Operations Manager

About the role

Lead operations at a natural gas plant in Northwest Virginia featuring two Siemens SGT6-5000F gas turbines, one Siemens SSTS 5000 steam turbine, 685 MW of base capacity, and 80 MW of duct firing capability. Partner with the Facility Manager to drive safe, reliable, and efficient plant performance while leading a team of Operations & Maintenance Technicians and Lead OMTs.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily Operations Department activities and promote a safe work environment.
• Ensure employees and contractors follow plant and company safety procedures.
• Implement programs and directives with confidence and commitment.
• Address staff concerns proactively to support productivity and morale; correct negative behavior promptly with positive reinforcement.
• Provide the Facility Manager with regular updates on staff morale and performance.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and contractual requirements.
• Oversee the plant lockout/tagout program.
• Develop and deliver training programs, including cross-training, to build a more flexible and productive team.
• Coach and develop team members to maintain qualifications and required skill sets.
• Delegate projects and tasks to maintain an effective backlog of work orders; distribute work broadly across plant functions.
• Support the HSE Specialist in maintaining environmental compliance, including quarterly and annual reporting; coordinate with consultants on environmental projects.
• Support the Facility Manager with facility reporting, including environmental, safety, budgeting, and performance reporting.
• Monitor and optimize plant performance through testing, evaluation, and improvement recommendations with cost justification.
• Encourage internal process improvements to reduce contractor costs.
• Provide input on the annual budget and operating plan.
• Manage operations staff to support efficient operations and overtime use.
• Demonstrate effective leadership in meeting or exceeding facility goals.
• Support the Facility Manager in ensuring EEGPPS performs in accordance with the O&M agreement.
• Maintain a productive, motivated team through sound people management and consistent policy enforcement; set high standards for productivity and quality.
• Develop department training guidelines and partner with staff to maintain job, task, and knowledge requirements.
• Monitor chemical and consumable inventory levels to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Required Skills / Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of combined-cycle power plant operations.
• Strong technical aptitude and ability to make sound decisions in emergency situations.
• Thorough understanding of operations and maintenance functions for Siemens SGT6-5000F gas turbines.
• Ability to write operating procedures, work requests, and purchase requisitions.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical one-lines, logic drawings, technical manuals, and P&IDs.
• Understanding of budgets, bid proposals, contract evaluation, basic accounting principles, plant economics, and power system operations.
• Ability to lead and motivate team members.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to write routine reports, solve practical problems, communicate clearly, and train others.
• Understanding of NERC requirements.

Experience

• 8+ years of relevant experience, including 4+ years in a supervisory, management, or project oversight role.
• 4–6 years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, preferred.

Education Requirements

• Associate's degree from a two-year college or technical school, or equivalent, required.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, plus a proven record of achieving goals, preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive pay with a 20% plant bonus opportunity based on performance.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan.
• Paid parental leave.
• Time off and holidays.
• Company-sponsored perks and discount programs.