Specialist Strategic Contracts

INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SYSTEM OPERATOR (IESO)

Why join us?

You’ve got great skills. And you want to use them in an organization where you know what you do every day matters. We get that.
We also know that ensuring Ontarians have access to affordable and reliable power doesn’t happen by accident. So we give you the tools, flexibility and support you need to achieve your goals, and development opportunities to help you grow. You’ll thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment that values your unique skills and experiences – and recognizes that when you do better, we become even better too.

Who we are

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the centre of the province’s power system, ensuring Ontarians have access to reliable and cost-effective electricity when and where they need it. We operate the province’s electricity grid 24/7, design, run and oversee the wholesale electricity markets, and plan and prepare to meet Ontario’s electricity needs – now and into the future.

The Opportunity

The Specialist, Strategic Contracts, reporting to the Supervisor, Nuclear and Strategic Contracts, will be a key member of the team responsible for overseeing the prudent management of the IESO’s strategic long term electricity supply contracts that require extensive technical, financial, and operational oversight; in particular, OPG Energy Supply Agreements and to a lesser extent, the Amended and Restated Bruce Power Refurbishment Implementation Agreement (ARBPRIA) with Bruce Power. The individual is expected to have a strong financial background, complemented by technical or engineering, contract management, project management and relationship management experiences and competencies.

The Specialist will be required to execute the framework for completing due diligence activities and effective management of the technical, commercial and financial obligations in accordance with long term electricity supply agreements with OPG and Bruce Power. This will require leading the implementation and maintenance of reporting tools and systems to monitor and analyze operating characteristics of hydroelectric, thermal and nuclear generating facilities to ensure compliance with the agreements.

This role requires regular interfacing with stakeholders, established resource developers, external consultants (legal, technical, financial and/or audit) and other external organizations. The Specialist will perform an active role in the planning, coordinating resources and executing activities to ensure all contractual obligations are met, and will require a portion of time at the Bruce Power Nuclear Generating Site near Kincardine, Ontario to support in the oversight of Bruce Power’s technical, commercial and financial obligations.

What you'll do

A primary duty of the Specialist is to provide support to the Supervisor, Nuclear and Strategic Contracts to manage the OPG Energy Supply Agreements, and to a lesser extent, the Bruce Power refurbishment agreement, that require significant financial, technical, and operational oversight. This role requires the Specialist to represent the IESO, as the contract counterparty with OPG representatives and will include the following responsibilities:

1. Contract Management and Support:

• Attend and participate in OPG contract review and oversight meetings
• Prepare summary documents, progress reports and meeting minutes
• Review, analyze and assess performance metrics measured against contractual obligations
• Track development and assist with due diligence procedures on OPG submissions and supporting documentation
• Advise and inform management on potential and/or ongoing issues
• Support the development and enhancement of tools and processes to support the monitoring and reporting of contractual and operational requirements associated with nuclear and hydroelectric generation facilities
• Prepare regular and/or periodic progress and observation reports for IESO management
• Support IESO management with the resolution of contract or payment disputes
• Support the assessment of notices and/or proposals received by counterparties, present recommendations to management
• Assist, as required, with due diligence procedures associated with the management of the Bruce Power refurbishment agreement

2. Financial and Technical Due Diligence:

• Monitor and conduct due diligence on technical and financial submissions by contract counterparties, and ensure relevant evidentiary documentation is received
• Support technical experts by identifying facts, issues and documents that may be relevant in their analysis
• Assist in the development and enhancement of tools, databases and procedures for monitoring, tracking and reporting on capital and OM&A costs associated with nuclear and hydroelectric generating facilities
• Track and monitor relevant technical information related to the scope and timing of work completed or proposed by generators to ensure it is prudent and in accordance with good engineering and operating practices
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of OEB regulatory framework and cost allocation methodologies
• Support the review of submissions from contract counterparties to confirm reasonableness of estimates and/or actual expenditures, and review reports and monitor progress to schedule and cost
• Raise concerns identified through due diligence activities, including relevance of business rationale and supporting documentation provided by the contract counterparty
• Attend and participate in oversight meetings with counterparties, and/or with external vendors (engineering, procurement and construction)

3. Relationship Management:

• Ensure a high level of supplier/customer focus by developing and maintaining an excellent working relationship through day-to-day contact with the IESO’s contract counterparties
• Assist with the sourcing, securing and managing the work of external consultants (e.g., legal, economic, technical, audit, etc.) as required.
• Support technical experts by identifying facts, issues and documents that may be relevant in their analysis

4. Remain flexible and available to assist with other projects within the Department or in other IESO Departments, and perform other duties or responsibilities as may be assigned.

What you need to succeed

Education:

• Must possess an undergraduate university degree (typically four years) in engineering, business, finance or economics with a strong understanding of engineering and/or possess technical electrical generation expertise
• A post-graduate degree in engineering, business, finance or economics is preferred
• A professional designation, including one or more of P.Eng., PMP, CPA, CA, or CFA is preferred
• Must possess electricity generation preferably hydroelectric and/or nuclear industry-specific training or commensurate exposure to the electricity generation industry

Experience:

Over 6 years of experience with generation technology in a technical and commercial capacity is required to apply the necessary discretion to carry out the relationship management, technical analysis and contract management responsibilities of the position. Critical knowledge gained through experience includes:

• Strong problem solving skills with the ability to consult multiple resources, including procedures, reports, and other documentation, prior to implementing solutions
• Experience with reading, interpreting, and other activities related to managing contracts
• Excellent analytical thinking, technical analysis, attention to detail and data management skills
• Proven ability to lead projects, including planning tasks and coordinating resources
• Demonstrated knowledge of OEB regulated framework is an asset
• Self-motived with the ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and as a team player
• Must be action oriented and able to proactively takes on new challenges
• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills to prepare reports and detailed responses from internal and external stakeholders is essential
• Sound knowledge of Ontario and North American electricity and the regulatory environment is required
• Advanced Excel skills with 3+ years maintaining and/or building Excel models. Experience with other analytical tools and programs considered an asset.

What’s in it for you

• A comprehensive total rewards program, including best-in-class benefits and a flexible workplace
• A challenging, fast-paced and collaborative team environment, where your perspectives and experiences matter
• Leaders who support your growth and success through regular feedback and coaching
• The opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry
  

Deadline: March 14, 2025

For future reference, please ensure to save a copy of the job description as it will no longer be available once the posting closes.

At the IESO, we know that achieving great results depends on embracing diversity by attracting, developing and retaining people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We do this by ensuring our recruitment and advancement policies are fair and equitable, and by creating an accessible and inclusive environment – one that values every team member’s unique skills and experiences and ensures they have the support they need to achieve their potential. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know.

We thank you for your interest in a career at the IESO, but we will only contact those candidates selected for an interview.

Note: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a background check.

The IESO offers a hybrid work model program to most of our employees, based on business needs. Individuals participating in the program can work an average of three days per week remotely within Ontario. It also offers three flex weeks when individuals can work remotely within Ontario . When working in the office, you will be located at our Toronto location.

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