Senior Technical Director – Overhead Transmission Line Testing

Location: ArcWear Division – Louisville, KY

About the Job

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Technical Director who will lead the technical work and develop new service offerings in our new testing lab in Louisville, KY. This candidate will have expertise with Overhead Transmission Lines and Cables and exceptional relationships with US utilities to support the growth of our Kinectrics/Line Asset Management's "footprint" in the U.S.    The successful candidate needs a track record of demonstrated leadership in Transmission & Distribution System Technologies, exceptional customer relations, regarded as technical expert, must have developed new service offerings and must have ability to articulate highly technical subjects to non-technical audience.  Furthermore, the candidate must have proven skills and experience with 3rd party laboratory testing and field inspection techniques.  The candidate must be eligible for travel globally including USA, Canada, Europe and India.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

Leading:

This role witl be a member of the leadership team in the LAM Business Area spanning the full breadth of T&D LAM Testing Technologies.

• Support the development and the execution of an aggressive US business plan (covering mainly the advances in technologies and the resources needed to ensure Kinectrics is recognized as a leader of providing testing services in power delivery sector).
• Facilitate internal relationships and effective use of resources for US LAM business area.
• Support recruitment of appropriate resources for US operations.
• Manage assigned staff including staff reviews. Develop, coach and nurture staff.
• Identify growth and development opportunities for US LAM business area.
• Maintain personal professional expertise.
• Daily working interactions with the other Department Managers within TDT and across Kinectrics
• Support the VP for LAM & T&D SVP on business planning and reporting.
• Key Stakeholder in LAM global growth where you will support develop strategic and tactical plans to introduce new products and services for Kinectrics.
• Continuous strengthening of products, services, technology, and skills within the area of responsibilities.
• Maximize end-client value of services offered.
• Support Kinectrics brand and present at industry tradeshows and at technical conferences.

Technical Sales Support:

• Manage existing accounts and support developing new business opportunities primarily in US, but occasionally on global market as well.  
• Build relationships with current and potential customers.
• Provide feedback and client intelligence (i.e. quality, customer satisfaction, safety, technical problems and competitive intelligence).
• Identify sales leads and work with US Business Development team in sales planning, follow through and close.
• Write proposals as and when necessary and deliver technical presentations.
• In selected cases, lead the respond to large RFP’s that may span other Departments.
• Identify service and market development priorities.
• Enhance Kinectrics internal and external image and market presence.
• Maintain a customer profile through public speaking, writing, networking, association participation etc.

Doing:

• Help ensure that project commitments and related technical work is completed on time, within budget, and meets standards for quality and value.
• Responsible for ensuring the safety is central to all tasks and actions.
• Review of proposals, tracking project progress and review and sign-off of project reports as necessary.
• Write custom project reports, set report templates for junior staff for repeat tests.
• Lead US-lab related ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 audit processes and maintenance of these certificates. Harmonize applicable test protocols with Canadian laboratories (eg. where dual capabilities exist).
• Provide timely project updates in compliance with all reporting requirements.
• Keep informed on the latest issues in the area of LAM Testing equipment & techniques.
• Keep abreast of all international developments.
• Active participation in technical committee and society domestically (US) with the objectives of identifying technical trends and positioning and protect Kinectrics’ interests. 

Qualifications/Requirements:

• A four-year university education in mechanical or electrical engineering. Preference will be given to post-graduate qualification. Business qualifications are an advantage.
• A period of over 10 years is considered necessary to gain this experience necessary for this role.
• Knowledge and contacts in US and international utilities.
• Recognition by the industry as a technical expert. Recognition is demonstrated by leadership in industry committees, publications, etc.
• Extensive knowledge in all aspects of the operation and general design of transmission power lines, condition assessment and applicable type testing protocols. Worked with wide variety of industrial standards (IEEE, ASTM, IEC etc.) and/or utility specifications. 
• Recognized as expert with measuring equipment, testing standards and requirements for testing of transmission components.  
• Track record of technical leadership including successful projects and publications.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in the role of “consultant engineer” with a demonstrated ability to secure work. 
• Experience managing work in test laboratory environment.
• Proven computer skills with a variety of software programs including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Solid knowledge of ISO9001 and ISO 17025 quality assurance requirements and compliance
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently in the U.S. (i.e. without the need for work sponsorship now or in the future).

Essential Competencies:

• Strong customer focus and broad experience for successfully developing new business within the US market. Ability to analyze business opportunities, and able to use range of sales/marketing tools.
• Proven track record in spotting potential partner opportunities that are long term and sustainable. Has a vision and passion for growth.
• Able to draft and negotiate commercial agreements with industry partners.
• Commitment to employer and companies’ strategic goals.
• Initiative to propose and implement new business ideas in LAM Testing for the lab and field.
• Ability to work in a team situation and mentor staff to develop their own level of expertise in this area.
• Considerable knowledge and experience in project management acquired over the years in order to effectively and rapidly coordinate/mentor/supervise/lead other staff at Kinectrics and customer sites in order to integrate large multidisciplinary high profile/key projects/activities.
• Understands financials and uses appropriate financial reporting tools and analysis.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, effective presenter.

About Us

Kinectrics AES, Inc. is the U.S. division of Kinectrics, Inc. headquartered in Ontario, Canada, and a leading provider of innovative life cycle management solutions for the global electricity industry. Kinectrics is known worldwide for the technical excellence of its’ employees, challenging work, opportunity for career growth, and flexible working conditions.

The ArcWear Division is located in Louisville, KY and is the world’s leading provider of testing of Arc Flash Protective Clothing.  In addition to Arc PPE, ArcWear provides testing of various flame and thermal protective products, as well as physical testing (strength, cut resistance, abrasion resistance, etc.) of PPE.

Check out our latest videos on the construction of our new facility in Louisville, KY and Kinectrics U.S. Operations.

Why Work For Us?

Kinectrics AES, Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits plan which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurances, generous PTO and a 5% match on our 401k plan.

Employee surveys consistently rank Kinectrics as “one of the best places to work”. Although this phrase may mean different things to different people, Kinectrics is widely recognized as a company that employs some of the best and brightest minds in the energy and utility industry.

Kinectrics AES is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected classification.