Job Description

INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SYSTEM OPERATOR Job Title: Business Advisor, Market Participant Readiness
Requisition ID: 17844
Location: Oakville
Temporary Assignment: Yes, up to 36 months

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 Business Advisor Market Participants is responsible to maintain and build relationships with key accounts, such as market participants, customers or trade associations to meet the objectives of building trust within the sector and educating and building support for key IESO initiatives. This position will champion customer issues for resolution in the IESO ensuring that market participants are able to participate effectively in markets and programs. Will be the central point of contact for all assigned key accounts.

What you will be doing

• Acts as technical and training expert for tools and practices related to the renewed IESO market for external stakeholders
• Manage specific market participant or association accounts to coordinate and encourage participation in training, education, awareness, and ultimately readiness for the renewed market in Ontario.
• Manage the relationship with assigned market participant accounts. Is the central point of contact with accounts to provide training and support, manage issues, build trust, educate and inform on market obligations and support the transition to the renewed market. Understand the customer segments to be aware of potential areas of concern or resistance, and aim to remove those barriers to adoption of and participation in the renewed market.
• Develop work plans for the strategic engagement with key accounts, and the execution of training and education assignments, including consideration of schedule, methodology and resource requirements.
• Create training documentation (guides, memos, presentations, and other multimedia) and deliver training presentations on the project to stakeholders
• Provide advice, guidance, information directly to market participants, associations and their agents related to their business relationship with the IESO.
• On an ongoing basis, document and follow-up on stakeholder input and questions, developing responses for internal review.
• Provide technical advice and guidance to Market Participants and others regarding the parameters governing the energy industry and the marketplace, including the market design, rules, obligations and processes. Respond/consult accordingly and where appropriate, seeking subject matter expert advice.
• Participate in conference calls, meetings, conferences, seminars etc. as needed and provides summary reports and/or presentations for internal or external audiences on technical matters related to program initiatives.
• Maintain expert market knowledge consistent with corporate strategic direction (e.g. market operation issues, market rules, Market Renewal Program, IESO business processes). Provide customers and other IESO staff with updates, interpretations and customer impacts.
• Assist with the identification of key influencers and key channels for the successful implementation of IESO initiatives.
• Assist in the preparation of customer communications.
• On an ongoing basis, review the effectiveness of existing processes and recommend changes to processes, systems, procedures and market documents as necessary. Identify information and reporting requirements as required.
• Perform other duties as may be required.

What you need to succeed

Education

• Requires academic training in business, commerce, accounting, or engineering to understand and apply the technical/economic legislative parameters governing the energy industry and market place.

Requires superior knowledge of communication techniques and theories at a level to develop comprehensive instructions, policies, practices, and procedures for effective communication to customers in relation to the complaints, inquiries, advice and guidance on Market Participant requirements.

Requires superior written and verbal communication skills.

This knowledge is considered to be normally acquired either through the successful completion of 4 years University education or by having the equivalent education.

Experience:

• Requires experience in methods of discovery, investigation and process design, which involves having good analytical, reasoning and negotiating skills to resolve unique market related problems or questions.
• Experience in the Utility business and/or general understanding of IESO's structure and functional areas is also needed.
• Requires experience in dealing with customers (internal & external to the IESO) in a professional and service focused environment. Requires experience to effectively deal with complex inquiries as well as escalated and sensitive situations.
• Experience in an account management or sales/marketing environment is beneficial.
• A period of 6 years, up to and including 8 years is considered necessary to gain this experience.

Nice to have:

• Demonstrates experience and knowledge in at least one of the following areas (multiple areas are a considerable asset):

• IT and Process Implementation
• Economics and Markets (synthesizing the inputs, calculations and outputs of market mechanisms)
• Customer Relations and Training
• Knowledge of IESO's market initiatives and/or customer base
• Strong planning, project and relationship management, and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and problem solving skills
• Strong public presentation training and experience
• Attention to detail
• Self motivated and self directed
• Exceptional tolerance for ambiguity and change

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: September 26, 2022

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 commenced its 6 month Hybrid Work Model Pilot Program on March 28th, 2022. The Model allows for remote working up to three days per week, based on business needs. Your primary location will be based out of our Oakville location.

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