Reporting to the Senior Manager, Grid Operations Engineering & Event Management, the Manager, Grid Operations Engineering is responsible for leading the Distribution Grid Operations technical support teams overseeing schematics engineering review, outage planning, grid risk management, operating systems, grid performance analytics, records management, operational emergency response preparedness and process enhancement. The incumbent will lead the control centre’s technical team in liaising with IT, Power System Controllers, engineers, Engineering Technologists, and analysts in identifying, scoping and outlining short- and long-term technical distribution field changes and system enhancements which require coordination with engineering and stations teams.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Manages large, multi-year operational technology projects and Control Centre system support, ensuring alignment with the primary goal of improving safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. Identifies and addresses defective equipment (DE), provides system change recommendations, and manages escalation of customer issues related to power quality events, maintenance, and system deviations.
- Leads a diverse team of technical professionals, contractors, and students, typically managing a group of 7-10 individuals, including engineers. Manages projects with budgets ranging from $500K to $5M, ensuring efficient resource allocation and financial oversight.
- Serves as the single point of contact for all technical support and records management for the Control Centre, overseeing the review of technical submissions for design accuracy, safety, and operational approval. Leads the coordination of requests for Standards, Tools, Analysis, Materials, and Policy (STAMP), ensuring appropriate validation, review, and implementation.
- Manages model building, record validation/maintenance, and updates for operations and engineering within Network Management Systems (NMS).
- Investigates and resolves escalated customer issues related to power quality, design deviations, and isolation/maintenance requests, with a focus on supporting unique customer needs such as battery storage, EV charging centers, and Distributed Energy Resource Management (DERMs).
- Analyzes system conditions and impacts, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to minimize disruptions and maintain distribution system reliability.
- Facilitates communication with Hydro One, ensuring requests are articulated clearly and effectively to maintain smooth operations.
- Leads the development and implementation of control centre applications and information systems, driving improvements in outage management, distribution management, scheduling, and customer service systems.
- Recommends and implements solutions that support safety, reliability, productivity, and customer service, aligning with organizational and operational goals.
- Provides coaching, feedback, and performance management to internal and external teams, ensuring alignment with Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) goals and minimizing operational risks.
- Supports employee engagement, training, and development, managing performance and attendance to meet departmental objectives. Actively addresses performance gaps and fosters motivation to achieve high levels of team productivity and success.
- Supports the creation of an operations technology roadmap and ensures systems are optimized for continuous improvement within the division.
- Oversees the integration of Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) and Defective Equipment Tracking Systems (DETS), ensuring digitization processes align with operational needs and system execution strategies.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Electrical Preferred)
- Seven (7) to ten (10) years engineering experience (utility industry preferred)
- Three (3) to (5) years progressive project and/or supervisory leadership experience
- Registered Professional Engineer in Ontario (P.Eng) or Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.)
- Power System Controller Journeyperson or MEARIE Operator, Power Station Operator, or equivalent preferred
- Post graduate degree – MBA, MEng (Preferred)
- Demonstrated knowledge of relevant safety, electrical, work protection codes, environmental legislation, regulations and practices
- Demonstrated knowledge of distribution and transmission systems
- Responsible for input to the development and maintenance of an operational technology roadmap to guide budgetary allocation, safety targets, regulatory filling and the attainment of strategic goals.
- Thorough knowledge of electrical overhead and underground systems, operating practices standards, equipment, materials and engineering records systems
- Understands electrical drawings, work protection codes, feeder/operating prints, overhead distribution system, underground distribution system, work practices and standards
- Knowledge of relevant emergency management practices
- Understanding of technology systems and applications including safety performance tracking systems, accident/incident investigation techniques, work management and general office automation tools
- Strong analytical skills, ability to interrupt complex engineering to make operational decisions
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Strong customer management, problem solving and decision-making skills
- Strong process and project management skills
- Demonstrates stakeholder and change management skills
Toronto Hydro has introduced a Hybrid Work Arrangement. This position allows for remote work up to three days per week, based on business needs. Employees will be required to come onsite on those days when they are involved in activities that they or their leader feel are better conducted in person. You are expected to live in Ontario and within reasonable commuting distance of the office.
