Lead Consultant

Util-Assist is a leading consulting and services company to electric, water, and gas utilities, with customers throughout Canada and the United States. Utilities today are undergoing an exciting digital transformation; the widespread deployment of smart grid technologies and renewable energy sources is colliding with customer demand for electric vehicles, energy savings, and better customer experiences to produce a dramatic shift in how utilities do business. Util-Assist is at the forefront of that shift.

Our vision is to be the trusted partner in driving digital innovation that reshapes the utility landscape. To bring that vision to life, Util-Assist is leading the way in helping utilities take advantage of the latest developments in utility IT, with growing practices for data analytics and customer experience consulting building on our well-established smart grid procurement and implementation management services. Our managed services division leverages advancements in utility IT systems to deliver a variety of services to utility customers, including outage communications management, managed billing, and AI-enabled substation security monitoring.

Teamwork is key to the success of the Util-Assist family; mutual respect, cooperation, and honesty are hallmarks of our principles. We offer a range of energizing, multi-disciplinary careers in a high-tech industry, with great potential for development and advancement as both the industry and our company continue to grow. Util-Assist’s flexible work environment allows you to work from anywhere, letting you choose the work arrangements that make the most sense for you. We will give you the tools and support to succeed in our business, wherever you are. 

We are firmly committed to fostering a welcoming, positive, and diverse workplace. Thanks to our outstanding culture, we are the proud recipients of several national and local awards, including the Employee Recommended Workplace Award (three years running), the York Region Business of the Year award, and the Newmarket Large Business of the Year Award.

Reporting to the Director of Consulting, the Lead Consultant is responsible for leading the client relationship and working with members of the Professional Services team to provide client support on various projects. The role will lead engagements of all sizes and is accountable for ensuring that project objectives are achieved and delivered consistent with organizational service standards. To be successful, the Lead Consultant must be a “doer” and visionary who enjoys working on challenging and innovative projects with clients and vendors. What You’ll Do

• Prepare and deliver presentations in support of our Business Development team to educate clients on our services and solutions and how our organization can assist the client
• Prepare, lead, and validate outcomes of requirements gathering workshops with clients
• Prepare and deliver strategy, technical, and non-technical reports for client engagements
• Participate in discussions with clients on project status
• Provide guidance on subject matter expertise on current technologies in the market that are applicable to the project
• Lead decision analysis discussions with clients as required
• Prepare business cases and budgets for clients as required
• Articulate business needs and describe how technology can improve the client’s business processes
• Provide guidance and recommendations on integrations of client systems, staying aligned with best practices
• Design and document solutions for client engagements and leverage team capabilities as required
• Develop and sustain positive relationships with clients, ensure projects are progressing appropriately, and resolve certain escalated client issues
• Communicate with C-suite level utility or vendor personnel regarding project requirements and status
• Think “out of the box” to propose creative and unique solutions
• Lead contract negotiations and legal discussions regarding contract language within areas of expertise as required
• Oversee and direct the activities of the team and ensure that client deliverables are achieved
• Transfer knowledge and support the development of the team in areas of expertise

What You Will BringSkills

• Expert communication skills (both verbal and written)
• Expert analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills
• Expert ability to develop and foster positive stakeholder relationships
• Advanced facilitation skills
• Advanced leadership skills
• Advanced ability to simplify and document business requirements and processes
• Intermediate coaching/mentoring and training skills
• Basic project management skills
• Basic financial management skills

Knowledge/Experience

• 10 years of experience working with advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)
• 10 years of experience working with meter data management (MDM)
• 10 years of experience working with systems integration in the utility space
• 10 years of experience working with utilities
• 5+ years’ experience leading large scale, complex advanced metering initiatives, preferably in a professional service consultant organization
• Expert knowledge of multiple vendors’ AMI and MDM solutions with a solid understanding of what is current in the AMI/MDM market and emerging technology
• Strong knowledge of AMI integration with peripheral utility systems (e.g., ADMS, OMS, GIS, asset management, web presentment, data lake/analytics platforms, etc.)
• Knowledge of smart cities solutions with a solid understanding of what is current in the market and where the technology is going
• Expert knowledge of the meter-to-cash process for utilities
• Extensive experience working with C-suite executives
• Experience presenting to small and large groups (e.g., able to lead small meetings and successfully deliver presentations at industry conferences)
• Experience negotiating with vendors with an ability to articulate the business needs and detailed technical requirements
• Experience developing business cases and creating budgets

Working Conditions

• Hybrid office environment
• The ability to travel to client sites throughout Canada and the U.S.
• The ability to secure a U.S. visa to enable work in the U.S. or a Canadian visa to work in Canada
• A successful SIN and passport clearance along with a police vulnerability check is required
• In order to satisfy our obligation to provide a safe and healthy work environment and to meet the needs and standards of our clients, the successful candidate will be required, as a condition of employment, to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 in accordance with Util-Assist’s vaccination policy. Util-Assist will comply with its obligations under applicable human rights legislation to accommodate the successful candidate if unable to receive the vaccine due to medical and/or religious reasons, up to the point of undue hardship. Additionally, if the successful candidate does not provide proof of vaccination, Util-Assist will consider whether the inability to provide proof of vaccination was the result of a lack of availability of the vaccine at the time of offer, or because the start date does not allow for vaccination prior to commencing work, and/or the successful candidate's reason for not being vaccinated. Failure to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 may result in an offer of employment being rescinded

Company Perks

• Innovative Work Environment: Be part of a dynamic and innovative company at the forefront of technological advancements
• Competitive Compensation: Receive a competitive package reflective of your expertise and contributions
• Career Growth Opportunities: Flourish in a fast-growing organization where your career advancement is encouraged and supported
• Vibrant Workplace Culture: Experience a fun, social, and award-winning culture where teamwork and collaboration thrive
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access resources and support through our EAP, including Nutritional Health Coaching, to enhance your well-being
• Parental Leave Program: option to participate in our top-up program for parental leave
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: A streamlined and quick enrollment process, with Health, Dental and other benefits covered by the employer
• Retirement Planning: Plan for your future with our retirement plan, including employer matching, to help you achieve your long-term financial goals
• Exclusive Memberships & Offers: Access special rates for you and your family for fitness membership, mobile and data plans and vehicle purchase program
• Birthday Lieu Day: Each year on your birthday, we offer all employees a lieu day (apart from regular vacation & work anniversary day addition) to celebrate your special day your way

We thank all applicants for their interest in Util-Assist; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Util-Assist is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

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