JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for directing and coordinating the implementation of the corporate strategy for the water and electricity operations within the guidelines established by the Board of Directors; supervising the activities of the various department heads as well as establishing and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders.

To spearhead the Utility towards its stated:

Vision: To be the greenest utility provider in the Caribbean; &

Mission: To provide Electricity, Water and Waste Water services that people want and choose to afford; and that Montserrat’s economic growth is supported by ensuring utility services meet rising customer demand. To generate a small surplus after operating costs to allow investment in improving the systems and networks.

DUTIES 

• Formulate, in consultation with the Board and staff, the overall strategy for utilities, including the mission, objectives and targets to include:
  • Forging a modernised and fit-for-purpose utility provider;
  • Establishing KPIs/targets/reporting tools with the Board in order to deliver high value performance and strategic delivery while acknowledging that targets will need to be incremental (e.g. 5, 10, 15 yr plans etc…)
  • Advancing the Commissioning of a new Cost of Service and Tariff Study;
  • Collaborating with principle stakeholders to progress the 100% decarbonisation vision;
  • Strategizing with principle stakeholders to eliminate the Utility’s annual Budget Deficit;
  • Working towards the elimination of Accounts Receivables;
  • Implementation of phased replacement and upgrading of aged equipment including new types of infrastructure that may be needed to reliably deliver against increased demand and decarbonisation;
  • Working towards the elimination of unscheduled, non-disaster related service interruptions while mitigating against/responding to service interruptions;
  • Supporting and developing strategies to attract inward investment and develop the company economically;
  • Developing capability and skills through targeted recruitment and retention campaigns and developmental training programmes.
• Plan and direct preparation of the organization’s corporate business plan and the annual budgets of the water and electric utilities, by, inter alia, conferring with Managers, reviewing and amending basic assumptions and estimates prepared for the utilities and approving submission of estimates to the Board.
• Assist with the planning and implementation of major programmes of the utilities concerned with the acquisition of physical assets, expansion of services and major change initiatives, including recommending the release of funds and allocation of resources by the Board, and reviewing periodic progress reports of Managers.
• Oversight of the maintenance and replacement schedule of company assets. To include
  • Assessing the condition of assets;
  • Planning their replacement;
  • Estimating costs and incorporating these expenses into budget forecasts.
• Develop and ensure adherence to an Asset Management System, including scheduled condition assessments, maintenance and forecasted replacement of and budgeting for assets.
• Review monthly accounting schedules and quarterly reports of the utilities along with observations and recommendations prepared by the Financial Controller and advise Managers of the need for operational amendments to ensure compliance with standard procedures or for further investigation of discrepancies or variances.
• Ensure that all operations and activities of the utilities comply with the provisions and requirements of the Company Act, maintaining a proactive approach to align business practices with legal standards.
• Review monthly reports of the Human Resources Officer and ensure that activities conform to the agreed annual programme.
• Assess recommendations from the Human Resources Officer relating to personnel matters including training and promotion and approve appropriate actions.  Liaise with the Human Resources Officer and utility negotiations team in preparation for meetings with Staff Representatives/Union on terms and conditions of service.
• Liaise with managers and monitor the preparation of quarterly and annual reports on the operations of the utilities and arrange for submission of these reports to the Board.  Advise and make recommendations to the Board where annual performance is expected to deviate substantially from agreed targets.
• Arrange for the periodic review of the Health and Safety Policy and direct the preparation of annual reports by Managers to the Board concerning the operation of the Health and Safety Management System.
• Evaluate performance of Managers, Financial Controller, Human Resources Officer and other supervised staff to ensure agreed performance targets and standards have been met.
• Continually review and improve the cost effectiveness of the operations by assessing the performance of the utilities against best practice standards and determine appropriate corrective action.
• Represent the organization (or delegate a representative) at conventions and official occasions. Develop and/or maintain good relationships with key stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain an awareness of environmental changes that impinge on the utilities’ policies and affect operations; analyse their impact and make recommendations to the Board.
• Perform statutory responsibilities as a member of the Board.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Supervision Received From:

• Board of Directors

Nature of Supervision Received:

• Direction to ensure compliance with approved guidelines.

Supervision Given To:

• Financial Controller
• Manager, Electric Utility
• Manager, Water Utility
• Human Resources Officer
• Administrative Assistant

AUTHORITY

• Make operational decisions within the constraints of the budget.
• Ensure accountability of staff.
• Authorise the expenditure of company funds.
• Authorise overtime.
• Authorise absence of direct lined subordinates.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management or a related field.
• Ten (10) years of progressive Utility experience, with at least five (5) years involved with developing, leading and managing in a key position.
• A postgraduate Degree in Business Administration plus relevant training in supervisory management.
• Extensive experience of utility service operations, including energy, water, wastewater, and the business and financial management of these services; especially within the context of a Small Island Developing State, would be an asset.
• At least ten (10) years in a project management role would be an asset.
• Experience of business leadership, change management, strategic delivery, effective decision making and organisational/people management at a senior level.

Learned Disciplines Specialised Techniques and Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent motivational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of electricity generation, transmission and distribution systems.
• Demonstrate expertise in strategic planning, business management and financial management.
• Thorough knowledge of personnel policies and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of health and safety regulations required in the operation and maintenance of an electric generating plant.

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

This job is satisfactorily performed when

• Tasks are completed in a timely, accurate and efficient manner.
• KPIs/targets/reporting tools have been established which deliver high value performance levels and strategic delivery against all agreed metrics.
• Reports and other documents are completed and submitted within the agreed time frames and all other deadlines are met.
• The Board is kept up to date on important matters relating to policy and plans of the water and electric operations.
• Operational plans are prepared and presented to the Board in a timely manner.