WASAGA BEACH – A GROWING AND VIBRANT COMMUNITY

Home of the longest fresh water beach in the world, Wasaga Beach sits on the southern shores of Georgian Bay and is a short 20-minute drive from Barrie and 90 minutes from the GTA. Perhaps the best kept secret in Wasaga Beach is the endless recreation trails for hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

In 2017, the Town formally initiated a Community Improvement Plan to promote development and redevelopment investment within Downtown Wasaga Beach. This diverse community is committed to its long-term sustainability while offering residents and their families the unique opportunity to combine a cottage/camp and home, all in one! The beach really is, just the beginning!

THE ORGANIZATION

With a lean, loyal and productive team of 20 employees, this Local Distribution Company (LDC), or ‘the Utility’ distributes power and related services inside the Town of Wasaga Beach, a vibrant community, with an ever-growing population. The present population is in excess of 20,500, and comprises a total service area of 61 square kilometers. The Utility serves approximately 13,000 residential and commercial customers and has more than 235 kilometers of conductor, both overhead and underground. The electrical power distribution system has more than 1,400 distribution transformers, and nearly 5,000 poles in service, supplied from five owned, and one shared distribution station.

While the Utility is one of the most efficient in the province in its regulated business lines and provides an annual dividend to its sole shareholder, The Town of Wasaga Beach, it is currently not poised for growth in emerging regulated activities of distributed generation and smart grid technologies and unregulated business lines that have earnings opportunities for the shareholder.

At a recent meeting of the Wasaga Beach Town Council, the sole shareholder of Wasaga Distribution Inc. (the OEB regulated business) and Wasaga Resource Services Inc. (regulated by the Business Corporations Act of Ontario), Council discussed several options regarding their future. By unanimous vote the Board of Directors of the utility (the Board) was directed to “Retain and Grow” the organization. As a result, the Board has embarked on a process to recruit an inaugural Chief Executive Officer who will manage the affairs of the utility and lead a strategic planning initiative which will identify opportunities for growth to ensure the profitability and sustainability of the Utility for the foreseeable future. Technology advancements and continued government evolving regulation have led the organization to examine how it will face future challenges.

The new CEO will be an innovative leader who will be able to build on the success of the Utility in delivering safe and reliable electricity services (regulated) and who will also identify opportunities for partnerships and collaboration with other organizations and markets with a mandate to bring to the Board new revenue sources consistent with the Utility’s mandate.

For additional information on the Utility, please visit the website: www.wasagadist.ca.

THE CEO ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Specifically, the CEO will be responsible for:

The general supervision of the business and affairs of the Corporation and the performance of the Utility by directing and coordinating all activities in accordance with Ontario Energy Board regulations for LDCs, in addition to the laws and regulations governing the operation of a corporation in Ontario

Completing, with the Board, a clear delineation of duties and responsibilities, and once established create a CEO performance contract

Learning and understanding the business, its line of products and services, its competitive environment, and its employees to remain successful in offering customers a level of service and product quality that differentiates the utility from the competition

Working with an engaged and articulate Board of Directors to further the mandate of the Utility

Examining the capital structure of the Utility and leveraging the available capital through appropriate strategies to maximize returns for growth and for shareholder dividends.

Ensuring the Utility operates in a corporate responsible environment with due regard to the environmental footprint and public and employee safety

Ensuring the appropriate level of engagement of the sole Shareholder through transparent information flow to The Town of Wasaga Beach Council.

Developing with the collaboration of the Boards of WRSI and WDI a Vision, Mission, Value Statement and actionable Strategic Plan within the inaugural year and developing supporting business development plans to suit.

Overseeing company operations to ensure compliance, production efficiency, accuracy, quality, service and the cost-effective management of resources

Develop a comprehensive, inclusive, and transparent process of operational planning designed to meet strategic priorities established by the Board/changing needs in the electricity sector

Explore, assess and recommend to the Board new unregulated and regulated business ventures that fit within the Utility’s risk profile and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the business; balance core business demands with new revenue and profit generating opportunities.

