Planning Manager

Job Function

Support the Manager of Estimating & Project Planning in implementing the Engineering & Construction Services goals/objectives/strategies by providing effective direction and supervision to staff engaged in the planning of various transmission and distribution projects within the Province of Ontario. Manage and supervise teams of Project planners and support staff involving complex projects, provide consulting, project management and facilitation services through the planning phase of the project life cycle. Develop project plans and support the development of project planning strategies pertaining to assets and systems while identifying opportunities for efficiencies. Support and develop processes for the efficient and fast track delivery of projects utilizing such tools as lessons learned, parallel conceptual planning and design development (asset management, engineering, construction) processes and others. Address business and project constraints in the planning of projects.

Job Description:

• Manage the work of the project planning team in the delivery of complete and comprehensive project plans. Organize, plan, schedule, direct and coordinate work, assign tasks and monitor the progress of work to conform to schedules.
• Set direction and context for the teams in the development and preparation of project plans on projects to meet the client’s requirements. Supervise E&CS project execution plans development which will determine the mix of HONE in-house, turnkey and a hybrid of the two commercial strategies. Develop commercial strategies which suit the best interests of HONE as directed by senior management.
• Work closely with others to ensure the plans are aligned with requirements and constraints presented in each project circumstance
• Liaise with peer managers and clients to set common project plans and understandings, clarify roles, accountabilities and communication channels on an as needed, project-by-project basis.
• Monitor work status of the planning team, provide analysis of Pay Scale Group LEVEL 04 Points 0000 progress and issues and provide feedback to the management team and the clients.
• Support and manage the development and maintenance of standard approaches, policies and procedures for effective project planning. Planning Manager will be responsible for recommending project execution strategies which may develop into a repeat pattern of business process implementation.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field of Project planning. Identify and integrate industry best practices as they relate and benchmark against these. Make changes to procedures, standards and templates, as required. Provide ways and means to improve efficiency and economics of systems. Review technical publications and other literature. Communicate with counterparts in similar fields, to exchange views and discuss the merits of improved process and technology. Planning Manager shall be the thought leader for all project execution schedules including consulting contractors, and will influence the consultant contractor’s execution strategies.
• Assist in preparation of short and long term budgets for the department, and Rate Case plans.
• Contribute in the development and documentation of Engineering & Construction Services processes, systems and practices, including new concepts, working culture (people acceptance), philosophy, operating and maintenance of standards and policy in the dynamically changing field of utility engineering.

Managerial Accountabilities:

• Manage the unit and achieve the approved programs and targeted results through maintaining a team of 14 to 17 subordinates who are capable of producing the outputs required: ·
• Ensure subordinates are able and willing to produce the desired output, and that subordinate managers continually improve the processes for achieving the outputs.
• Assess staff capability to do the required work, now and in the future.
• Conduct personal effectiveness reviews of subordinates managers/specialists to build relationships and trust, and to improve effectiveness
• Mentor and counsel subordinates-once-removed.

Accountability for the outputs of others:

• Set the appropriate context for subordinates (i.e. corporate strategies and policies, accountabilities, tasks, budget. and Programs, compliance and performance targets, expectations for continuous improvement, etc.).
• Set an effective framework of policies and procedures for the work of the unit.
• Know and ensure own and subordinates’ compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, and all corporate policies and procedures, and generally accepted practices relating to the work of the unit.
• Establish a two-way working relationship with subordinates to solicit their views on conditions and potential changes effecting their work, and continuous improvement opportunities.

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated effective listening, verbal and written communications skills ·Demonstrated strong personal commitment to the customer

Analytical skills:

• Team and individual problem solving skills ·Interacts with others in a manner which enhances co-operative working relations, trust and mutual respect.
• Assumes accountability for decisions made and results.

Team player:

• Must be able to demonstrate a record of self-motivated behaviour and perseverance to accomplish objectives in spite of obstacles.
• Utilize software applications such as: SAP, MS Access, MS Excel, MS Project, Passport Software, P3 Software and Passport/ P3 interfaces. Provide support of CAP & OMA work, Work Processes and Procedures as defined in standard documents, reporting methods and software tools, web development and maintenance tools (e.g. MS Frontpage).
• Completion of 4 years of University training (Grade XII plus 5 years) in an appropriate field (e.g. engineering, business administration, computer science) or by having the equivalent level of education.
• A period of over 15 years and up to and including 20 years is considered necessary to gain the experience required for this position.

Demonstrated Management Skills:

• Analytical thinking: ability to understand a situation by segmenting and tracing implications step by step.
• Client Service Orientation: desire to help or serve others, to meet their needs.
• Developing Others: takes action to foster the long-term learning or development of others.
• Initiative: takes action, proactively doing things and not simply thinking about future actions.
• Information seeking: ability to acquire information relevant to the achievement of valued goals.
• Listening, Understanding and Responding # ability to accurately listen, understand and respond appropriately when interacting with individuals and groups.
• Strategic business thinking - ability to apply their technical knowledge and experience to making management decisions for achieving business objectives.
• Team leadership: ability to take a role as leader of a team or other group.
• Teamwork: able to work with others as part of a team, as opposed to working separately or competively.