Oversees a team of strategy professionals responsible for executing the organization's most complex corporate strategic initiatives, market intelligence activities, and strategic decision-support functions.
Leads the end-to-end annual strategic planning process, including initiative scoping, road-mapping, budgeting, and alignment with the business plan in collaboration with Finance and Enterprise Risk Management.
Owns the corporate strategy governance framework, portfolio prioritization methodology, and performance measurement systems, ensuring strategic initiatives are tracked, reported, and aligned with organizational objectives.
Manages the organization's market intelligence and environmental scanning processes, acting as the corporate "Watchtower" to identify emerging trends, disruptions, and strategic risks that may impact Toronto Hydro's strategic position.
Serves as senior strategic advisor to the Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors, independently developing strategic recommendations, facilitating high-level strategic discussions, and challenging organizational assumptions on strategic direction.
The incumbent is responsible for designing and leading Executive and Board strategy sessions, preparing executive-level materials and presentations that inform critical decision-making, and synthesizing strategic information into clear, actionable insights for senior governance audiences.
Standardizes and aligns strategic informational inputs across the organization with support from team members and internal and external subject matter experts; develops strategic models, frameworks, and plans to support and drive implementation of corporate strategic initiatives. Fosters and manages strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders at senior organizational levels to support the research, development, and implementation of exploratory and approved strategic initiatives.
Provides hands-on leadership to the strategy team, leveraging expertise in corporate strategy consulting and project management to mentor staff, promote strategic thinking and disciplined execution, and build organizational capability in strategic planning and implementation.
Manages safety, attendance, performance, and professional development of team members, providing coaching and feedback to support employee engagement and achievement of departmental goals.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead and mentor a team delivering Toronto Hydro's corporate strategic plan and priority initiatives, applying strategic frameworks and disciplined execution practices to guide analysis and support sound decision-making
- Act as a trusted advisor to executives and leadership from across the organization, providing insights and recommendations that drive strategic outcomes
- Lead the annual strategic planning process, including initiative scoping, road mapping and budgeting
- Track overall success of the corporate strategy through monitoring and oversight of the corporate strategy metrics
- Design and develop materials for Executive and Board strategy sessions by gathering cross-business insights, and prepare executive-level reports and presentations that support decision-making and track progress against strategic priorities
- Develop and maintain a prioritization framework for the strategic initiatives and monitor progress of the portfolio through status / risk reporting
- Facilitate steering committee meetings to track and report progress on strategic initiatives and portfolio opportunities, consolidating inputs from the business and the strategy / enterprise risk management team
- Manage the organization's environmental scanning and market intelligence processes, acting as the corporate "Watchtower" to identify emerging trends, disruptions, and strategic risks
- Produce regular updates and strategic briefings to inform leadership and the Board of sector developments and implications
- Leverage expertise in corporate strategy consulting to guide the team in applying strategic frameworks, options analyses and methodologies that support sound decision-making
- Facilitate strategic discussions and decision-making forums, ensuring alignment and engagement across departments and leadership levels
REQUIREMENTS:
Education & Experience:
- Undergraduate degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field required
- Ten (10) or more years of relevant progressive experience in corporate strategy development and implementation, strategic planning, and project management in the energy sector or in a related regulatory, public sector, or policy-driven environment
- Five (5) or more years of progressive people leadership experience, managing professional teams and driving organizational performance
- Proven track record of successfully leading and negotiating corporate changes, strategic transformations, and organizational initiatives
- Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, Economics, Law, or related field strongly preferred
- Professional designation or certification preferred (PMP, CFA, risk management, P.Eng., Certified Management Consultant)
- Background and experience in strategy consulting (internal or external) strongly preferred, with demonstrated application of strategic frameworks and structured problem-solving methodologies
Strategic Planning & Methodology Expertise:
- Demonstrated expert knowledge of corporate strategic planning models, methodologies, processes, and industry best practices (balanced scorecard, Objectives & Key Results (OKRs), scenario planning, portfolio management)
