Manager, Gas and Meter Operations

Company Biography

As Ontario's only multi-utility provider, we offer a comprehensive range of services, including water, wastewater, natural gas, electricity, and telecommunications - all under one roof. This integrated approach empowers us to deliver innovative solutions, exceptional customer service, and operational efficiencies that set us apart in the industry.

With over 150 years of commitment to the Kingston community, we work every day to provide the safe, reliable utility services our customers rely on. Our efforts go beyond keeping the lights on and the water flowing. We’re driving progress through projects that create lasting, positive change. At the heart of everything we do is our vision to advance our unique utility model to benefit our customers and build better communities.

At Utilities Kingston, we believe that strong communities are built by strong teams. By joining us, you'll be part of a collaborative and dynamic environment where your skills and ideas will contribute to enhancing safety, driving reliability, and building a resilient future for our community.

Primary Duties

As Manager, the incumbent provides leadership, management support and future direction for the Metering and Gas Operations teams while ensuring the efficient and effective completion of work within the department. The incumbent provides oversight of projects, operational activities and the performance of the gas distribution system. The manager ensures work is conducted safely and consistently, within budget and aligned with organizational objectives. The Manager is able to effectively deal with complex operational issues, make recommendations for action while understanding and considering broader impacts to staff, other groups within the organization, external stakeholders and customers.

Major Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for advancing technological initiatives to support best practices, streamline processes and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

2. Develop, maintain, and promote good work practices to ensure the integrity of gas distribution system, including auditing, and policy and standard operating procedure reviews that ensure compliance with regulatory and safety requirements.

3. Oversee the utilization and maintenance of meter reading software systems, identifying opportunities for optimization and efficiency enhancements

4. Ensure a high degree of data integrity through control and audit of processes and procedures used to capture, validate and estimate meter data.

5. Oversee the preparation and execution of all Request for Proposals / Request for Information (RFP/RFI) for Metering hardware and software from facilitation of proposal, selection process, vendor negotiation through to the execution of the final agreements and contracts as well as managing contracts.

6. Foster an environment of superior customer service with all departmental staff, cross functional teams and maintain strong relationships with customers, resolving escalated customer issues when required.

7. Develop and maintain relationships with internal stakeholders, including peers and support groups, to promote the multi-utility model, collaboration, and coordination between groups

8. Develop and maintain relationships with peers in related associations, industry groups, and regulatory and compliance organizations to promote Utilities Kingston, while keeping up to date on industry standards and best practices

9. Assist in the development of operating and capital budgets, monitor spending, report on budget to actuals and key performance indicators, analyze and investigate variances and recommend remedial actions for improvements.

10. Effectively communicate and represent Gas and Meter Operations perspectives on corporate issues while ensuring consistent and clear communication of corporate directions and decisions to staff.

11. Review system risks and resource requirements to develop multi-year plans and budgets for both operational and capital work. Collaborating with gas engineering staff, develop capital budgets that align with any related asset management plans and systems.

12. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements including the Ontario Energy Board, TSSA and other regulatory bodies as applicable, support audits, regulatory inspections and other compliance activities.

13. Ensure open communication between stakeholders to identify and prioritize the completion of work.

14. Act as the Management Representative for the Distribution System Integrity Management System.

15. Conduct internal audits for relevant Management Systems and ensure documentation is complete.

16. Conduct field safety audits to monitor crew and public safety.

17. Ensure that hazards for work crews are identified, assessed and that controls are implemented as required.

18. Review and ensure all safety-related equipment inspections and testing are scheduled and completed.

19. Act as a resource to external agencies in the areas of, gas and metering operations and complete and/or review risk assessments for staff, and gas distribution assets and security.

20. Coach staff and prepare and deliver annual employee performance evaluations.

21. Foster engagement and a positive work environment and ensure transparency and consistency and open communication reflecting our values in dealing with staff.

Education, Certification and Other Qualifications Required

Skills and Abilities:

1. Advanced written and verbal communication skills

2. Advanced people management skills including the ability to establish relationships, listen to understand, ability to lead and motivate employees

3. Advanced analytical skills and the ability to develop and analyze financial reports and KPI’s

4. Intermediate ability to organize and facilitate risk assessment processes

5. Intermediate ability to facilitate, coordinate and organize meetings, workshops and events and present information appropriate for the audience

6. Advanced ability to develop and implement operational programs and change management processes

Knowledge:

1. Advanced knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety requirements as it relates to individuals, the organization, and operational requirements

2. Intermediate knowledge of risk assessment practices and processes

3. Intermediate knowledge of budgeting and financial processes

4. Intermediate knowledge of Gas Distribution System and/or metering operations and practices preferred

Experience:

1. Completion of a 3-year college diploma, university degree (preferred) in a related field such as engineering or business, or significant years of supervisory experience in gas distribution combined with the attainment of applicable licenses

2. 3-5 years’ experience managing staff in an operational environment with a strong safety emphasis

3. TSSA approved gas technician training at G2 level is preferred

4. Demonstrated strong, clear and concise communication skills, with the ability to convey information effectively to diverse audiences

5. Experience in the utility industry and/or gas distribution experience is preferred

6. Experience working in a unionized environment is preferred

7. Class G drivers’ licence

Special Working Conditions/Conditions of Employment

Note: This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the incumbent. The incumbent may be asked to perform other duties which may be assigned from time to time.

Closing Statement

Your resume and/or cover letter must clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the position.

Accessibility Statement

Appropriate accommodations will be provided as required by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) upon request.

Employment Equity

Utilities Kingston is committed to employment equity and we encourage applications from all designated group members. Our goal is a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the Kingston community.

Utilities Kingston thanks all candidates that apply; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Internal applicants must inform their supervisor or manager of their application and subsequent status