Engineering Improvement Specialist - Oahu

JOB FUNCTION

Lead design of all new policies, processes, standard operating procedures, other standards, or operational plans for major Engineering improvement initiatives spanning operating companies, process areas, divisions and departments to enable the Division to effectively execute and manage capital projects, programs and day‑to‑day operations. Uses mastery of improvement systems and engineering knowledge to lead the identification and resolution of improvements using significant research, conceptualization, reasoning, and interpretation.

• Lead design of new policies, processes, and procedures with significant impact on departmental or divisional results; influence business decisions across process areas, operating companies, and multiple divisions; represent the division in cross‑functional process discussions and acquire needed subject‑matter experts; maintain all active Engineering policies, processes and procedures.
• Develop solutions to problems and execution gaps by drawing upon best practices, expertise, and leadership; lead improvements in existing processes and systems; guide development of new processes and systems using significant research, conceptualization, reasoning, and interpretation; engage with internal and external stakeholders to disseminate information, address concerns, obtain approvals and resolve project‑related problems.
• Interact with internal and external stakeholders and vendors at various levels on matters with direct impact to an operating company, division, and/or department; negotiate to reach understanding or agreement; conduct briefings with senior leaders.
• Prepare and conduct training of policies, processes and procedures for employees in the division.
• Understand the Company’s Policies, Mission, Vision, Values, and follow the culture dimensions to ensure the success of the company.
• Participate in company emergency response activities as assigned, including preparations required for such response.

• A Bachelor’s degree in business, project management, engineering, or a related field is required; advanced training in business administration is desirable.
• Mastery level knowledge of the current culture and environment at Hawaiian Electric Companies, typically acquired by working with many cross‑functional teams within the companies.
• Extensive knowledge of Lean thinking principles and best practices to achieve customer experience excellence; ability to obtain Certified Lean Sensei or Black Belt.
• Thorough knowledge of project management standards and methodologies, including initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing projects, developing work breakdown structures, tracking progress and status, managing scope, mitigating risk, etc.; ability to obtain Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
• Working knowledge of regulatory requirements (e.g., SOX, PUC, etc.).
• Working knowledge of personal computers and related software applications such as spreadsheets and word processing; ability to learn additional software tools.
• Working knowledge and understanding of the application of the Tariff, Electric Service Installation Manual, Engineering Construction Standards and Practices, distribution design criteria, revenue metering, national electric code, and engineering standard practice processes and procedures.
• Working knowledge of Engineering policies, processes, standard operating procedures.
• Working knowledge of City, State and Federal laws and regulations as related to the placement of electric facilities along public rights of way, and cost sharing.
• Thorough knowledge of Company policies and procedures contained in such documents as Company/Union agreement, Accident Prevention Manual, General Information Manual, Code of Conduct, etc.

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to influence, motivate, and persuade various groups or individuals; ability to handle difficult and/or sensitive issues while using tact, courtesy and discretion; ability to resolve conflicts through active communication, negotiation and coordination.
• Great attention to detail, structure and rigor while…