Vice President O&M

Samuel Knight Energy & Digital Infrastructure; United States; Hybrid; USD 260,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Samuel Knight Energy & Digital Infrastructure is seeking a Vice President of Operations & Maintenance to lead a North America portfolio of utility-scale solar and BESS assets. The role oversees O&M strategy, safety, reliability, costs, and performance, directing internal teams and external providers to maximize asset value.

You'll partner with Asset Management, Engineering, Development, and Finance to deliver robust operation standards, governance, and long-term lifecycle planning.

Job description

Vice President, Operations & Maintenance (Solar & BESS)

Location: North America (flexible / hybrid)

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Role Overview

The Vice President of Operations & Maintenance (O&M) is responsible for the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of the company’s utility-scale solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) portfolio across North America. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for all O&M activities, ensuring assets meet or exceed performance, availability, safety, and financial targets throughout the asset lifecycle.

The VP, O&M will lead internal teams and external service providers, establish best-in-class operational standards, and partner closely with Asset Management, Engineering, Development, and Finance to maximize long-term asset value.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Provide executive leadership for the operation and maintenance of utility-scale solar PV and BESS assets across North America.
• Develop and execute O&M strategies that optimize availability, performance, lifecycle costs, and long-term asset value.
• Establish standardized operating models, procedures, KPIs, and reporting across the fleet.
• Oversee fleet performance monitoring, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Own and champion EH&S strategy, culture, and performance across all O&M activities.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, environmental, interconnection, and contractual requirements.
• Lead incident response, investigations, and corrective/preventive action programs.
• Manage operational risk related to asset integrity, grid compliance, and BESS safety.

BESS Operations & Grid Integration

• Provide technical and operational oversight for BESS operations, including dispatch coordination, degradation management, augmentation strategies, and warranty compliance.
• Collaborate with grid operators, trading/market teams, and integrators to optimize storage availability and revenue performance.
• Ensure effective integration of EMS, SCADA, and data analytics platforms.
• Lead strategy and oversight for third-party O&M providers, OEMs, integrators, and specialty contractors.
• Negotiate, manage, and enforce O&M, LTSA, warranty, and service contracts.
• Drive accountability through performance-based contracts and SLA management.
• Own the O&M budget and cost structure across the portfolio.
• Support asset budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial models.
• Identify and execute cost-reduction and value-enhancement opportunities without compromising safety or reliability.
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing O&M organization, including regional leaders and technical experts.
• Foster a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and continuous learning.
• Ensure succession planning and capability development aligned with portfolio growth.

Growth & Lifecycle Support

• Support development, EPC, and commissioning teams to ensure operational readiness of new projects.
• Lead O&M input into design reviews, technology selection, and standardization for new assets.
• Oversee transition from construction to operations and long-term lifecycle planning.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related technical field (Master's preferred).
• 15+ years of experience in power generation operations, with significant leadership experience in utility-scale solar and/or BESS.
• Proven track record managing large, geographically diverse renewable energy portfolios in North America.
• Deep understanding of solar PV and BESS technologies, O&M best practices, warranties, and degradation drivers.
• Strong experience with EH&S management systems and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex vendor relationships and large operating budgets.

Preferred

• Experience within an IPP, asset owner, or platform-scale renewable operator.
• Familiarity with power markets, storage dispatch, and revenue optimization.
• Experience supporting M&A, asset acquisitions, or portfolio integrations.
• Professional certifications (PE, PMP, CSP, etc.) are a plus.
• Strategic and systems thinker with strong execution discipline
• Data-driven decision-making and financial acumen
• Strong leadership presence and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to balance operational rigor with growth-stage flexibility
• Hands-on mindset with executive-level perspective