JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director, Facilities Maintenance and Operations, the Manager, Electrical & Communications Systems is responsible for planning, integrating, maintaining, and optimizing CHEO's electrical and non-IT communications infrastructure. This includes high and low voltage electrical systems, emergency power, lighting, structured cabling, patient entertainment, nurse calls, monitoring stations, and wiring.

This leadership role ensures infrastructure safety, reliability, compliance, supports operational readiness, and business continuity. The Manager works closely with IT, clinical operations, and facilities teams to ensure seamless system integration and performance.

It is ideal for candidates with a demonstrated expertise in electrical systems, communication infrastructure, and technical team leadership.

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Ottawa.

POSITION SUMMARY

Electrical & Communications Systems Oversight:

• Maintain all electrical infrastructure, including distribution, transformers, switchgear, emergency generators, transfer switches, wiring, and distribution panels.
• Oversee all non-IT communication infrastructure, such as structured cabling, monitoring stations, nurse call, access control panels, and low-voltage control panels
• Coordinate with IT, clinical operations, and the project team to align infrastructure with operational needs.
• Ensure compliance with CSA, Ontario Electrical Safety Code, TSSA, and TIA/EIA standards.
• Conduct system audits and arc flash studies, and ensure documentation is complete, current, and accessible.

Capital Project Support and Commissioning:

• Support all project phases from vision and planning through commissioning and close-out, including technician resource coordination.
• Participate in progressive design reviews (33%, 66%, 99%, 100%) and ensure compliance with base building standards.
• Review and coordinate specifications, including layouts, cable pathways, and device placements.
• Oversee integration, commissioning, testing, system handover, and documentation.
• Collaborate with Project and Asset management teams to resolve deficiencies and validate system performance.

Operations, Maintenance, and Reliability:

• Lead maintenance strategies for electrical and low-voltage systems, including smart building systems.
• Manage system troubleshooting and incident response.
• Ensure up-to-date as-built drawings, single-line diagrams, and cable schedules for regular and emergency power.
• Provide technical direction to internal staff and contractors, ensure adequate maintenance.
• Monitor system performance and implement corrective actions as needed.

Vendor and Stakeholder Coordination:

• Develop requirements, participate in RFPs, manage service contracts, and vendor performance.
• Coordinate with clinical operations, IT, facility, safety, and infection control for systems planning and delivery.
• Enforce performance specifications and service quality standards with consultants and contractors.
• Lead electrical shutdown from planning to completion, ensuring compliance and issue resolution.

Asset and Data Management:

• Maintain accurate asset records in CMMS for asset registry and service request tracking.
• Support lifecycle planning through data-driven insights and performance reporting.
• Contribute to BI reporting and service workflow enhancements for proactive maintenance.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Hire, supervise, coach, and conduct performance evaluations for technical staff while fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Promote staff development, compliance readiness, and interdepartmental communication.
• Foster a collaborative and accountable team culture aligned with CHEO values.

Other:

• Front line service delivery in a unionized environment
• Perform work per the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations provisions and all CHEO corporate/departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as required to support departmental goals and business continuity.
• Participate in an on-call rotation of duties and accommodate flexible work hours, as operational needs arise.
• Occasional lifting or handling of tools, equipment, or materials weighing up to 50 lbs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Level 1 Criminal Record Check and remain compliant (Essential)
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Instrumentation, Electronics, or related discipline with seven (7+) years of experience or a Technical Diploma with ten (10+) years of experience in a related discipline (Essential)
• Minimum Seven (7+) years of progressive experience in electrical, controls, and low-voltage systems, including three (3+) years in leadership and service contract management (Essential)
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P. Eng), Certified Engineering Technologist (CET), or Project Management Professional (PMP) accreditation (Preferred)
• Strong knowledge of electrical safety codes, low voltage standards, regulations, sustainability, compliance, and lifecycle renewal planning (Essential)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, collaboration/project management, and presentation tools (Essential)
• Experience in translating, documenting, and presenting complex technical requirements and standard operating procedures (Essential)
• Knowledge of HVAC motors, drives, lighting systems, fire safety, CCTV, access controls, nurse call, structured cabling, and smart building technologies (Essential)
• Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills (Essential)
• Ability to stay current with emerging technologies and industry best practices (Essential)
• Capable of managing competing priorities and leading through complexity (Essential)
• Experience balancing urgent operational needs with long-term strategic planning in a fast-paced environment (Essential)
• Highly organized, results-oriented, detail-focused, and able to operate with a strong sense of urgency (Essential)
• Experience in institutional, healthcare, or complex infrastructure (Preferred)
• Familiarity with cybersecurity, IT/OT convergence practices, and data reporting (Power BI) (Preferred)
• Bilingualism (English and French) (Preferred)

Effective March 29, 2021, CHEO will conduct a more comprehensive pre-screening and evaluation process. This process may include more varied and multidimensional testing such as a written test, practical exam, or other assessment. All candidates who meet the essential and preferred qualifications may be tested.

Bilingualism (French/English) will be validated by a language proficiency assessment conducted by a third party provider. Candidates will be required to meet the minimum linguistic profile prior to the date of hire.

Should you require accommodation during any phase in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at TalentAcquisition@cheo.on.ca. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and will be handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

CHEO is committed to providing a safe environment for staff, patients, and visitors. Consistent with that commitment, all applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to be considered for any staff or volunteer opportunities. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to receive their COVID-19 booster shots when eligible to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Upon hiring, presentation of government issued documentation confirming full vaccination must be provided, or presentation of supporting documentation of a valid medical contraindication or other reasonable consideration pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

We thank all those who apply, however, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.