Hydro One Manager, Indigenous Relations

Hydro One is proud to be the largest electricity transmission and distribution provider in Ontario, serving nearly 1.4 million customers. We have a long history in the industry with our roots dating back over 110 years to 1906. Since then, we have worked to grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of our customers and communities across Ontario. Today, we're focused on providing exceptional customer service and ensuring we are building safe communities where we live, work and play.

It's an exciting time to join the team at Hydro One

As Hydro One invests in building the energy system of the future, we continue to grow our industry-leading Indigenous Relations team to advance of our action-based approach to reconciliation. Building on our First Nations Equity Partnership model, this role will be accountable for advancing early relationships building and business development opportunities for the company and Indigenous communities through a strategy of early pre-development engagement and new and innovative economic partnerships with communities. We are looking for highly motivated and experienced Indigenous Relations / Business Development leader to join our team to lead these relationship, business development and negotiation efforts. If you are looking for an exciting and fast paced opportunity with the ability to lead change and deliver results, this opportunity may be for you

Role being posted to Toronto, but Hydro One is open to a qualified candidate living in other regions of Ontario.

Manage the development and execution of strategies and establish positive and influential relationships with Indigenous communities, their elected officials and governing bodies in order to advance corporately stated goals. Provide strategic advice and operational guidance to Hydro One's Lines of Business to ensure their work programs and standards reflect the spirit and intent of the principles and objectives of the Indigenous Relations policy which recognizes that Indigenous peoples and their lands are unique in Canada, with distinct legal, historical and cultural significance.

Specific Accountabilities

• Devise and implement key Indigenous community and government relations strategies and programs to advance Hydro One's corporate goals and interests in a manner that demonstrates mutual respect.
• Develop corporate policies and procedures that reflect the objectives of Indigenous Relations policy so that lines of business carry out their work in a manner that respects and considers the importance of the mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous communities.
• Provide strategic advice and counsel, make recommendations, including making relevant presentations, to senior management on strategies and programs which are critical to Hydro One's success in the area of Indigenous relations.
• Travelling to Indigenous communities across Ontario, establish and maintain strategic relationships with elected officials of the Indigenous communities.
• Establish and maintain relationships with government officials at the local, provincial and federal level, major corporations (i.e. mining, oil and gas), industry and Indigenous associations.
• Applying judgment, discretion and initiative in managing sensitive issues involving Indigenous communities and their citizens, including use of herbicide, high bills, collections, treaty rights, and negotiating outcomes that strike the appropriate balance between the company's and communities' interests.
• Establish and implement consultation plans necessary to influence and secure regulatory and government approvals for major transmission projects, maintenance and sustainment work. Lead procedural aspects of consultation with Indigenous communities as delegated by the Crown. This consultation may include development of mandates for negotiation, negotiating agreements for capacity, traditional knowledge studies, accommodation and potentially partnerships.
• Lead the implementation of key initiatives to increase Indigenous satisfaction and enhance Hydro One's image/reputation across all Indigenous communities. Perform analysis and measure performance data to ensure that associated activities are effective and targeted.
• Provide reports and data for corporate purposes, as required.
• Manage project budgets and maximize the impact of each dollar, including negotiating best rates from external service deliverers where applicable. Ensure availability of appropriate resources for the completion of Indigenous relations programs.
• Ensure scope and policy changes, new work methods and program/project objectives are effectively introduced to staff.
• Manage and supervise staff and contractors engaged in the delivery of Indigenous relations programs and projects. Develop, plan, schedule, organize and assign work to ensure that quality and accuracy of work are maintained and on schedule. Provide leadership and be accountable for the successful implementation and delivery of assigned work programs and special projects.
• Make effective recommendations on human resource issues, including career counselling, hiring, discharge, interviewing, discipline and resolving work performance problems.

Selection Criteria

• 5+ years of progressively senior work experience, in Indigenous relations and engagement, stakeholder relations, land or environment
• Experience working in Indigenous communities on major capital projects leading engagement planning and strategy, regulatory, capacity building, business and employment and training, and education/training
• Track record and experience in negotiations will be an asset
• Highly self-motivated and relationship oriented, with the ability to manage multiple and competing priorities
• Experience using stakeholder engagement recording tools (e.g. Stake Tracker, Borealis)
• Exceptional collaboration and strategic focus, facilitation skills and talent development
• Proven track record in building relationships with Indigenous communities and collaborating across stakeholder and business functions building trusted and transparent relationships
• Highly organized and strong attention to detail with ability to lead across functions
• Strong verbal, written communication skills and the ability to think strategically and to implement strategic engagement plans
• Strong strategic planning skills and people leadership experience
• Ability to work as needed outside of work hours to meet business needs
• Able to drive results personally and through a team in fast-paced environment in a timely and strategic manner
• Able to work collaboratively and build networks across business units and with Indigenous groups externally
• High degree of PC literacy, including MS Office applications
• Bachelor's Degree (4 year college or university)
• Candidates who self-identify as Indigenous and would represent an additional team member with Indigenous lived experience are encouraged to apply

At Hydro One we understand that the success and strength of our business rests with our people. When we develop their skills, we are investing in both their success and ours. To secure the best talent, we seek to create a workforce that reflects the diverse populations of the communities where we live and work and to create a culture based on safety, innovation and inclusiveness.

We are honoured to be recognized by Forbes in its list of Canada's Best Employers for 2023.

Thank you for considering a career with Hydro One, we welcome applications from all qualified candidates. If you are having difficulty using our online application system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email Hydro One will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application process.

Please note this email is only for accommodation requests. Resumes sent to this email address will not be considered.

Deadline: Aapril 22, 2024

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