Vicinity Energy is Hiring a General Manager Near Tulsa, OK
Summary We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced General Manager to oversee the operations of our district energy system, which includes both steam and chilled water production. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all aspects of plant operations, ensuring efficient and reliable energy production while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and safety standards. This role requires strong leadership abilities, technical expertise in energy systems, and a commitment to excellence in service delivery. The General Manager reports to the COO. This is a full-time exempt position located in Tulsa, OK. Responsibilities Operations Management: Lead the day-to-day operations of the district energy system, including steam and chilled water production, distribution, and maintenance activities. Coordinate with operational staff to ensure smooth functioning of equipment and systems, troubleshooting any issues that arise promptly. Develop and implement operating procedures to optimize plant performance, energy efficiency, and reliability. Ensure that all generation and distribution system facilities are maximized to plant capacity factor, availability, performance, and efficiency. Ensure that maintenance is performed per metrics established by the organization. Manage operating agreements, including environmental and governmental requirements in a clean, safe, efficient and cost-effective manner. Through the Operations Manager(s) provide direction for the dispatch of heating, cooling, and electric generating equipment, as applicable. Collaborate with Corporate Purchasing for the procurement and delivery of business inputs including fuel, water, and electricity. Prepare annual operating plans, budgets, budget controls, and budget variances for efficient facility management. Monitor budget on monthly basis and compile long-term budget forecasts. Coordinate and supply pertinent information to both corporate and local accounting and finance departments. Safety and Compliance: Manage the business unit’s safety program. Coordinate risk insurance, requirements, and plant safety. Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations and environmental standards, implementing and maintaining appropriate safety protocols and procedures. Conduct regular inspections and audits to identify and address potential safety hazards or compliance issues. Collaborate with regulatory agencies and internal stakeholders to maintain necessary permits and certifications. Team Leadership and Development: Provide effective leadership to plant personnel, fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Supervise and mentor staff, providing training and development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge. Promote teamwork and open communication, encouraging employee engagement and empowerment. Sets objectives for the team; manage site personnel and performance of staff; make recommendations for merit increases and incentive pay. Maintenance and Asset Management:Develop and execute preventive maintenance programs to ensure the reliability and longevity of equipment and infrastructure. Manage inventory of spare parts and supplies, optimizing inventory levels to support maintenance activities while controlling costs. Coordinate with maintenance teams to schedule and prioritize repairs and upgrades, minimizing downtime and disruption to service. Performance Monitoring and Reporting:Implement monitoring systems to track plant performance metrics, analyzing data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. Prepare regular reports on plant operations, maintenance activities, Finance, and performance indicators, communicating findings to stakeholders. Recommend and implement operational enhancements or efficiency measures based on analysis and feedback. Qualifications and Experience Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Energy Management, or related field preferred. A minimum of 15 years of experience in a facilities engineering role be may be substituted.Minimum of 5 years of recent experience supervising a staff in a district energy/steam production facility, central plant, building or large facility as a Plant Manager or General Manager. Strong technical knowledge of steam and chilled water production processes, HVAC systems, and energy management principles. Demonstrated experience in safety management, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship. Proven leadership abilities, with a track record of building and motivating high-performing teams. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders, including staff, customers, and regulatory agencies. Detail-oriented and analytical, with proficiency in data analysis and performance monitoring tools. Valid professional certifications (e.g., Certified Energy Manager, Professional Engineer) are desirable. P&L responsibility with thorough knowledge of accounting and financial management for district energy and power production facilities.Strong knowledge of steam, hot and cold water, cogeneration, compressed air, chilled water, electricity, HVAC or other utility systems. Strong knowledge of general engineering and operations procedures. In-depth knowledge of the economics and technologies associated with the provision of district energy or other utility services. Highly developed leadership skills. Excellent communications skills with the ability to interact with all levels of an energy organization, from operational management to senior leadership as well as external stakeholders. Physical Requirements Must submit to company provided pre-employment physical exam and drug screen.Must possess a valid driver’s license in good standing in order to operate a company vehicle.This position is located in an industrial plant/utility environment. The General Manager will work both inside and outside in all temperatures and climate conditions in accordance with heat stress procedures. Ability to tolerate confined spaces, including manholes, and varying temperatures and weather conditions during each shift. Ability to lift heavy equipment and carry materials up and down stairs with the capacity of lifting up to and including 90 pounds. Ability to hear and understand audible alarms, detect changes in noise levels of rotating equipment and hear portable radio communication. Ability to discern assorted colors. Ability to climb and tolerate heights up to 150 feet. Employee may routinely be required to stand for extended periods of time and to walk over uneven surfaces such as loose rock, open grating and up and down ladders and staircases. Maintenance activities may include working on electrical equipment with voltages up to 138 kV. Work with and around hazardous and non-hazardous materials. Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
Job Summary