- Deep understanding of strategy development frameworks, options analysis approaches, and strategic decision-making processes
- Proven ability to design and lead strategic planning cycles, governance structures, and performance measurement systems
- Expert knowledge of market intelligence and environmental scanning methodologies with ability to identify emerging trends and strategic implications
- Strong understanding of strategic initiative portfolio management, prioritization frameworks, and resource allocation approaches
- Ability to translate strategic vision into actionable implementation plans, roadmaps, and measurable outcomes
Project & People Leadership:
- Expert project management skills and experience executing complex, enterprise-wide project activities across the full lifecycle, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, tracking, reporting, and risk mitigation
- Proven people leadership capabilities with ability to build, develop, and manage high-performing strategy teams
- Strong coaching and mentoring skills to develop strategic thinking capabilities and promote disciplined execution across team members
- Ability to foster a culture of strategic thinking, continuous improvement, and collaborative problem-solving
- Experience managing performance, providing constructive feedback, and supporting professional development of direct reports
- Demonstrated ability to attract, retain, and develop top strategy talent
Industry & Sector Expertise:
- Strong knowledge and understanding of the electricity sector and market, including utility business models, competitive dynamics, and industry evolution
- Deep knowledge of both the competitive energy products and services market and the regulated rate-making process and requirements (Ontario Energy Board)
- Understanding of electricity sector trends, disruptions, and strategic challenges (electrification, DERs, grid modernization, climate policy, regulatory evolution)
- Knowledge of utility economics, capital planning, and regulatory cost recovery mechanisms
- Awareness of competitive landscape, peer utility strategies, and emerging business models in the electricity industry
Financial & Analytical Acumen:
- Strong financial analysis and business acumen, including financial modeling, business case development, and cost-benefit analysis
- Deep understanding of business and financial models to support strategic growth opportunities (mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, new business models)
- Advanced data analytics skills with ability to synthesize complex quantitative and qualitative information into strategic insights
- Ability to evaluate investment opportunities, assess financial implications of strategic decisions, and develop ROI frameworks
- Experience working collaboratively with Finance on business planning, budgeting, and financial forecasting
Executive Communication & Advisory:
- Excellent communication, presentation, and writing skills with proven ability to prepare and deliver Board-level strategic materials and presentations
- Superior ability to synthesize complex strategic information and develop succinct, compelling key messages for executive and Board audiences
- Executive presence with ability to facilitate high-level strategic discussions, challenge senior leadership thinking, and drive strategic alignment
- Proven ability to serve as trusted strategic advisor to C-suite executives and Board members on corporate strategy matters
- Strong storytelling and narrative development skills to communicate strategic direction and build organizational commitment
Stakeholder Leadership & Influence:
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills with ability to build credibility and influence at senior organizational levels (VP, C-suite, Board)
- Expert facilitation skills with proven ability to lead strategic workshops, decision-making forums, and cross-functional strategic planning sessions
- Political acumen and diplomatic skills to navigate complex organizational dynamics, competing interests, and sensitive strategic decisions
- Excellent influence and negotiation skills with ability to build consensus, manage resistance, and drive strategic outcomes without full authority
- Proven ability to foster collaboration across organizational silos and align diverse stakeholders around common strategic objectives
- Strong change leadership capabilities with ability to lead organizational transformation initiatives
Professional Attributes & Leadership Qualities:
- Strategic mindset with ability to balance long-term vision with near-term execution priorities
- Strong judgment and decision-making capabilities on complex, ambiguous strategic matters with organizational implications
- High degree of autonomy, self-direction, and accountability for strategic planning outcomes and team performance
- Ability to operate effectively in dynamic, changing environments while maintaining strategic focus and team stability
- Commitment to continuous learning, staying current on strategy best practices, and advancing organizational strategic planning maturity
- Professional maturity with ability to maintain confidentiality on highly sensitive strategic, competitive, and Board-level matters
- Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to balance multiple strategic priorities, team management responsibilities, and executive demands
- Results-oriented with focus on delivering measurable strategic outcomes and demonstrable business value
Toronto Hydro Corporation
14 Carlton Street
Toronto
Ontario Canada
www.torontohydro.com/
