VP, Asset Management & Operations

Functional area: Business Development; Operations & Maintenance. Employment type: Full‑time, permanent, exempt. Start date: As soon as possible. Mobility: Up to 25 % domestic and international travel.

About the role

The Vice President of Operations & Asset Management will serve as the senior leader responsible for operational strategy, asset performance, and portfolio value creation for a growing natural‑gas‑fired generation business. The role oversees safe, reliable, and compliant operation of all generation assets from greenfield development through commissioning and long‑term operations, leading a lean, high‑impact team with cross‑functional influence across engineering, project development, construction, commercial operations, finance, and regulatory affairs.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Business Growth
  • Lead a small direct team while influencing a broad network of cross‑functional contributors (engineering, commercial operations, HSE, procurement, finance, regulatory affairs).
  • Build a high‑performing culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
  • Develop and execute the operational strategy for a growing portfolio of natural‑gas‑fired generation assets, including new builds and acquisitions.
  • Establish operating model, processes, and systems to scale a high‑performing asset‑management and operations function.
  • Provide operational due diligence, value assessments, and integration planning for asset acquisitions.
  • Partner with Development, Construction, and Commercial teams to ensure seamless handoffs from concept through COD and into steady‑state operations.
  • Represent the Operations & Asset Management organization with executive leadership, investors, external partners, and regulatory bodies.
• Asset Management & Portfolio Optimization
  • Own financial and operational performance of the asset portfolio, including revenue optimization, cost discipline, and long‑term value maximization.
  • Implement asset‑management systems and tools that support data‑driven decision‑making and operational transparency.
  • Lead development and execution of annual business plans, O&M strategies, performance forecasts, and long‑term capital plans.
  • Ensure assets are managed in alignment with budget, internal controls, contractual obligations, and market expectations.
  • Drive performance improvements using data, analytics, benchmarking, and continuous‑improvement methodologies.
• Operations Leadership
  • Oversee safe, reliable, efficient operations across all flexible generation assets.
  • Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with HSE policies, NERC/ERCOT/ISO requirements, environmental permits, and regulatory standards.
  • Manage operational readiness, commissioning oversight, and transition‑to‑operations for newly developed facilities.
  • Optimize maintenance strategies (preventive, predictive, corrective) to maximize availability and minimize forced outages.
• Commercial & Contract Management
  • Oversee key commercial and contractual arrangements across the portfolio (fuel supply, O&M contracts, LTSA agreements, other commercial obligations) in partnership with Commercial Optimization.
  • Support bid strategies, PPA negotiations, and risk assessments in collaboration with Commercial Optimization and Legal teams.
  • Monitor market conditions, regulatory changes, and commercial opportunities to inform asset strategy.

Requirements

• Minimum 12 years of experience in power generation operations, asset management, or heavy‑industrial energy operations; significant natural‑gas‑fired generation experience required.
• Demonstrated leadership of multi‑site operations or large‑scale power portfolios.
• Proven ability to build and scale asset‑management or operations processes in a growth‑phase or transformational environment.
• Strong understanding of relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g., FERC, NERC, regional ISOs/RTOs).
• Experience managing financial performance, budgets, capital planning, and operational KPIs.
• Hands‑on experience with contract negotiation and management (e.g., O&M, LTSA, fuel, EPC).
• Ability to lead through influence, manage indirect cross‑functional teams, and collaborate across a matrixed organization.
• Experience with M&A due diligence and post‑acquisition integration.
• Background in both operating assets and supporting greenfield project development.
• Familiarity with asset optimization strategies for merchant or partially merchant gas portfolios.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, Economics, or related field required; advanced degree (MBA or engineering discipline) preferred.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; RWE Americas cannot sponsor employment visas.

Pay

Annual base salary range for this position in Illinois: $174,000 – $280,000. The range is a good‑faith estimate and may vary based on scope, responsibilities, education, experience, certifications, key skills, and market considerations at the time of the offer.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• Short‑Term Disability, Long‑Term Disability
• 401(k) match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Education Assistance
• Parental Leave
• Paid time off and holidays
• Eligibility for short‑term incentives in addition to salary