Manager, Operations - Photovoltaic and Battery Storage

About the role

This Operations Manager position leads and monitors all operational and maintenance functions for Terra-Gen’s Photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facilities. The role is based near Mojave, CA, with responsibility for multiple plants and employees, as well as OEMs and vendors under executed O&M service agreements. The Operations Manager ensures optimal facility performance, safety, and regulatory compliance while fostering a collaborative and supportive culture.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to, support, and enforce all company safety and environmental policies and practices.
• Maintain a safe working environment by ensuring compliance with departmental, company, and regulatory guidelines for all employees, contractors, and visitors.
• Oversee human resource responsibilities, including coaching, development, performance management, and disciplinary actions up to termination if necessary.
• Prepare salary recommendations, manage overtime, and approve timecards for assigned personnel.
• Develop, administer, and promote compliance with written procedures for plant operations and maintenance.
• Use the Terra-Gen work management system (CMMS) to plan and schedule work, ensuring warranty and service contract commitments are met.
• Review metrics and direct improvements in plant performance, work progress, and backlog.
• Oversee scheduling, performance monitoring, vegetation management, and module cleaning.
• Conduct professional communications with key personnel, including customers, regarding plant performance and action plans.
• Manage the RFP process, select contractors/vendors, initiate contracts and purchase orders, and oversee contractor performance as required by the O&M service agreement.
• Track and manage warranty claims, ensuring compliance with installation and equipment warranties.
• Schedule and manage additional services based on monitoring data and ensure service quality.
• Complete all required plant inspections.
• Assist in implementing an OSHA-compliant safety program and culture at the plants.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with NERC, CPUC GO 167-C, Conditional Use Permit, Air Permit, and other applicable regulations.
• Oversee the Continuous Improvement Program (CIP) and manage Root Cause Analysis for ongoing enhancements.
• Manage everyday plant activities in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Oversee O&M providers and manage OEM operating and repair efforts to ensure compliance with service agreements.
• Assist in timely reporting for energy regulatory agencies, including PUCs, FERC, CEC, and EIA.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for lenders and regulatory organizations.
• Maintain databases for operation, contract administration, regulatory compliance, and financial reporting.
• Develop and manage an annual budget for multiple projects concurrently.
• Analyze and optimize the financial and operational performance of assigned plants.
• Review production data and performance modeling results, proposing solutions for improvement based on cost/benefit analysis.
• Provide immediate support and corrective actions during emergency situations to minimize safety hazards and downtime.
• Direct employees during emergencies and assess plant conditions to determine additional support needs.
• Oversee hazardous waste control and shipment procedures.
• Direct all instrumentation, electrical, and DCS preventative and corrective maintenance, including equipment overhauls and system modifications.
• Coordinate with company personnel, consultants, and vendors for outages, new construction projects, and maintenance problem resolution.
• Provide technical guidance to assigned personnel and Plant Supervisors during repairs, troubleshooting, and overhauls.
• Document equipment problems and write work orders.

Qualifications

The Operations Manager reports to the General Manager of Operations - Photovoltaic and Battery Storage. The main office is located near Mojave, California. Some travel and on-call rotation are required for this position.