leadership

Change management

Communication

Education

Graduate degree in business or law

Job description

The Alberta Utilities Commission is an independent, quasi-judicial agency of the province of Alberta. The AUC is responsible for ensuring that the delivery of Alberta’s utility service takes place in a manner that is fair, responsible and in the public interest.

We regulate investor-owned natural gas, electric and water utilities and certain municipally owned electric utilities to ensure that customers receive safe and reliable service at just and reasonable rates. The AUC ensures that electric facilities are built, operated and decommissioned in an efficient and environmentally responsible way. The AUC also provides regulatory oversight of issues related to the development and operation of the wholesale electricity market in Alberta as well as the retail gas and electricity markets in the province.

The ideal candidate

The AUC is seeking an experienced and practical regulatory leader to serve as Executive Director, Rates. This role offers an opportunity to lead important utility rate and tariff work, support high-impact regulatory decisions and contribute to the safe, reliable and fair delivery of utility services across Alberta.

The Rates Division is one of the AUC’s largest Divisions. It supports the Commission’s work on utility rates, tariffs and related regulatory matters. It reviews rate applications, supports Commission decision-making, advances regulatory policy and process improvements, and works with utilities, customers, government and other stakeholders to support fair, transparent and efficient rate regulation.

The Executive Director, Rates leads the Rates Division and is a member of the AUC’s executive leadership team. In this role, you are responsible for the division’s regulatory, operational and strategic priorities and for supporting the Commission’s rate-making responsibilities. You provide leadership on rate-related proceedings, regulatory policy, continuous improvement and stakeholder relationships.

The successful candidate is an accomplished leader with progressive experience in utility regulation, public policy, economics, law or a related field. You can manage complex issues, provide clear advice, make well-reasoned decisions and build productive relationships. You are committed to developing people, fostering collaboration and delivering high-quality work in the public interest.

Key responsibilities:

People and operational leadership

• Set clear priorities for the Rates Division and align people, budget and work plans to deliver them.
• Coach and support managers and staff, including development, succession planning and workload management.
• Build a respectful, inclusive and collaborative workplace where issues are addressed early and constructively.
• Track performance, manage operational risks and adjust resources as needed to maintain quality and timeliness.

Regulatory leadership

• Oversee the review of rate-related applications and ensure files are managed fairly, efficiently and consistently.
• Provide practical direction on rate-setting issues, regulatory frameworks, service standards and delegated matters.
• Ensure Commission members receive clear analysis, options and recommendations to support sound decision-making.

Strategy, policy and improvement

• Turn AUC strategic priorities into practical divisional plans, projects and measures.
• Identify and implement improvements to rules, policies, procedures and tools that make regulatory work more efficient and predictable.
• Support corporate planning, budgeting and modernization initiatives from a Rates Division perspective.

Stakeholder and issue management

• Maintain constructive working relationships with government, utilities, customers, industry participants and other stakeholders.
• Promote confidence in the regulatory process by supporting fair, transparent and evidence-based practices.
• Manage sensitive or complex issues with sound judgment, clear communication and awareness of the broader operating environment.

Qualifications

As the ideal candidate you will possess:

Education

• Graduate degree in business, economics, law, public policy or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Relevant professional designation(s) are considered an asset.

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience, including experience in a regulatory, utility, public sector or similarly complex environment.
• Proven ability to lead teams, set priorities, manage change and deliver results through others.
• Strong understanding of utility regulation and the Alberta utility sector, including rate-setting principles, regulatory frameworks, and the AUC’s legislative responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly understand new organizational structures and regulatory requirements and apply that knowledge to complex rate-related issues and decision-making.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to explain technical, legal, and policy issues in clear, accessible language.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with Commission members, staff, utilities, customers, government representatives and other stakeholders while respecting the independence and fairness of the regulatory process.
• Strong judgment, integrity and commitment to public service.
• Ability to assess complex issues, provide practical advice, make balanced decisions and support outcomes that are fair, transparent and in the public interest.

Why the AUC is a great place to work

• Comprehensive benefits including employee assistance program (EAP) and pension program.
• Paid office closure days.
• Flex day program.
• Work‑life integration.
• Collaborative work environment.

The AUC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone.

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