Operations Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

THE COMPANY

Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 6.2 GW of utility-scale wind, solar and natural gas generation projects across the U.S. Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future. Our Mission is that as North Americas premier independent power generator, we will deliver renewable and reliable power to our customers, opportunities to our employees, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation. Corporate Offices in Denver, New York and Charlotte, we are where renewable meets reliable. See www.onwardenergy.com for more information.

The Brandywine Power Facility (Brandywine) is a 230-megawatt natural gas-fired combined-cycle facility located in Prince Georges County, MD. The project operates in the PJM power market as a merchant facility. Brandywine became commercially operational in October 1996. Brandywine has two GE 7EA DLN1 gas turbines with Nooter Eriksen HRSGs and a single GE steam turbine.

THE CHALLENGE

This position organizes and oversees plant operations to assure that plant reliability, safety, and environmental requirements are met. Manages and trains plant operating personnel and prepares the budget for that activity. Develops and maintains start-up, shutdown, normal, abnormal, and emergency operating procedures. Monitors and tracks plant operating performance. Prepares operating and outage reports.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist Plant Manager in providing oversight of and direction to all mission critical programs and processes such as performance management, outage management, project management, asset integrity and financial management.
• Provide visible safety leadership and actively contribute to the creation, implementation, and continuous improvement of a strong, sustainable safety culture. Drive real time safety accountability by engaging the team through safety meeting participation, job briefs, audits, training, accident investigation/event assessment, and job site observations.
• Directs plant O&M Technician personnel to assure generating requirements and plant efficiency are maintained, and local, state, and federal environmental standards are met.
• Investigates incidents and abnormalities to improve equipment availability and to minimize maintenance requirements.
• Prepares and continually reviews procedures necessary for plant operation and maintenance, and plant operator qualification documents.
• Prepares plant operations reports as necessary and in a timely manner and investigates all forced outages.
• Reviews and provides operational inputs to capital and engineering projects.
• Prepares budgets and/or makes recommendations to the Plant Manager relative to operating budgets.
• Provide direct leadership over crew effectiveness, quality, and productivity. Maintain a continuous presence in the work environment and assist in removing barriers with pre-requisites, materials, stakeholder, and other issues. Ensure correct crew composition and skills are in place to meet operational, reliability, customer, and financial objectives. Assist in preparing resource forecasts and providing input to longer-term work plans.
• Recruit talented employees, participate in workforce and development planning efforts, establish clear expectations, and effectively manage performance. Provide training, coaching and oversight and drive employee engagement. Effectively represent the organization with employee corrective actions and development.
• Maintains complete and accurate reports of downtime, outages, repair requirements and production and performance indices. Oversee testing of plant systems and components. Review data based on established standards and/or sound power plant practices.
• Responsible for NERC GADS and PJM eGADS reporting.
• Plans, directs, and supervises routine preventive and predictive maintenance on all systems and equipment; supports corrective maintenance efforts on selected equipment. Reviews maintenance backlog and provides priorities to maintenance supervisor.
• Conceives, develops, and evaluates on-the-job and classroom training in operations-related subjects. Prepares lesson plans, handouts, visual aids, examinations, qualification standards and other material related to employee training and development.
• Maintains logs, records, and data sheets; prepares and reviews reports, trends, timesheets, material requisitions, work orders and other administrative documents related to power and steam production.
• Follows all safety/environmental policies, procedures, rules, and participates in training. Promotes the companys values, Accountable, People First, Inclusive, Flexible & Excellence.
• Qualify operators as O&M Technician I/II for the plants and ensure all operators maintain proficiency in safely operating the plants.
• Manages site compliance with all permits and NERC compliance standards.
• Work under limited supervision.
• Independently prioritizes and executes responsibilities.
• Provide management direction in the absence of the Plant Manager.
• Other duties as assigned.

THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED

• Minimum of a bachelors degree in an engineering or related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years experience in power generation field or exceptional work or military experience in a related technical field may substitute for the degree.
• Previous supervisor/management experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of Maximo is preferred.
• Knowledge of GE Mk VIe and EX2100e is preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of combustion turbine (prefer GE 7EA combustion turbine and GE steam turbines) and ancillary equipment theory, operation and maintenance.
• Maintain the highest standards of conduct and integrity in all dealings with or on behalf of Onward Energy at all levels inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to lead, coach, and guide employees and understand the importance of positive employee relations.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, verbal skills that are persuasive, and the ability to promote business initiatives.
• Ability to plan, organize, schedule, and direct varied programs and tasks involved within the operations and maintenance functions.
• Ability to obtain and apply knowledge of competitive business practices in daily work activities and decision making.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to anticipate and accept changes in the organization and adapt to meet new requirements.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Ability to demonstrate advanced computer knowledge of Word, Excel, Power Point, Workday, TK Pro or Red Tag Pro, Maximo and various other programs.
• Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions.
• Ability to prioritize, handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
• Valid U.S. Driver license with acceptable MVR history.

THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Employee will be required to adhere to large amounts of standing, walking, bending, squatting, and lifting. May be required to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs. Will use arms and hands to signal, grab, hold, turn, push, and pull objects, materials, controls, and tools. Will occasionally work at heights, climb ladders, stairways, and work off platforms. Will use vision abilities to focus, see short and long distances, colors, depth perception and peripheral vision. Will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, ear plugs/muffs, masks/respirators, safety vests, gloves, and steel-toe boots.
• Able to hear (at some dB limit of loss) to hear plant alarms, equipment condition, and to receive oral instructions.
• Able to see to determine plant operating conditions and to avoid safety hazards.
• Work extended hours and varied shifts with the possibility of weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, workload, and plant conditions. On Call status will be required.

THE TEAM

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is generally performed inside the power plant but may work in all weather conditions ranging from warm/hot – cool/cold. Occasional rain. Noise levels will be moderate to high. Job site will contain light to heavy equipment vehicles, small to large equipment, materials, communication equipment and tools. People standing, walking, sitting, signaling, and talking. Bells, whistles, and alarms. Some travel to and work at other sites required.

THE TOTAL REWARDS

Onward Energy total rewards philosophy is motivated by a key tenet of People First,

and offers employees a comprehensive total rewards package which includes market competitive compensation, health, life insurance, and retirement savings benefits.

If you require an accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a disability to [email protected].

EEO STATEMENT:

Onward Energy is an Affirmative Action Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.