VP, Centralized Operations (Non-Union) / Alectra Utilities

The MEARIE Group; Hamilton; Hybrid; CAD 210,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Career development

Hybrid work

Job summary

Alectra seeks a results-driven Vice President, Centralized Operations, to lead core grid operations, reliability, and safety across its centralized infrastructure. You will guide executive decisions, strategic plans, and performance initiatives that enhance customer service and asset performance.

In this hybrid role based in Ontario, you will collaborate with the executive team, manage critical programs, and drive innovation across utility operations while fostering inclusion and safety culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering required.
• PEO or OACETT in good standing preferred.
• Graduate level education is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for Centralized Operations, system control, substations, protection and control, reliability and smart grid.
• Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient electricity delivery; advance asset performance and customer service.
• Lead change initiatives to improve operational effectiveness and drive growth.
• Oversee corporate emergency management coordination and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Change management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

PEO or OACETT in good standing

Graduate education (asset)

Tools

GIS

SCADA

OMS

ADMS

Job description

VP, Centralized Operations (Non-Union)

Full-time, 35 hours/ week

Location: Hamilton or Vaughan, Hybrid

Status: This position is to fill a current vacancy

At Alectra, we energize a brighter future by empowering our workforce through the talent of tomorrow's bright minds. We promote a culture that encourages collaboration, celebrates innovation and supports lifelong learning. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where everyone succeeds and has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

Are you a strategic and collaborative operations leader with a passion for safety, reliability, innovation, and customer service?

As Vice President, Centralized Operations, you will provide executive leadership for the operation and performance of the electricity distribution system's critical infrastructure, including system control, substations, protection and control, reliability, emergency preparedness, automation, and smart grid technologies. You will be responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of electricity while advancing operational excellence, asset performance, customer satisfaction, and organizational growth.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will contribute to enterprise-wide strategy, lead complex operational initiatives, foster a high-performance and inclusive culture, and support the organization's commitment to safety, integrity, innovation, and exceptional customer service.

What you’ll do

Executive Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Contribute to the development and execution of the organization's strategic plan and operational priorities.
• Serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, providing insight and guidance on operational, reliability, and infrastructure matters.
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations to the Senior Vice President, Network Operations on emerging risks, opportunities, and business priorities.
• Support Board and Committee reporting related to operational performance, reliability, capital investment, and strategic initiatives.
• Monitor industry trends, regulatory developments, and leading practices to help position the organization as a leader in electricity distribution and energy solutions.
• Lead organizational change initiatives that enhance operational effectiveness and support business transformation.

Operational Excellence & Grid Performance

• Provide overall leadership for System Control, Stations Design and Construction, Protection & Control, Reliability, Emergency Preparedness, and Smart Grid operations.
• Ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the electricity distribution system and associated operational technologies.
• Oversee the planning, delivery, and optimization of operating, maintenance, and capital programs supporting critical infrastructure.
• Ensure 24/7 operational readiness to support switching activities, outage response, restoration efforts, and emergency operations.
• Monitor and drive performance against reliability, operational, and customer service objectives.
• Collaborate across Network Operations to ensure annual inspection, maintenance, and asset management programs support reliability and performance targets.
• Champion process improvements, innovation, and technology adoption to strengthen grid performance and operational efficiency.

Asset Management & Technology Leadership

• Oversee maintenance and capital investment strategies for substations, telecommunications, protection and control systems, and distribution automation infrastructure.
• Partner with Operational Technology teams to optimize the performance and evolution of GIS, SCADA, OMS, ADMS, and other critical operating technologies.
• Lead the development and implementation of systems, processes, and reporting frameworks that support reliability monitoring and operational decision-making.
• Support the development and implementation of innovative energy and grid modernization solutions.

Customer, Stakeholder & Emergency Management

• Foster a customer-focused culture where operational decisions consider customer impacts and service outcomes.
• Partner with operational leaders to ensure timely and effective response to outages and emergency events.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, regulators, municipalities, and industry partners.
• Provide executive oversight of the operational aspects of the corporate emergency management program, ensuring preparedness, coordination, and effective response capabilities.
• Support customer and stakeholder engagement related to system reliability, operational performance, and service delivery.

People Leadership & Culture

• Lead, develop, and inspire a team of technical and operational leaders to achieve strong business results.
• Create an inclusive, respectful, and high-performing workplace that values collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Coach and develop leaders through regular feedback, succession planning, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
• Support workforce planning, talent acquisition, organizational design, and leadership development initiatives.
• Foster positive labour-management relationships and support the administration of collective agreements and grievance resolution processes.
• Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging across the organization.

