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Vice President O&M

Posted 3 days ago

samuel knight energy infrastructureSpringfield (IL)

SENIORITY

Manager

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About the role

Vice President, Operations & Maintenance (Solar & BESS)
Location: North America (flexible / hybrid)
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Role Overview: The Vice President of Operations & Maintenance (O&M) is responsible for the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of the company’s utility-scale solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) portfolio across North America. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for all O&M activities, ensuring assets meet or exceed performance, availability, safety, and financial targets throughout the asset lifecycle. The VP, O&M will lead internal teams and external service providers, establish best-in-class operational standards, and partner closely with Asset Management, Engineering, Development, and Finance to maximize long-term asset value.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership: Provide executive leadership for the operation and maintenance of utility-scale solar PV and BESS assets across North America. Develop and execute O&M strategies that optimize availability, performance, lifecycle costs, and long-term asset value. Establish standardized operating models, procedures, KPIs, and reporting across the fleet. Oversee fleet performance monitoring, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Safety, Compliance & Risk Management: Own and champion EH&S strategy, culture, and performance across all O&M activities. Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, environmental, interconnection, and contractual requirements. Lead incident response, investigations, and corrective/preventive action programs. Manage operational risk related to asset integrity, grid compliance, and BESS safety.
BESS Operations & Grid Integration: Provide technical and operational oversight for BESS operations, including dispatch coordination, degradation management, augmentation strategies, and warranty compliance. Collaborate with grid operators, trading/market teams, and integrators to optimize storage availability and revenue performance. Ensure effective integration of EMS, SCADA, and data analytics platforms.
Vendor & Contract Management: Lead strategy and oversight for third-party O&M providers, OEMs, integrators, and specialty contractors. Negotiate, manage, and enforce O&M, LTSA, warranty, and service contracts. Drive accountability through performance-based contracts and SLA management.
Financial & Commercial Performance: Own the O&M budget and cost structure across the portfolio. Support asset budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial models. Identify and execute cost-reduction and value-enhancement opportunities without compromising safety or reliability.
Team Leadership & Development: Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing O&M organization, including regional leaders and technical experts. Foster a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and continuous learning. Ensure succession planning and capability development aligned with portfolio growth.
Growth & Lifecycle Support: Support development, EPC, and commissioning teams to ensure operational readiness of new projects. Lead O&M input into design reviews, technology selection, and standardization for new assets. Oversee transition from construction to operations and long-term lifecycle planning.
Qualifications & Experience: RequiredBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or a related technical field (Master’s preferred).15+ years of experience in power generation operations, with significant leadership experience in utility-scale solar and/or BESS.Proven track record managing large, geographically diverse renewable energy portfolios in North America. Deep understanding of solar PV and BESS technologies, O&M best practices, warranties, and degradation drivers. Strong experience with EH&S management systems and regulatory compliance. Demonstrated ability to manage complex vendor relationships and large operating budgets.
Preferred: Experience within an IPP, asset owner, or platform-scale renewable operator. Familiarity with power markets, storage dispatch, and revenue optimization. Experience supporting M&A, asset acquisitions, or portfolio integrations. Professional certifications (PE, PMP, CSP, etc.) are a plus.
Key Competencies:
  • Strategic and systems thinker with strong execution discipline
  • Data-driven decision-making and financial acumen
  • Strong leadership presence and stakeholder management skills
  • Ability to balance operational rigor with growth-stage flexibility
  • Hands-on mindset with executive-level perspective

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