Department Vice-President Facilities & Operations - Utilities - Chilled Water Utility
Hours per week -
Posted date August 8, 2025
Closing date August 28, 2025
Position Type Full Time - Operating Funded

DESCRIPTION

This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.
In accordance with the Handbook of Employment for Management and Professional Staff (Excluded), this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary which will be commensurate with qualifications.
Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Utilities and Operations (UTOPS), the Executive Director, Utilities is responsible for the leadership and oversight of a complex public utility system serving the Greater Campus Area (GCA). This system serves not only the university, but also other external customers, such as Alberta Health Services (Walter C. Mackenzie, Mazankowski Heart Institute, Stollery Children’s Hospital, Kaye Edmonton Clinic, and Cross Cancer Institute), the Jubilee Auditorium, the National Institute for Nanotechnology and a number of other smaller entities. The incumbent is also responsible for operating, maintaining, and upgrading the utility systems in all the off-campus sites belonging to the university.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering;
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation is required with the ability to act as a Responsible Member and the Chief Operating Officer for the Utilities Professional Practice Management Plan as required by APEGA;
• Extensive experience in engineering, building, and operating industrial-scale plants;
• Experience working with utility financial statements, ensuring compliance with legislative and industry standards; and
• Extensive senior leadership experience across all levels in an industrial or utility setting organization in a competitive labour market.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering; and
• Direct experience in Alberta’s deregulated energy market, including commodity trading (natural gas and electricity), market structures, and contract negotiation.
  At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
  We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
  All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of inclusivity and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
  The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
  L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l’université à postuler.
  Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight August 28, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time

• Provide strategic direction to plant operations, project development and execution, securing capital funding, market-based commodity purchasing and hedging (natural gas and electricity), regulatory engagement with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), environmental and market compliance, and health and safety oversight in an industrial work environment;
• Accountable for the financial integrity of the utility operation—ensuring equitable rate structures, accurate billing, revenue recovery, budget development, and the prudent management of reserves to maintain long-term operational stability;
• Manage reputational risk and ensure service continuity for high-impact customers whose operations—spanning teaching, research, and medical care—depend on reliable utility service;
• Contributes to departmental planning and goal setting across operational, financial, and strategic domains; and
• Fosters a positive working environment that values professional growth, innovation, and collaboration building organizational capacity, and ensures that people remain a core pillar of operational excellence.