Manager - O&M

Bondada Group; India; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Bondada Group is seeking a Manager/Deputy Manager for Solar O&M at Khavda 600 MW project. You will lead O&M readiness, HOTO coordination, and project transition from EPC to operations, ensuring safe, reliable plant operation and optimum energy generation.

The role requires strong experience in SCADA, HV systems, inverters and grid-connected solar plants, with a focus on commissioning, punch-point closure and asset management.

Qualifications

• 5–12 years of relevant experience in Solar PV O&M / testing & commissioning.
• Experience in utility-scale solar projects preferred.
• Experience in HOTO, PGT, commissioning, punch-point closure and O&M readiness.
• Experience with SCADA, HV systems, inverters, switchyard and grid-connected plants desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the complete O&M activities for the 600 MW solar power project to ensure safe, reliable operation and maximum availability.
• Coordinate HOTO from EPC/project to O&M and ensure readiness before takeover.
• Develop O&M readiness plan, SPARES, SOPs, testing equipment and documentation for smooth transition to operations.
• Oversee maintenance planning, performance monitoring, budget control, and contractor management.

Skills

Solar O&M leadership

Project management

Team supervision

Safety & compliance

Education

B.E./B.Tech in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SCADA

MMS

HV systems

Job description

Position: Manager / Deputy Manager – Solar O&M

Department: Renewable Energy – Solar O&M

Location: Khavda – 600 MW Solar Power Project

Function: Solar Operations & Maintenance

Reporting To: Manager – Solar O&M / Head – Solar O&M

Qualification: B.E./B.Tech in Electrical / Electrical & Electronics Engineering.

Experience:

• 5–12 years of relevant experience in Solar PV Operations & Maintenance / Testing & Commissioning / Project Execution.
• Experience in utility-scale solar projects is preferred.
• Experience in HOTO, PGT, commissioning, punch-point closure and O&M readiness will be highly preferred.
• Experience in SCADA, HV systems, inverters, transformers, switchyard and grid-connected solar plants is desirable.

Purpose of the Role:

To lead and manage the complete Operations & Maintenance activities of the 600 MW Solar Power Project, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient plant operation, maximum plant availability, optimum energy generation, statutory and contractual compliance, asset protection, and effective utilization of manpower and resources.

The role will also be responsible for O&M readiness, HOTO from the Project/EPC team, PGT coordination and execution, project punch-point closure, commissioning interface, documentation, and smooth transition of the project into stable commercial O&M operations.

O&M Readiness & Project Transition

• Develop and implement the complete O&M Readiness Plan for the project prior to COD/Commercial Operations.
• Coordinate with the Project/EPC, Commissioning, Engineering, SCM, Quality, HSE, and Corporate O&M teams for operational readiness.
• Ensure readiness of:
• O&M manpower and organization structure
• SOPs and maintenance procedures
• Emergency Response Procedures
• Critical spares and consumables
• Tools, tackles and testing equipment
• PPE and safety systems
• SCADA and remote monitoring systems
• CMMS/SAP PM systems
• Asset registers and equipment history
• Statutory and statutory-related documents
• OEM manuals, drawings and technical documents
• Identify O&M readiness gaps and drive timely closure before taking over the plant.
• Establish the O&M organization, manpower deployment, shift structure, responsibilities, and escalation matrix.
• Ensure all required operational systems, processes, documentation, and resources are available before commencement of O&M activities.

HOTO – Project to O&M

• Lead and coordinate the Handover & Takeover (HOTO) process from EPC/Project Execution to O&M.
• Prepare and maintain a comprehensive HOTO checklist covering all plant systems and equipment.
• Verify physical condition and operational readiness of:
• PV Modules, MMS, Inverters, Transformers, HT/LT systems, Switchyard, Transmission systems, SCADA, Weather Stations, CCTV and security systems, Fire protection systems, Communication systems, Auxiliary systems & Roads, drainage and other civil infrastructure
• Verify availability and accuracy of as-built drawings, SLDs, datasheets, test certificates, OEM manuals, warranties and commissioning records.
• Ensure all equipment-wise asset information is captured and handed over to O&M.
• Review outstanding project issues and ensure they are formally recorded in the HOTO documentation.
• Ensure proper transfer of spares, tools, tackles, special tools, test equipment and consumables.
• Ensure HOTO is completed only after fulfilling defined technical, documentation, safety and operational readiness requirements.

