Plant Manager

NAES; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy services provider in Houston is seeking a Plant Manager to oversee the operation of a 247 MW gas-fired power generation facility. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in gas-fired power generation, strong leadership abilities, and a proven track record in optimizing operational efficiency while ensuring regulatory compliance. This role involves managing personnel, improving profitability, and maintaining safety standards. A competitive salary ranging from $170,000 to $200,000 is offered, along with eligibility for performance bonuses.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in a Plant Manager role or similar position.
• Extensive knowledge of gas turbine operations.
• Experience with preventive and predictive maintenance strategies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safe and reliable operation of the power generation facility.
• Manage plant personnel selection and training.
• Optimize plant profitability through strategic measures.

Skills

Gas-fired power generation experience

Leadership

Budget management

Operational efficiency improvement

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related field

Tools

PLC

SCADA

Job description

Overview

The Tejas Power Generation Facility is a 247 MW simple-cycle gas-fired facility, featuring three LM6000 PC units totaling approximately 126 MW. It also includes a Siemens 501 D5 gas turbine with 121 MW capacity, equipped with automatic generation control (AGC), evaporative cooling, water injection for NOx control, and a selective catalytic reduction unit. Using Allen-Bradley PLC controllers, the plant plays a critical role in supporting peak energy demands within the Houston Zone of ERCOT.

Opportunity Summary

The Plant Manager plays a critical role in overseeing the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of a 247 MW simple-cycle gas-fired electric generating facility, ensuring compliance with all agreements, regulations, and owner directives. This position provides decisive leadership to all plant personnel, managing employee selection, training, and qualification maintenance while upholding safety, environmental, and contractual obligations.

In addition, the Plant Manager serves as a key liaison between the facility, the community, and the industry, fostering positive relationships to enhance the plant\'s reputation and profitability. Charged with maximizing plant profitability, they implement strategic measures to optimize operational efficiency and financial performance, ensuring sustained success for both the organization and the broader community.

Your scope of responsibility as Plant Manager includes the following primary functions:

• Administer the plant\'s Safety, Operations, NERC Compliance, Maintenance, Administrative, Training, Chemistry, and Environmental QA/QC programs to ensure the plant operates safely, efficiently, and reliably.
• Implement training and qualification programs to ensure that all plant personnel understand and properly follow plant procedures.
• Direct the sourcing, screening, and hiring of new or replacement personnel as needed to maintain a skilled and capable workforce.
• Determine plant training objectives and employee development needs, collaborating with the plant management team to provide coaching, career counseling, and development opportunities.
• Verify that the certification status of operations and maintenance personnel is current and in compliance with all relevant standards.
• Maintain high levels of morale and motivation among plant personnel at all times.
• Ensure alignment between plant personnel and objectives with client requirements to achieve seamless operations.
• Manage and oversee the planning, budgeting, contracting, and execution of planned and unplanned plant outages to optimize production, minimize costs, and enhance plant profitability.
• Apply sound business principles, best practices, and prudent utility techniques to maximize plant profitability.
• Direct or perform all commercial activities, including budgeting, procurement, administration of major plant contracts (e.g., power sales, fuel purchase, long-term service agreements), and plant-level financial reporting.
• Oversee the preparation of required client and utility reports, budgets, environmental compliance reports, and other documentation to ensure regulatory and contractual compliance.
• Promote and enhance the plant\'s image as a responsible community member, encouraging plant staff involvement in community activities.
• Conduct periodic reviews of plant policies and procedures to ensure they reflect current operating requirements and best practices.
• Carry out and complete additional special projects and tasks as needed.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. All NAES managers and supervisors have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a healthy and safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each Supervisor’s performance.

Working Relationships

The Plant Manager reports to the Operations Director and supervises the plant personnel. The Plant Manager is the single point of contact between NAES Corporation and the Owner on all matters pertaining to the operation and maintenance of the plants.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.

Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.

Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The Plant Manager works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. This position will also occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status will also be required.

Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

Compensation

This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $170,000 to $200,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise and Leadership Competencies

We are seeking a candidate with technical experience in gas-fired power generation, preferably with LM6000 or aero-derivative engines, along with leadership experience and a proven track record of accomplishments and career advancement.

• A Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or a related field is beneficial, providing a solid foundation for technical and operational expertise in power generation.
• Prior experience in a Plant Manager role or similar position, overseeing operations in a power generation facility, with a proven track record of managing budgets, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Extensive knowledge and experience with gas turbines within a power generation setting, including operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of turbine systems and associated auxiliary equipment.
• Strong understanding of preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, with experience managing maintenance schedules to ensure equipment reliability, optimizing engine performance metrics, implementing efficiency improvements, and troubleshooting operational issues.
• Experience with control systems, including PLCs and SCADA, and proficiency in data analysis tools to monitor gas-fired power generation processes, resolve technical issues, and improve operational efficiency and safety.
• Demonstrated familiarity with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) compliance and other applicable power generation regulatory standards, with proven expertise in environmental and regulatory compliance.
• Extensive knowledge of business principles and practices specific to regulated power generation utilities, including operational and financial management, budget development, and contract administration.
• Strong leadership, motivational, and communication skills with the ability to engage at all organizational levels, lead and develop teams, and foster a culture of safety, collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability.
• Results-oriented problem solver with a successful track record in managing change initiatives to enhance technical, human resources, business, and financial performance.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.