Operations Manager

TransAlta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading power generation company in Canada is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee the Keephills Thermal Plant. This key role involves managing operational excellence and coordinating various teams to ensure safe and efficient plant operations. The ideal candidate should have extensive industry experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to develop effective training programs. Candidates with a First-Class Power Engineer's Certificate of Competency and a diverse background are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual incentive program

Pension plan with company-matching options

Flexible benefits for you and your family

Vacation and personal days

Employee Rewards & Recognition Programs

Annual Wellness Payment

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive industry experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership capacity.
• Strong financial acumen to manage budgets and operations.
• Ability to lead teams and enhance workplace culture.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational oversight and management of the Keephills Power Plant.
• Coordinate with various teams to ensure efficient operations.
• Develop and manage safety and compliance training programs.

Skills

First-Class Power Engineer’s Certificate of Competency

Leadership

Risk management

Communication skills

Education

Formal education in related field

Job description

OPERATIONS MANAGER, KEEPHILLS

WHO WE ARE

Our Power, Your Possibilities

At TransAlta, we don’t just generate electricity—we generate opportunity. As one of Canada’s largest publicly traded power generators, we’ve been powering communities for over 100 years across Canada, the U.S., and Australia. Our diverse energy portfolio and passionate team are driving the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

We believe in the power of purpose, the strength of collaboration, and the value of continuous learning. If you’re ready to make a real impact in a dynamic industry, you bring the energy, and we’ll provide the platform.

For more information about TransAlta, visit our website at www.transalta.com.

ABOUT THE ROLE

TransAlta is seeking an Operations Manager to join our team at the Keephills Thermal Plant. In this role, you’ll report to the Keephills Plant Manager and play a key part in providing operational oversight and management of the Keephills Power Plant. This is a key leadership role within the Keephills team, guiding operational excellence and cross-functional coordination between the maintenance and engineering teams to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.

This is a full-time, safety sensitive position based out of our Keephills Thermal Plant, situated 70 kilometers west of Edmonton, AB and five kilometers south of Wabamun Lake.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

• Serve as Chief Power Engineer for the Keephills Power Plant.
• Operate the facility safely and in compliance with company policies, procedures, standards, regulatory and legal requirements, and union collective agreements (including the Safety Codes Act, NERC, AESO, IBEW).
• Operate the plant in compliance with environmental operating approvals and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with the Alberta portfolio optimization and compliance teams to oversee unit availability declarations.
• Develop, recommend, implement, and manage operating procedures, and policies to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the plant.
• Manage a comprehensive safety and compliance training program for all power plant operators, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and operational best practices.
• Support, and lead when required, investigations resulting from HSE and compliance near-misses and incidents to determine root causes and implement preventive measures to avoid recurrence.
• Provides support for emergency calls regarding plant equipment breakdowns, emergent operating risks, and unit outages.
• Maximizes the production and availability of each unit while managing risk through cross-functional collaboration with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Develop, present, implement, and manage the 1–2 year operations business plan, ensuring delivery of agreed to results. This includes adapting departmental plans and priorities to address operational challenges and constraints.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of shift supervisors by assigning strategic deliverables (1–12 months), driving accountability, managing performance, and strengthening succession capability.
• Build organizational alignment by clearly defining positions, accountabilities, authorities, deliverables, tasks, and ensuring the right people are in the right roles.
• Mentor personnel across operations, engineering, maintenance, and technical teams to support professional development and enhance cross-functional collaboration
• Lead efforts to drive cultural improvement and strengthen workplace engagement and collaboration.

ABOUT YOU

• First-Class Power Engineer’s Certificate of Competency
• Possess comprehensive understanding of the occupational hazards inherent in power plant operations and the critical safety measures required to ensure a safe working environment.
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, equipment, materials, and operating procedures involved in the operation of a large-scale power plant.
• Proven capability to analyze and resolve complex technical, operational, and organizational issues, driving effective solutions.
• Experienced people leader with 10+ years of progressive industry experience and at least 2 years in a leadership capacity; supported by formal education or equivalent practical experience.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships that enhance morale and support a healthy workplace culture.
• Strong financial acumen to develop, present, implement, and manage budgets.
• Proven skills in driving process improvements, managing risk, planning strategically, and leading successful projects.
• Must possess strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, concise reports and deliver effective presentations.

THE PERKS

• Competitive salary
• Annual incentive program
• Pension plan with company-matching options
• Flexible benefits for you and your family
• Vacation and personal days
• Employee Rewards & Recognition Programs
• Annual Wellness Payment

Explore our Employee Experience Booklet on our Careers site to see how we support your growth and wellbeing www.transalta.com/careers

OUR CULTURE

At TransAlta, we’re driven by a Culture of Results, Learning, and Purpose. We prioritize psychological safety, wellbeing, inclusion, and belonging - creating a space where everyone can thrive. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and progress, and we’re committed to building a workplace where you can be your authentic self.

Ready to Power Up With Us? Excited about this role but don’t meet every single requirement? We still encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every single qualification. You might just be the candidate we are looking for.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks appropriate to the role and may include criminal record, education and employment verification or credit checks. Safety sensitive positions will be required to complete pre-employment testing.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those progressing will be contacted.