Project Punch-Point Closure

• Lead the identification, tracking, monitoring, and closure of project punch points prior to final O&M takeover.
• Prepare and maintain a centralized Punch Point Tracker with responsibility, priority, target date and closure status.
• Coordinate with EPC/project teams and contractors for timely closure of technical and construction-related deficiencies.
• Verify physical closure of punch points before acceptance.
• Ensure closure of critical issues related to Electrical systems, Inverters, Transformers, SCADA, Protection systems, Earthing and lightning protection, Civil works, Drainage, Module/MMS defects, Cable and termination work, Fire & safety systems, Security systems
• Ensure all punch-point closure records are properly documented with before/after photographs, test reports and supporting documents.
• Escalate critical and overdue punch points to the Project and Corporate Management teams.
• Ensure no major unresolved punch points are transferred to routine O&M without proper technical and commercial acceptance.

Plant Guarantee Test (PGT) & Performance Testing

• Coordinate and lead Plant Guarantee Test (PGT) activities in coordination with Project, EPC, OEM, Client, Testing Agencies and O&M teams.
• Review approved PGT procedures, test methodology, test instruments, calibration certificates and test conditions.
• Ensure availability and accuracy of SCADA data, Energy meters, Pyranometers, Weather stations, Reference instruments, Grid parameters and Generation data
• Monitor PGT activities and ensure compliance with contractual requirements.
• Analyze PGT results including PR, CUF, generation, availability and other contractual performance parameters.
• Identify performance gaps and coordinate corrective actions with EPC/OEM teams.Maintain complete PGT documentation, test reports, observations and closure records.
• Coordinate repeat testing/retesting wherever required.
• Support final acceptance and contractual closure based on PGT results.
• Ensure safe, reliable and uninterrupted operation of the solar power plant.
• Achieve maximum plant availability and generation as per contractual and business targets.
• Monitor plant operation through SCADA and local monitoring systems.
• Ensure timely synchronization and compliance with grid requirements.
• Monitor performance of Inverters, Transformers, Switchyard, HT/LT systems, SCADA, Weather stations, Protection systems, Auxiliary systems and Transmission systems
• Monitor plant alarms, trips and abnormal operating conditions.
• Ensure timely restoration following equipment or grid-related disturbances.

Maintenance Management

• Plan and execute preventive, predictive, condition-based and breakdown maintenance activities.
• Prepare annual, quarterly, monthly and weekly maintenance plans.
• Ensure timely completion of preventive maintenance activities.
• Monitor equipment health and identify potential failures through condition monitoring.
• Ensure timely rectification of equipment failures and abnormalities.
• Coordinate with OEMs for warranty claims, technical support and major repairs.
• Maintain equipment history and maintenance records.
• Ensure maintenance activities are executed as per approved SOPs and OEM recommendations.

Performance Monitoring & Energy Management

• Monitor daily, monthly and annual generation against budget and expected generation.
• Analyze generation losses and identify corrective actions.
• Monitor Plant Availability, PR, CUF, Specific Yield, Inverter Availability, Grid Availability, Equipment Availability, Auxiliary Consumption, Energy Losses
• Conduct loss analysis covering technical, grid, equipment, environmental and operational losses.
• Implement performance improvement initiatives to maximize energy generation.
• Conduct periodic performance reviews and identify underperforming equipment/string/inverter/block.
• Drive continuous improvement in plant performance.

Team Management

• Lead site engineers, technicians, operators and contract manpower.
• Allocate daily work and monitor execution.
• Conduct daily operational review meetings and toolbox talks.
• Monitor team productivity and performance.
• Identify training and competency development requirements.
• Ensure discipline and adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Develop a culture of ownership, safety, accountability and operational excellence.

HSE Management

• Ensure strict implementation of HSE procedures and Permit-to-Work systems.
• Conduct daily safety briefings and toolbox talks.
• Ensure proper use of PPE.
• Conduct periodic safety inspections and audits.
• Investigate incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Ensure emergency preparedness and response.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and statutory safety requirements.

Client & Stakeholder Coordination

• Act as the primary site-level O&M contact for the client/plant owner.
• Attend client meetings and provide operational and performance updates.
• Address client observations and ensure timely closure.
• Coordinate with EPC, OEMs, testing agencies and other stakeholders.
• Maintain strong customer relationships and service quality.
• Ensure contractual O&M obligations are fulfilled.

Reporting & Documentation

Ensure timely preparation and submission of:

• Daily Progress Reports (DPR)
• Daily Generation Reports
• Daily/Weekly/Monthly O&M Reports
• Availability and performance reports
• Breakdown reports
• RCA reports
• CAPA reports
• Preventive Maintenance reports
• PGT reports
• HOTO reports
• HSE reports
• Inventory reports
• Client reports
• KPI and MIS reports
• Ensure all O&M records are properly maintained and available for audits.

