Chief Power Engineer

THE OPPORTUNITY

We have an exciting opportunity for a Chief Power Engineer to oversee the operation and maintenance of plant utility systems within a manufacturing environment in the Canadian Prairies. The role combines hands-on technical oversight with team leadership and operational planning, with employee safety and safe equipment operation central to every responsibility. The successful candidate will take ownership of departmental performance, improve maintenance processes and recordkeeping and support reliable operations and regulatory compliance.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a practical, safety-focused leader and strong communicator with sound power engineering knowledge and mechanical troubleshooting skills. They work independently, exercise good judgment and know when to draw on the expertise of others.

They delegate effectively and develop employees through coaching, cross-training and knowledge sharing. Open to change, they help their team adopt improved ways of working. They lead with integrity, accountability and respect.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the team responsible for operating and maintaining the facility’s utility systems.
• Establish daily priorities, coordinate schedules and provide operational coverage when required.
• Promote safe work practices and ensure employees have the training, tools and personal protective equipment required to perform their work safely.
• Develop employees through coaching, delegation, cross-training and knowledge sharing.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance, inspections, repairs and technical troubleshooting.
• Monitor equipment performance and implement improvements that support safety, reliability and operating efficiency.
• Maintain required operating records and support compliance with applicable regulations, permits and company policies.
• Improve departmental planning, documentation and recordkeeping through effective use of appropriate tools and technology.
• Communicate operational issues and priorities to other departments and management.
• Coordinate with internal resources, contractors, suppliers and regulatory representatives as required.
• Support staffing activities, budget planning and cost control.
• Maintain good housekeeping and work practices that protect product quality.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Third Class Power Engineer certification or higher, with the steam experience required for the position.
• Relevant experience operating and maintaining utility systems in an industrial environment.
• Practical mechanical knowledge and demonstrated troubleshooting ability.
• Experience leading employees and supporting their training and development.
• Ability to delegate work, establish priorities and guide employees through operational changes.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to communicate effectively across departments and with employees at all levels.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment and respond effectively to changing operational requirements.
• Ability and willingness to learn and use digital tools for maintenance planning, documentation, safety records and employee training.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Commitment to workplace and food safety and a willingness to learn and follow applicable standards and procedures.
• Ability to work in an industrial environment, including outdoors, at heights and in confined spaces.
• Experience in food manufacturing or another regulated processing environment is considered an asset.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Makes employee safety and safe equipment operation central to daily decisions.
• Leads with integrity, respect and accountability for individual and team results.
• Develops employees through coaching, delegation and knowledge sharing.
• Uses practical judgment to solve problems and manage changing priorities.
• Builds positive working relationships and supports open communication across the organization.
• Supports change and helps the team adopt improved processes and working methods.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

SANDY JACOBSON | T: 780.944.1327 | E: sandy.jacobson@richardsonsearch.ca | www.richardsonsearch.ca