Operations Manager

Situated in Ludington, Michigan, the Michigan Power facility is a 125 MW 1x1 combined cycle cogeneration plant featuring a single Frame 7EA gas turbine. This advanced facility efficiently generates electricity through a sophisticated combined cycle process, showcasing innovation in power generation. Positioned strategically and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, it plays a crucial role in meeting regional energy demands, highlighting advancements in sustainable and reliable power generation.

Opportunity Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations and routine maintenance of the project. The Operations Manager directs the implementation of the Operating Plan and identifies those areas which may need improvement or further development. The Operations Manager assures that project operating conditions are always kept within optimum limits.

Primary Duties

Your scope of responsibility as Operations Manager includes the following primary functions:

• Direct the Operations Team in the performance of their duties in order to maintain reliable, safe, and efficient plant operations.  
• Ensure that thermal and electrical outputs are maintained at maximum levels and efficiencies.
• Report normal, abnormal or emergency plant conditions to the Plant Manager. Take necessary corrective action in accordance with established policy or at the direction of the Plant Manager.
  Provide guidance to the Maintenance Manager relative to equipment conditions and required maintenance activities.
• Analyze operating results and equipment failures. Improve project efficiency and performance by developing and implementing new methods to improve project operation and reduce operating costs.
• Oversee the training of all plant personnel and maintain the plant Training Manual.
• Prepare required reports for the owner and/or utility.
• Oversee the daily upkeep of necessary plant logs and records.
• Maintain the plant Operations Manuals and assure that operating policies and procedures are kept up-to-date.
• Sustain the morale and motivation of operations personnel and handle employee concerns as they arise.
• Ensure that the water chemistry program for the plant is properly implemented, including testing, inspections, and maintenance of water treatment program.  
• Coordinate all project environmental activities by Plant departments to verify compliance with procedures and permit conditions. Ensure that Operations personnel are trained to respond as needed to environmental problems.
• Develop and administer contracts and work scope for external contractors to ensure maximum efficiency in the use of plant and contractor personnel.
• Ensures compliance with NAES policies, procedures and project work rules and that the project is operating in compliance with local, state and federal requirements.
• Supervise and oversee the Operations department skill improvement, training and safety programs. Ensure that an adequate number of trained personnel are available to maintain continuous and safe project operation, even under adverse conditions. Prepare employees for greater responsibilities.
• Provide operations training for the maintenance technicians by presenting instruction on job-related skills and proper equipment operating procedures. Ensure that safety is built into each job assigned and that work is performed in an efficient and safe manner.
• Issue new operating procedures, as required, and periodically reviews existing operating procedures and issues revisions, as deemed necessary, to ensure that they reflect correct and safe operating practices.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. All NAES managers and supervisors (“Supervisors”) have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a healthy and safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each supervisor’s performance.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following functions:

• Conduct/Support Regular Safety Meetings (at least monthly).
• Address Safety at all Group Meetings.
• Conduct Inspections and Observations: establish within the department a regular inspection of the work area and a safety observation process of work being performed.
• Establish and lead these activities following any rules, requirements or guidance established in your business unit, group or division.
• Involve all NAES teammates in the activities.
• Analyze result, write work orders, train and educate to eliminate hazards, at-risk behavior and meet company regulatory requirements.
• Conduct Regular Observation Tours: Conduct no less than two safety observation tours of high risk activities e.g. confined space to verify that employees are performing the work in accordance with safe practices, company procedures and OSHA regulations.
• Regular and Frequent Contacts: conduct one-on-one contact sessions with workers to discuss safety issues, communicate expectations and coach safe behaviors, e.g., whether the employee is wearing all required personal protective equipment.
• Respond to Incidents: respond to all safety-related incidents including, but not limited to injuries, incidents and near misses; write a report that explains what happened, identify the cause and recommend corrective action following any established business unit or division practice. Follow up as necessary to ensure that corrective action is taken.

Working Relationships

The Operations Manager reports to the Plant Manager and supervises subordinate operations personnel. The Operations Manager cooperates with the Maintenance Manager, Compliance Coordinator, Plant Engineer and Plant Administrator as needed in the daily operation of the plant.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include the possibility of standing for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing and lifting up to 50 pounds. Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g. hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening.  

Work Schedule

This position offers a Monday to Friday work schedule, during regular dayshift hours. Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with the possibility of weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, work load and plant conditions. "On call" status will periodically be required. Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

Compensation

The initial compensation will range from $120,000 - $145,000 based on experience and qualifications.

Job Qualifications

We are seeking a candidate who has extensive power plant Operations technical and leadership experience with a work history that demonstrates a pattern of accomplishments and advancement. Experience must include a supervisory or management position in which there was oversight of hourly employees and delegation of tasks associated with completion of projects.  

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field is preferred, along with a strong understanding of power plant operations, including thermal and electrical systems.

• Extensive experience in power plant operations, with combined-cycle plant experience preferred.

• Demonstrated experience in a leadership role within a power generation or industrial facility, demonstrating the ability to manage and motivate a diverse team.

• In-depth knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations related to power generation and environmental compliance, ensuring compliance with all relevant requirements.

• Proficiency in plant safety policies and procedures, familiarity with the hazards involved, and knowledge of safety precautions to be practiced in the operation and maintenance of power plant equipment and machinery.

• Proven ability to analyze operational results and equipment failures, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing effective solutions to optimize project efficiency and reduce operating costs.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with plant personnel, management, external contractors, and regulatory agencies.

• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office; experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) is desired.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is the leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have established ourselves as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Additionally, our growing family of companies enables us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.