Spare Parts & Inventory Management

• Identify and maintain adequate stock of critical spares and consumables.
• Prepare critical spare lists based on equipment criticality and failure history.
• Raise material requisitions in advance.
• Ensure proper storage, preservation and traceability of spares.
• Maintain inventory records.
• Conduct periodic physical verification.
• Coordinate with SCM and procurement teams for timely availability of critical materials.

Budget & Cost Control

• Prepare and monitor annual O&M budgets.
• Control site operating expenses.
• Monitor consumption of spares, consumables, fuel, water and utilities.
• Optimize manpower and contractor costs.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities without compromising plant reliability or safety.
• Support commercial and financial review of O&M activities
• Manage O&M contractors, OEMs and service providers.
• Ensure contractual scope and SLA/KPI requirements are fulfilled.
• Monitor contractor performance, manpower and work quality.
• Verify work completion and contractor bills.
• Coordinate with OEMs for warranty and technical support.
• Monitor service response time and equipment restoration time.
• Maintain contractor performance records and conduct periodic performance reviews.

Regulatory & Statutory Compliance

Ensure compliance with applicable:

• CEA regulations and guidelines
• Electrical Safety Regulations
• Grid Code requirements
• DISCOM/SLDC requirements
• Electrical Inspector requirements
• Environmental regulationsLabour and statutory requirements
• Applicable state and central government regulations

Coordinate statutory inspections, testing and audits.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure maintenance activities comply with approved procedures and quality standards.
• Maintain calibration records of testing instruments.
• Conduct periodic technical inspections and audits.
• Ensure proper documentation and traceability of maintenance activities.
• Monitor quality of repair and maintenance works.
• Ensure compliance with company quality and ISO requirements.

Plant Security & Asset Protection

• Ensure protection of plant assets and infrastructure.
• Monitor access control and security arrangements.
• Prevent theft, vandalism and unauthorized access.
• Ensure CCTV and security systems are operational.
• Coordinate with security agencies and local administration when required

Emergency & Breakdown Management

• Lead emergency response and restoration activities during major breakdowns and grid disturbances.
• Ensure timely fault diagnosis and restoration.
• Coordinate with OEMs, EPC, utility authorities and Head Office.
• Conduct RCA for major failures.
• Implement CAPA to prevent recurrence.
• Maintain emergency contact and escalation matrix.
• Conduct periodic mock drills for critical emergency scenarios.
• Identify opportunities for improving plant performance, reliability and availability.
• Implement best O&M practices and lessons learned.
• Implement predictive and condition-based maintenance practices.
• Support digital O&M, SCADA analytics, CMMS/SAP PM and remote monitoring initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimization and asset life improvement.
• Promote operational excellence across the plant.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Plant Availability (%)
• Performance Ratio (PR)
• CUF (%)
• Specific Yield (kWh/kWp)
• Inverter Availability (%)
• Grid Availability (%)
• Preventive Maintenance Compliance (%)
• Breakdown Response Time
• MTTR
• MTBF
• PGT Performance / Test Compliance
• HOTO Completion
• Project Punch-Point Closure
• O&M Readiness Completion
• HSE Performance / Zero LTI
• Critical Spare Availability
• Inventory Accuracy
• Client Satisfaction
• Contractor Performance
• Statutory Compliance
• Audit Compliance
• Timely Submission of Reports

Authority

The position shall have authority to:

• Allocate daily work to site personnel and contractors.
• Approve routine maintenance activities as per approved procedures.
• Recommend procurement of spares, tools and consumables.
• Coordinate directly with OEMs, EPC contractors and service providers.
• Stop unsafe work or operations posing risk to personnel, equipment or environment.
• Recommend corrective actions for equipment and operational issues.
• Escalate major technical, commercial, contractual and safety issues to the Manager – Solar O&M / Head Office.
• Recommend manpower, resources and technical interventions required for plant performance improvement.

Internal Coordination

The role will coordinate with all the functions

Core Competencies

• Solar PV Plant Operations & Maintenance
• HOTO & O&M Readiness
• PGT & Performance Testing
• Project Punch-Point Management
• SCADA & Performance Monitoring
• Electrical Troubleshooting
• RCA & CAPA
• Preventive & Predictive Maintenance
• Contractor & OEM Management
• Client Management
• HSE Management
• Budget & Cost Control
• Documentation & Reporting
• Asset Performance Improvement
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Strong Communication and Stakeholder Management