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 a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Corporate Services advances the mission, vision and strategic plan of Utilities Kingston by leading through its values and championing the multi utility model.
The Director sets clear expectations, including performance metrics and manages resources to ensure corporate services, including Corporate Communications, Procurement, Health & Safety and Customer Service functions, are delivered in alignment within approved policies,
applicable standards and regulations. They provide guidance on policy development and deviations as needed and bring strong communication skills to influence outcomes, building collaboration, and marshaling resources effectively across the organization.
Major Responsibilities:
1. Provide leadership, direction, and management of the Corporate Services department including Corporate Communications, Health & Safety, Customer Service functions and Procurement.
2. Participate as an active team member on the Senior Leadership Team to develop short, medium, and long-term corporate strategies, supporting team initiatives and broader corporate programs through positive and effective communication.
3. Actively engage Senior Leadership Team members on internal Customer Satisfaction, assessing current service levels and developing improvement plans where required.
4. Accountable for the Supply Chain functions, working closely with the Manager of Purchasing and Materials,
5. Accountable for the Health & Safety Program, working with the H&S team to ensure these programs are delivered efficiently and effectively in meeting performance and regulatory requirements.
6. Work closely with the Manager, Public Relations & Communications to develop and execute corporate communications strategies, both externally for community stakeholders and customers and internally across corporate services leveraging the function to build awareness and support for Corporate Services initiatives.
7. Ensure appropriate resources are in place to support corporate strategy and work activities.
8. Collaborate with Finance on multi-year, long term expenditure planning for Corporate Services to ensure long-term affordability.
9. Keep the Senior Leadership Team and CEO informed of emerging issues/ and
progress on key work plan and strategic plan items.
10. Foster a culture of innovation within the Corporate Services and across the broader
organization.
11. Representing the multi-utility model, identify and pursue opportunities to collaborate across business areas to optimize and innovate service delivery.
12. Foster employee engagement and a positive work environment, ensuring transparency and consistency in all staff interactions.
13. Provide guidance to the Corporate Services management team
on annual performance and compensation cycle planning.
14. Support the ongoing development of leadership capabilities with the Corporate Services management team, with a focus on succession planning objectives.
15. Champion corporate programs and policies including organizational values ensuring clear expectations for the management team in upholding them.
Education, Certification and Other Qualifications Required
Skills & Abilities:
- Advanced MS Office skills
- Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and influence outcomes across a range of audiences
- Advanced interpersonal and leadership skills with a track record of building engaged high performing teams
- Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to translate strategy into actionable plans
- Intermediate project management skills
- Advanced ability to coordinate and manage complex, multi-disciplinary projects, budgets and programs
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of corporate communications principles and best practices, including brand management, message development and multi-channel communications planning
- Advanced knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety requirements as it relates to individuals, the organization, and operational requirements
- Working knowledge of procurement regulations and competitive bidding requirements applicable to the utility or municipal sector
Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree Business Administration, Public Relations/ Communications or a related discipline, a Masters Degree in Business Administration is preferred
- Minimum 7 years of progressive leadership experience in the utility with senior-level accountability for Health & Safety, Corporate Communications and/or Supply Chain functions
- Minimum 7 years’ of supervisory/management experience in both unionized and non-unionized environments
- Class G drivers’ license
Special Working Conditions/Conditions of Employment
- Maintain a valid drivers license throughout employment.
- A criminal record check satisfactory to Utilities Kingston at the successful candidate's own expense.
- 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
