Director of Solar Operations

Southwest Generation Valmont Facility; United States; Remote; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in renewable energy is seeking a Director of Solar Operations to oversee the management of solar facilities. The role involves ensuring safety, achieving operational performance targets, and leading a team to optimize financial performance. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in power plant operations, particularly in solar, and possess strong leadership and communication skills.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

Retirement Savings Benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years in power plant operations, 4 years in solar power generation.
• 4 years of direct supervisory/managerial experience.

Responsibilities

• Ensure health and safety practices on all solar facilities.
• Manage annual O&M budgets and recommend capital improvements.
• Interface with O&M contractors and ensure performance targets are met.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Management

Budgeting

Problem Solving

Job description

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Position Title: Director - Solar Operations

Reports To: Senior Vice President - Operations

Direct Reports: Yes Functional Unit: Operations Solar

FLSA Status: Exempt Position Type: Full-Time

Cost-effective management of the overall Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of the Onward solar fleet of 36 assets and 1900 MWdc by maximizing availability, managing risk, and optimizing financial performance in compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure the highest level of health and safety practices on all solar facilities.
• Assure operations performance targets (i.e., availability, dispatch, power vs. resource performance, budgets, etc.) are achieved for all assigned solar facilities.
• Provide leadership necessary to develop a culture of operational excellence, innovation, and reduced cost.
• Interface with O&M contractors and equipment vendors to ensure operation and maintenance of the projects is following contracted requirements and performance targets.
• Prepare and manage the annual O&M budgets and recommend capital improvements/enhancements.
• Assure compliance with the facilities’ regulatory and environmental requirements, utilizing internal and external resources.
• Assist senior management in the development, analysis, planning and execution of various special projects and initiatives (e.g., new operational strategies, cost reduction initiatives, bringing new projects online, etc.)
• Provide regular reports to senior management.
• Quickly establish credibility while managing, coaching, and motivating site managers and contractors.
• Interface with landowners, local and state authorities, and the general public, where required.
• Identify and implement process improvements and incorporate asset management principles into the company’s long-term operating plan.
• Develop a cost/benefit analysis for all plan capital and facility proposals for improved efficiencies.
• Support re-contracting efforts to maximize value.
• Support M&A acquisition or facility sale activities that meet strategic growth plan for the company.
• Interface and manage relations with Remote Operations Centers of the renewable facilities.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in power plant operations, transmission, or substation electrical systems, with at least four (4) years in solar power generation.
• Four (4) years of direct supervisory/managerial and leadership experience; ability to delegate.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of operations and maintenance of electrical systems, applicable to solar power technology, to ensure cost effective operation and competitive position.
• Strong working knowledge of budgeting, work scheduling, cost management tools and processes.
• Functional knowledge of NERC/Environmental compliance of assets; ability to lead project site teams as issues arise in the field.
• Project management experience as direct lead on project from start to finish.
• Self-starter with ability to make decisions and take necessary actions without specific direction.
• Analyze conditions and issues; take appropriate actions to achieve results when necessary.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Keen multi-tasking capabilities and organizational skills; attention to detail.

Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to stand, walk, talk, hear, and close and distance vision capability.
• Ability to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, and/or crouch.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to travel up to 45%.

THE TEAM

Onward Energy team is comprised of industry professionals who embrace collaboration, dedication, and hard work while also being down to earth. At Onward Energy, we seek to find solutions rather than assign blame.

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

The position functions in a smoke and vaping free professional office environment. The role routinely utilizes standard office equipment such as laptop computer, phone, and scanner/photocopier.

Onward Energy total rewards philosophy is motivated by a key tenet of People First and offers associates a comprehensive total rewards package which includes market competitive compensation, health, life insurance, and retirement savings benefits.

Onward Energy is an Affirmative Action Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.