Financial & Business Management

• Oversee short- and long-term operational planning, budgets, expenditures, and resource allocation.
• Ensure effective management of operating and capital investments while maintaining fiscal accountability.
• Monitor operational performance indicators and implement strategies to improve efficiency, reliability, and business outcomes.
• Support the achievement of corporate objectives through sound business decision-making and performance management practices.

Safety, Compliance & Governance

• Champion a strong safety culture where health and safety are integrated into all operational activities and decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulatory requirements, industry standards, and corporate policies.
• Maintain accountability for the safety of employees, contractors, and members of the public impacted by operational activities.
• Support the implementation of enterprise health and safety strategies that drive continuous improvement and risk reduction.
• Model organizational values, ethical leadership, and accountability while ensuring adherence to the Code of Conduct and governance requirements.

Corporate Values and Conduct:

• Demonstrate professional conduct and align with Alectra's core values of safety, teamwork, and customer focus.

Other Duties:

• Perform additional tasks as assigned to support operational objectives

Who you are

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or College diploma related to Electrical Engineering or recognized equivalent
• Registered member of Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) or Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) in good standing (preferred)
• Related (or cross-functional) graduate level education an asset
• Must hold and maintain a valid class G driver's license
• Experience working in a unionized environment an asset
• Progressive leadership experience
• Demonstrated experience in a leadership role involving strategic planning, successful change implementation, and supporting business growth such as new business opportunities and/or mergers and acquisitions
• Experience with capital and operating budgets
• Experience with project management an asset
• Demonstrated experience in building relationships with stakeholders, regulators, and governing organizations
• Experience developing and presenting strategies and business results to senior leaders

Knowledge Areas

• Strong understanding of electricity distribution design and construction practices, electrical distribution systems and operating technologies, safety standards and protection codes
• Demonstrated ability to manage financials and make sound business decisions
• Knowledge of regulatory and governmental requirements, codes, and regulations (OHSA, E&USA Rules, WHMIS, ESA, IESA, OEB, Measurement Canada Regulations and TDG Act)
• Knowledge of technical specifications and standards including CSA, CEA, and ESA
• Good understanding of electrical utility operations and construction work methods and practices, codes, and regulatory requirements
• Demonstrated understanding of collective agreements and ability to drive efficient network operations in a unionized environment

Who we are

As the largest municipally owned electric utility in Canada, we are committed to growing, evolving and remaining innovative to build a sustainable and brighter future. Our values set us apart and are our fundamental beliefs about our organization:

Safety:

Stay aware, prevent risks and protect each other.

Respect:

Value everyone, act honestly and foster inclusion.

Customer Focus:

Be reliable, anticipate needs and deliver exceptional solutions with care.

Excellence:

Elevate performance, embrace diversity and deliver quality through collaboration.

Innovation:

Drive growth by embracing change, creativity and continuous improvement.

Here's why Alectra might be your ideal workplace:

• We offer comprehensive benefits. From health and wellness programs to financial security though our Defined Benefit Pension Plan – we offer a robust benefits package that supports you and your family.
• We invest in your career development. At Alectra, we care about our team's future through offering ongoing trainings, mentorship and learning opportunities.
• We care about you work-life balance. Understanding that taking time off is essential to employee well-being, sustained productivity and high performance, we offer the following:
  • Time off: At Alectra, we offer various time off options for our employees including vacation time, personal days, milestone parental leave top-up, volunteer days and bereavement days.
  • Disconnecting from work: We prioritize your well-being through our "Disconnect from Work" policy which ensures you can maintain a healthy work-life balance.
  • Hybrid work: Based on operational requirements, we offer flexible working arrangements that include working remotely or on-site.

At Alectra your unique contributions matter and help drive our collective success to a more sustainable and brighter future.

At Alectra, we celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive recruitment process that honours the dignity and independence of all applicants. If you require accommodation during the process, please contact [e-mail]. We will work with you to ensure your needs are being met to the point of undue hardship.

Thank you for your interest in building a career with us. While we appreciate all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Recruitment

At Alectra, we're committed to energizing a brighter future through innovation and responsible technology use. While we may use digital tools to support the efficiency of our recruitment process, we do not use AI to identify or screen candidates. Applications are personally reviewed by either a member of the Talent Acquisition team or one of the hiring leaders, ensuring a fair and human-centered experience for all applicants.