Operations Manager - CoGeneration

Role: Operations Manager (Cogeneration Experience Required)

Location: Ponca City, Oklahoma

Salary: $120K–130K

Right to Work Status: Candidates must already be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

There are three open Operations Manager roles available, split between the two sites. Each manager will focus on a different aspect of the business, with one role being more maintenance and production-focused, while the others will focus on engineering, lab, and CoGen operations. Relocation support is available, and we encourage applicants from across the United States with confirmed work authorization to apply.

Smart4Chemicals is seeking to recruit an Operations Manager for a leading industrial energy and manufacturing facility located in Ponca City, OK. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional with strong cogeneration and power plant operations expertise to lead a high-performing team in a dynamic, safety-focused environment.

Position Overview

As the Operations Manager, you will oversee the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the plant’s cogeneration systems and auxiliary equipment. You will lead daily operations to ensure optimal performance, environmental compliance, and cost control, while fostering a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operation of all plant systems, including scrubbers, turbines, and generators.
• Oversee daily operations and maintenance activities, ensuring smooth plant performance and minimal downtime.
• Lead troubleshooting and root cause analysis for operational issues, driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage and develop operating procedures, technical documentation, and training materials.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and operational standards.
• Coordinate closely with maintenance, engineering, and control room staff to optimize production reliability.
• Develop and track performance metrics to achieve operational goals and efficiency targets.
• Support workforce planning, coaching, and training of operating personnel.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in operations management within a cogeneration or power plant environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of steam systems, turbines, and process equipment.
• Proven leadership in a 24/7 operations setting with a strong safety record.
• Experience with DCS/PLC systems and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with a proactive, problem-solving mindset.
• Oklahoma Boiler Operator’s License or equivalent experience with steam/propulsion systems preferred.

What We’re Looking For

An operations leader who combines deep technical understanding with strong people management skills — someone who can maintain operational excellence while developing a motivated, safety-first team.

If you’re ready to take on a key leadership role driving reliability and performance in a major industrial facility, we’d love to hear from you.