Manage and motivate a team of staff to support and further the Utility’s mission and to provide staff members the opportunity to further develop their skills and competencies.

Maintaining an excellent relationship and playing an active role in negotiating with Union and Employee Associations and the broader public

Working with other like-minded utilities, potential business partners and businesses to achieve common goals and expand/explore business opportunities

Taking on and accepting accountability for assigned business unit P&L management, and,

Gaining stability in the business.

DIRECT REPORTS

This position has the following positions reporting directly:

• Director of Finance
• Director of Operations
• Director of Energy Services

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic and Organizational Leadership:

• Participate with the Board in developing a vision, set of organizational values, and a strategic plan to guide the organization while recognizing and anticipating changes in the electricity sector which will impact the utility
• Establish an investment policy and risk profile for the Utility
• Formulate policy for Board approval; review internal processes and procedures on an ongoing basis to identify opportunities for change and efficiencies
• Develop a business plan which incorporates goals and objectives consistent with the strategic directions and long-term priorities of the organization
• Ensure that the operation of the Utility meets the expectations of the Board and stakeholders
• Provide or designate support to the Board by scheduling meetings, preparing meeting agenda and supporting materials
• Provide strong leadership to a team of experienced professionals who will contribute to the CEO’s development of standard programs, policies & procedures; build, with the team, and manage organizational and financial plans that adhere to the CEO’s and the Board’s acceptable risk profile
• Develop and mentor direct reports for professional development and succession; encourage their managers to adopt these practices as they lead their respective teams;
• Ensure a compelling value proposition for employees; attract, retain and manage top talent necessary to further develop and nurture a high performing team
• Develop, implement and manage a performance management process for all staff
• Establish relationships with key stakeholders with an emphasis on the Staff Directors, Board members, and the shareholder
• Foster an environment that stimulates open and transparent communication, creativity and collaboration; engender a team spirit in solving problems and identifying and capturing new business opportunities

Stakeholder and Community Relations:

• In partnership with the Chair of the Board, act as a spokesperson and representative for the Utility
• Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with stakeholders, including community groups, government, politicians and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization
• Assures that the organization and its mission, programs, and services are consistently presented in a strong, positive image to relevant stakeholders
• Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the Utility
• Actively advocates for the organization, its beliefs, and its programmatic efforts
• Ensure that all stakeholder communications (including but not limited to the website) are current, relevant and meeting the needs of the organization

Strategic Advisor to the Board:

• Identify, assess, and inform the Board of internal and external issues that impact the Utility
• Act as a professional advisor to the Board on all aspects of the organization's activities, helping to ensure the Utility is compliant and exercising good governance practices
• Lead the Board through a review of the achievements in the organization’s strategic plan and update as necessary
• Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board as appropriate, and jointly with the Board, where appropriate
• Bring his/her unique knowledge and understanding of the utility, its staff and customers to the Board in all decisions, and will balance that along with all other interests when exercising his/her vote.

Fiscal Planning and Risk Management:

• Work with the staff and Board to prepare a comprehensive annual budget in support of the strategic plan’s execution
• Develop and gain Board approval on key investment and operating policies
• Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board; oversee the operational budget and related cap-ex budget
• Ensure that sound financial and accounting procedures are followed
• Prepare and present annual and quarterly forecasts, plans and variance analyses
• Ensure the sharing of confidential information is controlled and follows a well-defined communication path and complies with, at a minimum, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act;
• Identify and evaluate any potential risks to the organization and implement measures to control those risks
• Ensure that the Utility complies with all federal and provincial regulations

CANDIDATE PROFILE

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS AND PERSONAL TRAITS:

