Operations Manager

Transalta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy company seeks an Operations Manager for the Keephills Thermal Plant near Edmonton, Canada. The successful candidate will oversee operational excellence and manage a high-performing team, ensuring compliance with safety standards and effective plant operations. Responsibilities include leading a comprehensive training program and developing operational procedures. Candidates should have significant leadership experience and a First-Class Power Engineer’s Certificate. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual incentive program

Pension plan with company-matching options

Flexible benefits for you and your family

Vacation and personal days

Employee Rewards & Recognition Programs

Annual Wellness Payment

Qualifications

• 10+ years of industry experience with at least 2 years in a leadership capacity.
• Comprehensive understanding of power plant operations and safety measures.
• Proven track record of effective solution implementation.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Chief Power Engineer for the Keephills Power Plant.
• Manage a comprehensive safety and compliance training program.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team of shift supervisors.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Communication

Financial acumen

Education

First-Class Power Engineer’s Certificate of Competency

Job description

OPERATIONS MANAGER – KEEPHILLS

TransAlta is seeking an Operations Manager to join our team at the Keephills Thermal Plant. In this role, you’ll report to the Keephills Plant Manager and play a key part in providing operational oversight and management of the Keephills Power Plant. This is a key leadership role within the Keephills team, guiding operational excellence and cross‑functional coordination between the maintenance and engineering teams to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a full‑time, safety sensitive position based out of our Keephills Thermal Plant, situated 70 kilometers west of Edmonton, AB and five kilometers south of Wabamun Lake.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as Chief Power Engineer for the Keephills Power Plant.
• Operate the facility safely and in compliance with company policies, procedures, standards, regulatory and legal requirements, and union collective agreements (including the Safety Codes Act, NERC, AESO, IBEW).
• Operate the plant in compliance with environmental operating approvals and regulatory
• Coordinate with the Alberta portfolio optimization and compliance teams to oversee unit availability declarations.
• Develop, recommend, implement, and manage operating procedures, and policies to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the plant.
• Manage a comprehensive safety and compliance training program for all power plant operators, and operational best practices.
• Support, and lead when required, investigations resulting from HSE and compliance near‑misses and incidents to determine root causes and implement preventive measures to avoid recurrence.
• Provide support for emergency calls regarding plant equipment breakdowns, emergent operating risks, and unit outages.
• Maximize the production and availability of each unit while managing risk through cross‑functional collaboration with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams.
• Develop, present, implement, and manage the 1–2 year operations business plan, ensuring delivery of agreed to results. This includes adapting departmental plans and priorities to address operational challenges and constraints.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing team of shift supervisors by assigning strategic deliverables (1–12 months), driving accountability, managing performance, and strengthening succession capability.
• Build organizational alignment by clearly defining positions, accountabilities, authorities, deliverables, tasks, and ensuring the right people are in the right roles.
• Mentor personnel across operations, engineering, maintenance, and technical teams to support professional development and enhance cross‑functional collaboration.
• Lead efforts to drive cultural improvement and strengthen workplace engagement and collaboration.

ABOUT YOU – QUALIFICATIONS

• First‑Class Power Engineer’s Certificate of Competency.
• Possess comprehensive understanding of the occupational hazards inherent in power plant operations and the critical safety measures required to ensure a safe working environment.
• Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, equipment, materials, and operating procedures involved in the operation of a large‑scale power plant.
• Proven capability to analyze and resolve complex technical, operational, and organizational issues, driving effective solutions.
• Experienced people leader with 10+ years of progressive industry experience and at least 2 years in a leadership capacity; supported by formal education or equivalent practical experience.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships that enhance morale and support a healthy workplace culture.
• Strong financial acumen to develop, present, implement, and manage budgets.
• Proven skills in driving process improvements, managing risk, planning strategically, and leading successful projects.
• Must possess strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, concise reports and deliver effective presentations.

THE PERKS

• Competitive salary
• Annual incentive program
• Pension plan with company‑matching options
• Flexible benefits for you and your family
• Vacation and personal days
• Employee Rewards & Recognition Programs
• Annual Wellness Payment

Explore our Employee Experience Booklet on our Careers site to see how we support your growth and wellbeing
transalta/careers

OUR CULTURE

At TransAlta, we’re driven by a Culture of Results, Learning, and Purpose. We prioritize psychological safety, wellbeing, inclusion, and belonging - creating a space where everyone can thrive. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and progress, and we’re committed to building a workplace where you can be your authentic self.

READY TO POWER UP WITH US?

Excited about this role but don’t meet every single requirement? We still encourage you. Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely for a job unless they meet every single qualification. You might just be the candidate we are looking for.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks appropriate to the role and may include criminal record, education and employment verification or credit checks. ‘Safety sensitive positions will be required to complete pre‑employment testing. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those progressing will be contacted.