Specialist Central Services

INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SYSTEM OPERATOR (IESO) Requisition ID: 19845
Location: Toronto, hybrid
Status: Regular
Business Unit: Planning, Conservation & Resource Adequacy

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, Central Services is responsible for leading daily contractual and settlement functions on behalf of the Demand Side Management (DSM) division in support of the delivery of conservation programs and services. Reporting to Supervisor, Central Services, the Specialist will lead the development, ongoing evolution, and implementation of contractual, financial and administrative controls and processes within the Portfolio Excellence department and DSM more broadly, to ensure initiatives undertaken by DSM are carried out to uphold IESO's policies and fiduciary responsibilities to ratepayers while addressing partner and customer needs. The person in this role leads the management of DSM's Procurement Plan, and possesses sound contractual and financial expertise to carry out the more complex procurement, contract, budget and settlement functions, and to work closely with Procurement, Legal, Finance, Market Settlements and IT to resolve issues independently. The Specialist, Central Services provides training and guidance to more junior members of the Central Services team on less complex functions. In addition, the Specialist, Central Services works with the Senior Specialist, Business Information Systems to support the ongoing enhancement of DSM information systems.

What you'll do

Leadership

• Thought leadership, creativity and innovative thinking in the identification and implementation of opportunities to develop and enhance efficient contract and finance-related operational controls and processes
• Support the development and implementation of Demand Side Management framework programs and initiatives in Ontario
• Manage more complex service provider relationships and contracts on behalf of the DSM division
• Champion the culture of conservation and the importance of upholding Central Services fiduciary responsibilities internally and externally
• Demonstrate by example the values of the IESO and the culture of the DSM division
• Take a proactive approach to implementing training and support initiatives that add value to the team and the division
• Guide team members and staff from other business units and manage their inputs to support key projects and responsibilities for Central Services
• Take the lead on the development of presentations on matters related to contracts, budgets, and settlements of DSM framework programs for various audiences, including but not limited to IESO senior management, the IESO Board of Directors, the Ministry of Energy, and others as required

Technical

• Responsible for monitoring contractual financial obligations, deliverables and vendor performance of assigned contracts
• Independently address issues that arise and proactively develop recommended solutions to management
• Develop and recommend controls for contract and finance-related operational risks
• Communicate risk(s) to the Supervisor and impacted internal stakeholders
• Support the development of summaries and databases, and organize information as required for DSM reporting, evaluations, audits and other functions
• Fully understand and apply all relevant IESO policies to all settlements and contract management work
• Work closely with DSM teams to understand ongoing and planned needs and develop recommendations to facilitate procurement, contract, information systems or program enhancement requests
• Solid understanding of contract terms and DSM framework programs and initiatives in order to provide valuable feedback on contract amendment requests or negotiation plans
• Support management of data and provide recommendations on data and information systems needs.
• Act as Central Services subject matter expert on relevant DSM projects, as needed

Financial

• Monitor and control DSM framework budgets and financial expenditures
• Develop budget forecasts and monitor performance of assigned central services contracts
• Ensure sufficient budget is available for the procurement of any new services/products, including contract amendments and extensions
• Ensure spending, contract commitments, and purchase order amounts are within approved budgets
• Responsible for managing and maintaining the integrity of DSM framework settlement data and work with Finance to reallocate as required
• Prepare and seek approval of DSM framework budget reallocations
• Manage monthly and annual accruals and other financial activities for all DSM fees and charges.
• Work with other DSM teams to track and ensure accuracy of program expenditures and commitments
• Responsible for accurate processing of DSM framework programs settlements through the appropriate IESO financial system (i.e., accounts payable or market settlements) as per contract
• Responsible for issue identification, documentation and resolution of settlement exceptions
• Create, amend and monitor purchase orders for contracts that are settled through the accounts payable system
• Support various IESO business units by participating in settlement audits and other financial activities, as required

Customer Focus

• Effectively engage and collaborate with staff in DSM and other IESO business units for successful implementation of DSM framework programs and initiatives
• Respond in a timely manner to external and internal requests for information concerning contracts and/or settlement issues
• Effectively cultivate and manage relationships with service providers and other IESO business units and partners to best ensure their input is heard and their needs are met
• Coordinate the effective development and delivery of training and support initiatives to the satisfaction of internal and external clients, as needed

And other duties or responsibilities as may be assigned

What you need to succeed

• The education required to complete the responsibilities associated with the position is typically obtained through 4 years of university training
• The minimum level of experience for the incumbent to perform at a satisfactory level of proficiency is 8-10 years including the period of adjustment on the job itself
• Strong planning, organizational and financial skills
• Deep knowledge of and experience in contract management and finance
• Experience in information systems is an asset
• Technical and analytical knowledge and ability in the field of business
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategies successfully
• Proven people management and team building capabilities
• Experience building and working with a team capable of achieving objectives over an extended period of time
• Knowledge of energy issues and a good understanding of conservation is essential
• Understanding of how control strategies, systems, processes and procedures are used to control the risk to accomplishing objectives
• Formal education relevant to the role
• Strong financial background preferred

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: June 25, 2024

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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