Director, Standards, Quality & Policy (Toronto)

Responsible for developing the strategy and directing the development and implementation of distribution standards, engineering policies (including Conditions of Service and Offers to Connect), and quality programs that enable the efficient execution of utility work, construction, maintenance, and innovation initiatives across Toronto Hydro.

The role establishes utility standards and policy in accordance with prudent asset life cycle analysis to optimize investment, manage utility risks, and achieve organizational strategies and plans. It plays a critical leadership function in shaping how standards and policies evolve to support emerging technologies, electrification, changing customer expectations, and future system needs. The director enables innovation through flexible, forward‑looking standards and governance frameworks that balance consistency, risk management, and operational effectiveness.

The director also oversees organizational processes associated with customer connections (load and generation), including engineering analysis and Offers to Connect, and leads audit and compliance processes (including Electrical Safety Authority audits). A key point of contact for regulatory and external stakeholders, the director may participate in regulatory proceedings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop strategy and direct systems and processes to support the development and evolution of engineering standards, standard designs, materials, work practices, and planning criteria.
• Lead the development of modern, flexible, and forward‑looking standards that enable innovation, support non‑traditional solutions, and respond to emerging grid and customer needs.
• Direct cross‑functional teams to continuously improve engineering standards and policies to support safe, effective, and scalable grid operations.
• Act as a subject matter expert in assessing and managing technical and public safety risks through effective standards and policy frameworks.
• Ensure engineering standards and policies incorporate considerations related to climate change, system resilience, and evolving environmental risks, including identification and mitigation of asset and infrastructure vulnerabilities.
• Lead the development and execution of quality assurance and quality control programs related to equipment, materials, and work practices.
• Oversee proactive and reactive quality investigations and technical studies to inform improvements to standards, specifications, and execution practices.
• Drive continuous improvement in governance and quality processes, strengthening consistency, accountability, and adoption across the organization.
• Ensure standards and policies are effectively embedded into operational practices and deliver intended outcomes.
• Lead and develop a team of leaders and professionals responsible for standards, quality, and policy functions.
• Drive a strong safety culture by embedding safety considerations into standards, policies, and decision‑making processes.
• Provide coaching, performance management, and development to build a high‑performing and engaged team.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators, the Electrical Safety Authority, City of Toronto, and industry partners.
• Lead audit processes, ensuring effective execution, gap closure, and reporting.
• Represent Toronto Hydro in industry forums and engage in discussions shaping evolving standards, regulatory frameworks, and emerging technologies.

REQUIREMENTS

• Undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering preferred (other engineering disciplines may be considered).
• Ten (10) years of professional experience in utility distribution system planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance, engineering standards and materials.
• Five (5) or more years of progressive operations and/or engineering services experience in a direct supervisory leadership capacity; at least 2+ years of senior management experience strongly preferred.
• Registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng) in the Province of Ontario.
• Graduate degree in business or engineering preferred.
• Strong knowledge of the utilities industry, related regulations, codes, standards, and policies.
• Solid knowledge of the distribution system, customer connection implications, system reliability, protections and control.
• Fully proficient in MS Office, MS Project, Visio and other PM tools.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, problem‑solving, decision‑making, verbal and written communication skills, and ability to influence change.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to multi‑task and meet deadlines.
• Strong project management, budget and financial management, and change management skills.

TOTAL REWARDS

• 100% employer‑paid Health & Dental benefits.
• 24/7 access to Employee & Family Assistance Program and Virtual Healthcare.
• Company‑paid life insurance and long‑term disability.
• Spending account to support fitness goals (e.g., gym memberships).
• Competitive paid time off (including vacation and parental leave).
• Defined Benefits Pension Plan through OMERS.
• Career development and tuition reimbursement.
• Exciting employee engagement and appreciation events throughout the year.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is based in a hybrid environment. Employees may work remotely up to two days per week, with the remaining days on site from Tuesday to Thursday. Applicants must reside in Ontario and be within reasonable commuting distance of the office.