Vice President, Capital Program, Operations, and Security Oversight

As a federal Crown corporation, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL) has a mandate to enable nuclear science and technology and manage the Government of Canada’s radioactive waste liabilities. Since 2015, AECL has been delivering its mandate through a Government-owned, Contractor-operated (GoCo) model, whereby a private-sector organization, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), is responsible for managing and operating AECL’s sites on its behalf. AECL’s objectives under the GoCo model include accelerating the Environmental Stewardship Program, managing the Federal Nuclear Science and Technology Work Plan in support of government priorities and needs, and building a world-class nuclear laboratory that fulfils government requirements and grows commercial revenues while reducing or containing costs and risks to Canada.

Role description

Reporting to the President & Chief Executive Officer of AECL, the Vice President, Capital Program, Operations & Security Oversight (Vice President) is responsible for oversight of the CNL activities related to the execution of the Capital Program and ensuring appropriate investment to support ongoing, sustainable nuclear science and technology development at the Chalk River Laboratories. The Vice President is also responsible for oversight of ongoing operations at all AECL sites as they undergo transformation. Furthermore, the Vice President provides AECL with strategic direction and leadership in developing performance incentives, developing and monitoring performance metrics, and assisting in the assessment of performance for the execution of the Capital Program.

This position is located at the AECL headquarters in Chalk River, ON and will involve travel to the various sites at which AECL operates.

Responsibilities

As an ideal candidate, you have significant experience in delivering large capital projects in a nuclear or heavily regulated or high hazard environment at a senior management level and you possess expertise in overseeing and managing contractor performance. You have excellent business and financial acumen that allows you to effectively assess operational activities for cost effectiveness and you are known for your unwavering commitment to safety, quality, integrity, and results. Your record of accomplishment in managing capital programs and operations in large and complex nuclear environments is combined with excellent interpersonal and communication skills that help you deal with sensitive issues at all levels and gain the commitment and support of key stakeholders. As a qualified candidate for this role, you possess an engineering or applied science degree and extensive knowledge of applicable standards and regulations relating to nuclear operations.

Essential skills

• Possesses managerial experience at the senior management level responsible for nuclear operations in a fully licensed environment.
• Significant experience in overseeing contractors in performing work scope; particularly important is the ability to partner effectively.
• Strong self-discipline, excellent organizational and negotiating skills, open mindedness, diplomacy, unwavering commitment to quality, integrity, and a results-oriented focus.
• Possesses a vision of “world class” nuclear operations.
• Demonstrated experience in dealing as a licensee with a regulator and/or possessing experience as a regulator.
• A good understanding of technical and operational work processes.
• Excellent understanding of effective leadership concepts, skill sets, application and training.
• Excellent written and verbal communication ability with a variety of organizations and levels.
• Knowledge of applicable regulations and standards and ensures proper application.
• Business sense and financial background to identify and assess opportunities for cost effective operations.
• Ability to solicit points of view, ideas and opinions from the Contractor and regulator at all management levels including staff.
• Understanding of change management concepts and experience leading change initiatives.

An engineering or applied science degree and a significant amount of experience in nuclear operations (+15 years) and construction/commissioning in highly-regulated environments. An advanced technical degree would be an asset.

Desired skills

AECL is seeking someone who can make a long-term commitment and has the willingness and desire to add significant value to their organization

Rate/Salary

The appropriate candidate will be offered competitive compensation, benefits, housing allowance, relocation and other provisions common in international assignments.