• 10+ years of progressive management experience in executive leadership positions
• Strong track record managing the bottom-line of business-to-business or business-to-consumer services organizations
• Experience managing within both, highly regulated and non-regulated industry sectors; knowledge of the electricity/power sector would also be an asset
• Experience leading a government-owned entity would be ideal
• Expertise in leading organizations and their governing bodies/owners through significant change and transformation
• Demonstrated operational understanding of the work of an organization that serves multiple stakeholders; often with differing priorities and needs
• Experience sourcing, assessing, recommending, and commercializing regulated or non-regulated business opportunities would be a solid asset
• An ability to operate effectively at both a strategic and tactical level; is able to roll up their sleeves and, with a strong technical foundation, participate in execution when necessary; can effectively balance delegation with participation
• Superior qualitative and quantitative analytical skills and judgment; looks for new opportunities and employs good judgment and rigor before making recommendations; can create a framework that grants decision making authority while holding people accountable
• Strong operational leadership experience combined with solid business acumen; has developed financial management skills and P&L operating knowledge as well as experience working with ROI models, can help embed these disciplines across the organization and promote better decision making
• Knowledge of governance responsibilities and practices
• Experience working with a Board of Directors would be an asset
• Takes responsibility and likes to be held accountable for results
• Humble, confident and curious professional who can respectfully stand their ground in making and defending recommendations
• Tenacious and resilient in working towards meeting objectives and encouraging others to deliver results
• Nimble; able to deal with ambiguity; can take and encourage others to take educated risks
• Entrepreneurial spirit with a keen interest in being part of a growing business striving to be the best in its industry; enjoys walking the floor and interacting with employees; projects a ‘down-to-earth’ and engaging manner; enthusiastic with a positive attitude
• Open, honest and respectful; will embrace the Utility’s values and collaborative working environment
• Customer focused, and,
• Can call on a sense of humour.

ADDITIONAL COMPETENCIES AND ATTRIBUTES:

Adaptability: Can handle changes in circumstances and priorities, and operate effectively in multiple and changing work environments. Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
Business Acumen: Makes sound judgements and actions to ensure financial success; Applies balanced risk management to capitalize on opportunity and/or remediate a situation; Understands, interprets and appreciates financial information and predictability; Applies financial acumen and skills; Financially savvy.
People Leadership: Demonstrates strong people management skills. Fosters trust and respect while maintaining a high degree of motivation. Can call on strong coaching and mentoring skills and an innate ability in developing talent
Communicates with Impact: Exhibits strong written and verbal communication and public speaking/presentation skills. Projects a strong presence and interacts well across all levels of an organization. Listens well and can distill information effectively.
Strategic Influence: Is able to influence, negotiate and gain commitment at all levels of an organization.
Emotional Intelligence: Exhibits interpersonal skills, political acuity and other EQ-related attributes that will support their ability to drive workforce transformation.
Decisive: Assesses situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and makes confident, clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
Ethics and Integrity: Candid, sincere and ethical. Understands ethical business practices and ensures that own behavior and the actions of others are consistent with these standards and align with the values of the organization.
Creativity/Innovation: Develops new and unique ways to improve the operations of the organization. Uses imagination and original approaches to resolving issues and challenges. Seeks out opportunities for improved effectiveness in meeting stakeholder needs. Is entrepreneurial in mindset and focuses on being adaptable, hands-on when required and drives a “simplify and go” mindset to “just get it done”.
Fosters Teamwork: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness. Focuses on people (creating a motivated, empowered and engaged team where people can make a positive difference) and change (innovation – a general discontent with the status quo – “finding a better way”)
Organized: Sets priorities, develops a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities. Operates effectively with few defined boundaries or structure. Assesses problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.
Takes Initiative: Initiates change and improvement; makes things happen; proactive. Can provide frank and fearless advice and takes personal accountability for driving and delivering results and achieving outcomes.
Thinks Strategically: Assesses options and actions based on trends and conditions in the electrical and energy services industry, and the vision and values of the organization. Determines strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.

EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration or recognized equivalent education/experience; post-graduate credentials e.g. Professional Engineer, CPA, MBA are recognized as assets.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Please forward a confidential expression of interest (cover letter and current resume) to: Ed Perkovic at
eperkovic@amropknightsbridge.com

Should you have any questions regarding this exciting and challenging opportunity, please contact:

Amrop Knightsbridge
P.O. Box 20, 250 Yonge Street, 28th Floor
Toronto, ON M5B 2L9

The Utility is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, The Utility will provide accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process. If selected to participate in the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please inform Human Resources staff of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require. We thank all those that apply, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.