Director – Field Operations

Job Summary

This position will be responsible for Region 4, our central US operations region which generally includes Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas. Ideally the candidate selected will be based out of a home or office within the region, however, other office locations adjacent to the region will be considered so long as the employee is near a large airport.

The Director of Field Operations for Region 4 will manage regional renewable generation operations and maintenance programs for Avangrid Renewables. Reporting to the Senior Director of Field Operations, the Director of Field Operations will manage a team of approximately 100 technical staff, managers, and other field personnel. This position will also be responsible for managing and providing day to day direction of the Regional Planner and Area Managers assigned to the region.

Responsibilities Include

• Develop necessary goals, objectives, policies, organization, strategies, and priorities appropriate to a world-class renewable generation O&M division, including management of the transition from in-warranty OEM services to post-warranty in-house O&M.
• Ensure that all facilities operations and staff maintain a high level of health, safety, and environmental awareness and performance.
• Make regular plant visits to address staff, resolve operational issues, and ensure site compliance to Avangrid standards.
• Develop and foster teamwork both within and outside the region to meet operational and organizational goals and objectives.
• Responsible for the development of employees within the region and facilitation of long-term succession planning within the region.
• Engage and manage the facility operations and supporting staff during new project commissioning and the transition from construction to commercial operations.
• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate performance of department employees: resolve problems, and plan maintenance.
• Develop, manage, and oversee department budget; monitor expenditures, gather data, and prepare reports.
• Forge effective business relationships with suppliers, vendors, and contractors, including management of OEM warranty administration following new project startups.
• Find cost effective solutions for project operational limitations, including development and continuous improvement relative to past practices, all with the objective of optimizing project performance.
• Maintain accurate records and estimates for variable operating costs, major repairs, preventative maintenance, and fixed operating costs.
• Incorporate continuous feedback from existing and new projects and benchmarking information where available to ensure that Avangrid Renewables maintains a competitive position in the market relative to O&M costs.
• Support the team of development professionals on new projects regarding conceptual design and operations or environmental issues, assist in screening potential projects, and conduct technical due diligence in conjunction with other departments.
• Monitors the ongoing effective operation of internal controls and anti-fraud processes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years’ experience with plant operations, including performance monitoring, major maintenance, plant breakdown analysis, and OEM warranty administration.
• 10+ years of management experience in power generation, heavy industrial operations, project management, or relevant US military experience.
• Knowledge of safety laws, environmental laws, labor laws, contracts, claims avoidance, insurance, and permit compliance.
• Proven experience with vendor warranty management, vendor selection, and procurement.
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills, including effective negotiating and dispute resolution skills.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of management, supervision, and administration.
• Knowledge of budget preparation, implementation, and oversight.
• Proficiency using tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SAP, or other Enterprise Management System.
• 40-50% travel required. Must live near a large airport.

Preferred Qualifications

• Renewable power plant or Regional manager experience.
• Advanced degrees in Business or Engineering.

Additional Success Factors

• Ability to foster and participate in a productive team environment by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, managers, customers, contractors, and vendors.
• Ability to analyze project risks and proactively identify solutions with a flexible, creative, and solution-focused outlook on problem solving.
• Maintains effectiveness during procedural/organizational changes and when dealing with varying personality styles and tasks.
• Effectively provides and receives information orally in individual and group situations. Written expression is clear, concise, and conveys the desired message.
• Ability to navigate and succeed in a highly matrixed reporting structure, preferably at an international company.

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Mobility Information

Please note that any applicant who is not a citizen of the country of the vacancy will be subject to compliance with the applicable immigration requirements to legally work in that country

AVANGRID’s employment practices and policies are geared to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. At AVANGRID we provide fair and equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

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