Plant Manager - (Solar Industry)
W3Global · Mascoutah, IL · 6 days ago
ManagementFull-time
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the solar facility to maximize plant availability and performance
- Oversee day-to-day operations, preventative maintenance, and corrective maintenance activities
- Coordinate outages and maintenance schedules with interconnect entities and internal stakeholders
- Monitor plant performance and assist with troubleshooting, repairs, and warranty-related activities
- Ensure all maintenance and operational activities comply with manufacturer recommendations and operational standards
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Field Technicians and operations personnel
- Manage staffing, scheduling, coaching, performance evaluations, and corrective actions
- Establish training programs, operational procedures, and safety protocols
- Foster a culture centered on accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement
Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure strict adherence to all Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) programs and procedures
- Participate in safety audits, observations, meetings, training, and incident investigations
- Support NERC compliance efforts and other applicable regulatory requirements
- Manage site environmental permits and vegetation management programs
Budgeting & Reporting
- Assist in preparing and managing the annual operating budget
- Maintain operating expenses within approved financial targets
- Prepare weekly and monthly operational reports, including plant performance metrics, expenses, project updates, and compliance reporting
Asset & Maintenance Management
- Maintain accurate documentation and maintenance records within the company's CMMS platform
- Oversee inventory management, spare parts tracking, cycle counts, and supplier coordination
- Administer warranties, manage claims, and track loaned equipment and replacement parts
- Support implementation of capital improvement initiatives, retrofits, and operational enhancement projects
Project & Construction Support
- Assist with QA/QC activities during project construction and support successful turnover to operations
- Participate in root cause analysis and present findings to cross-functional and executive teams
- Support site setup for tooling, inventory, equipment, and operational readiness
Additional Responsibilities
- Travel occasionally to other plant locations for maintenance support, troubleshooting, training, or meetings
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree, technical school certification, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in power generation, renewable energy, electrical facility operations, or related industries
- Minimum of 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience managing teams
- Strong understanding of electrical systems, troubleshooting, and maintenance practices
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CMMS platforms, reporting systems, and computerized diagnostic tools
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and capable of working independently in a fast-paced environment
- Valid driver's license with the ability to travel as needed
- Willingness to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and respond on short notice when necessary
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct experience in solar plant operations
- Experience with high-voltage maintenance, switching, and electrical testing equipment
- Experience developing and improving preventative maintenance programs
- Experience working with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
- Previous plant management or supervisory leadership experience
Compensation & Benefits
- Medical, dental, and disability insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid time off and holidays
- Career advancement opportunities within the renewable energy industry