Operations Manager - Power Plant

Operations Manager - Cogeneration Power PlantLocation: Ponca City, OKRelocation assistance offered! We are hiring for multiple roles for this site. Please feel free to apply and specify which job you are interested in. We are also offering relocation packages and full benefits! Cogen Superintendent- $85-$95kOperations Manager - $115k-$130kMaintenance Superintendent - 85k-93kCogen Supervisor - $80k-85kSr. Process Engineer - $90k-$115k Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and optimize all aspects of Cogeneration and plant operations, with a strong focus on safety, reliability and regulatory compliance. The role is responsible for ensuring uninterrupted 24/7 plant running, supervising control room activities, managing co-generation/power plant systems and high-voltage electrical interfaces, and driving continuous improvement across production, maintenance and support functions. The ideal candidate will combine a technical engineering background with proven people-management experience and a track record of operating complex manufacturing and power systems safely and efficiently. Key ResponsibilitiesProvide leadership and direction for day-to-day plant operations to ensure safe, reliable and efficient 24/7 production.Oversee control room operations, shift handovers and operator performance to maintain stable process control and rapid incident response.Manage co-generation and power plant systems operations in coordination with the electrical and process teams to optimize on-site power generation and consumption.Implement and maintain safety and reliability programs, including permit-to-work, lockout/tagout, hazard identification and risk mitigation.Ensure compliance with environmental, health, safety and industry regulations; maintain accurate incident reporting, investigations and corrective action tracking.Develop and enforce procedures for high-voltage electrical equipment interaction, ensuring qualified personnel and contractors handle energized systems.Interpret and apply P&IDs, schematics and blueprints to support troubleshooting, modifications and commissioning activities.Lead maintenance and reliability strategies, including preventive and predictive maintenance planning, root-cause analysis and spare-parts management.Manage staffing, shift scheduling, training and competency development for operators, technicians and supervisors; promote a performance and safety culture.Coordinate contractors and third-party service providers, ensuring work is executed to specification, on schedule and with appropriate safety controls.Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Kaizen, reliability-centered maintenance) to increase throughput, reduce downtime and lower operating costs.Prepare and manage operational budgets, key performance indicators (KPIs) and performance reports for senior leadership.Respond to and lead incident and emergency response activities, liaising with Control Room, engineering, and external emergency services as required.Collaborate with engineering on process modifications, capital projects and start-ups, ensuring handover to operations is safe and well documented.QualificationsBachelors degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a closely related technical discipline; advanced degree a plus.8+ years of manufacturing or plant operations experience, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role in a continuous 24/7 operation.Direct experience with co-generation or on-site power plant operations, and familiarity with power plant control systems.Strong understanding of Control Room operations, process control fundamentals and shift management best practices.Proven expertise in safety & reliability programs, regulatory compliance, incident reporting and root-cause investigation.Knowledge of P&IDs, electrical schematics, plant blueprints and the ability to apply them in troubleshooting and commissioning.Familiarity with high-voltage electrical equipment risks and safety controls; experience coordinating with qualified electrical personnel.Demonstrated people management skills: hiring, coaching, performance management and building cross-functional teams.Experience with CMMS, ERP systems (e.g., SAP) and data-driven performance monitoring; experience with Lean/Six Sigma or reliability-centered maintenance is desirable.Relevant certifications preferred (e.g., OSHA, NEBOSH, first aid, high-voltage safety training); project management certification an advantage.Excellent communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment. Email Your Resume In Word To Katy.Bruce@CyberCoders.com Looking forward to receiving your resume through our website and going over the position with you. Clicking apply is the best way to apply. Please do NOT change the email subject line in any way. You must keep the JobID: linkedin : KB2-1999579L289 -- in the email subject line for your application to be considered. Katy Bruce - Lead Recruiter For this position, you must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship for a non-immigrant visa. This is a new role. This job was first posted by CyberCoders on 10/14/2026 and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or closed. 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