Director, Systems Operations

About the role

The Director, Systems Operations provides departmental leadership for the safe, reliable and efficient real-time monitoring, coordination and control of Bahamas Grid Company's electrical network. Reporting to the VP, Engineering & Planning, the Director leads the Systems Operations and Control Room function, translating engineering and planning priorities into operational policies, staffing plans and performance objectives. The role is accountable for operational governance, switching coordination, emergency preparedness and the reliability of operational information and communications in a 24/7 utility environment.

Key responsibilities

• Direct the Systems Operations function, set departmental plans and priorities, and develop operating policies, escalation protocols and decision-making arrangements for routine operations, outages and emergencies.
• Oversee staffing models, shift coverage, succession arrangements and contingency staffing, and manage departmental budgets and workforce requirements.
• Oversee real-time network monitoring and dispatch through SCADA, outage management systems and approved communications channels, and ensure accurate shift handovers and event records.
• Oversee switching schedules, outage coordination, equipment isolation and return-to-service arrangements, and ensure safety documentation is prepared, reviewed and authorised.
• Lead Control Room preparedness for storms and major outages, direct restoration activities during emergencies, and maintain continuity arrangements for loss of facilities, SCADA or key personnel.
• Define operational requirements for SCADA, OMS, dispatch tools and Control Room facilities with IT, Engineering and Cybersecurity, and monitor performance indicators such as outage response, switching compliance and training completion.
• Assess outage trends and reliability measures (SAIDI, SAIFI, CAIDI) and recommend operational improvements.
• Lead, coach and evaluate managers and supervisors, coordinate operator training and competency assessments, and represent Systems Operations in internal and external meetings.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Power Systems or a related discipline; a relevant master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive utility systems or Control Room operations experience, including outage, switching and restoration coordination.
• Minimum five years of leadership experience managing operational teams in a utility Control Room or comparable 24/7 environment.
• Availability outside normal working hours, including nights, weekends, public holidays, storms and emergencies.
• Ability to travel to substations and field locations; a valid driver's licence is required.

Required skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of transmission and distribution operating principles, SCADA, OMS, dispatch processes, switching procedures and operational safety requirements.
• Experience developing operational procedures, emergency response plans, workforce capability, performance measures and business continuity arrangements.
• Relevant professional registration or recognised system operator certification is an advantage.