Plant Manager - Gas Operations

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Plant Manager

Reports To: Director of Gas Plant Operations

Direct Reports: Yes Functional Unit: Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt Position Type: Full-Time

Plant Location: Gaffney, SC

THE COMPANY

Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 7 GW of utility-scale wind, solar and natural gas generation projects across the U.S. Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future. Our Mission is that as North America’s premier independent power generator, we will deliver renewable and reliable power to our customers, opportunities to our employees, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation. Corporate Offices in Denver, New York, and Charlotte, we are where renewable meets reliable. See www.onwardenergy.com for more information.

The Broad River Facility (Broad River) is an 860-megawatt natural gas-fired simple-cycle facility located in Gaffney, SC. The project operates in the SERC power market and has a long-term power purchase agreement with Duke Energy. Broad River became commercially operational in 2001. Broad River has five GE 7FA.03 dual fuel combustion turbines with once through steam generators for summer peaking operations.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

To be considered for this position, applicants must have full-time authorization to work in the United States. Onward Energy does not offer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

THE CHALLENGE

The Plant Manager is responsible for the profitability and management of the overall functionality of the Broad River Power Facility. The Plant Manager is accountable for the provision of adequate supply of proper resources, including but not limited to, manpower, tools, equipment, and spare parts for the safe and efficient operation of the facility. The Plant Manager provides leadership, management, and establishes goals to attain employee safety, reliable plant operations, a trained qualified and engaged workforce, positive employee relations, financial performance, and compliance with all environmental and regulatory requirements. The Plant Manager is also responsible for identifying, encouraging, motivating, developing, and mentoring leadership and strategic thinking skills in the plant employees.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure that the entire plant is within corporate goals of safety, environmental and regulatory compliance.
• Formulate and manage financial forecasting in accordance with budgetary and capital expense constraints.
• Direct O&M Manager on the performance of plant outages, capital projects, and daily operations.
• Administer the plants Safety, Operations, NERC Compliance, Maintenance, Administrative, Training, Chemistry and Environmental QA/QC programs to assure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the plants.
• Ensure the safety of all employees of the plant through the elimination of injuries to employees, contractors, and visitors.
• Ensure the plant is operated and maintained in compliance with all NERC and WECC regional standards including performing self-certification and audits.
• Create and support an organizational culture that encourages, and rewards employee involvement, innovative thinking, adaptation to change, responsible risk taking, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct periodic reviews of plant policies and procedures to ensure that they reflect current plant operating requirements.
• Provide leadership through workforce planning, succession planning, and training opportunities.
• Provide regular feedback to employees on their performance to allow them to capitalize on their strengths and focus on opportunities for improvement.
• Work under limited supervision.
• Independently prioritize and execute responsibilities.
• Oversee inventory management and procurement activities.
• Devise and implement profit improvement projects.
• Provide technical support for corporate business development and other Onward Energy plants as needed.
• May be required to support job responsibilities as needed outside of scheduled work hours.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Other duties as assigned.

THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline preferred.
• Minimum ten years of experience in power generation, field electrical work or military experience in a related technical field may substitute for the degree.
• Experience with GE or other heavy-duty industrial combustion turbines.
• Experience operating OTSGs or HRSG’s preferred.
• Previous supervisory experience (i.e., Plant Manager, Assistant Plant Manager, O&M manager, O&M Supervisor) is preferred.
• Maintain the highest standards of conduct and integrity in all dealings with or on behalf of ONW at all levels inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to lead, coach, and guide employees and understand the importance of positive employee relations.
• Ability to develop and lead plant employees so they operate as a team and utilize the most efficient practices.
• Ability to obtain and apply knowledge of competitive business practices in daily work activities and decision making.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, verbal skills that are persuasive, and the ability to promote business initiatives.
• Extensive knowledge of combustion turbine and ancillary equipment theory, operation, and maintenance.
• Ability to anticipate and accept changes in the organization and adapt to meet new requirements.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Ability to demonstrate advanced computer knowledge of Word, Excel, Power Point, and various other programs.
• Knowledge of OSIsoft PI Software is preferred.
• Valid U.S. Drivers license with acceptable MVR history.

THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Adhere to large amounts of standing, walking, bending, squatting, and lifting. May be required to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs. Will use arms and hands to signal, grab, hold, turn, push, and pull objects, materials, controls, and tools. Will occasionally work at heights, climb ladders, stairways, and work off of platforms. Will use vision abilities to focus, see short and long distances, colors, depth perception, and peripheral vision. Will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, ear plugs/muffs, masks/respirators, safety vests, gloves, and steel-toe boots.
• Able to hear (at some dB limit of loss) in order to hear plant alarms, equipment condition, and to receive oral instructions.
• Able to see to determine plant operating conditions and to avoid safety hazards.

THE TEAM

The Onward Energy team is comprised of industry professionals who embrace our values of accountability, adaptability, collaboration, and excellence. At Onward Energy, we seek to find solutions rather than assign blame.

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Performing this job without full/focused attention may cause serious injury or even fatality. Work is generally performed inside the power plant but may work in all weather conditions ranging from warm/hot - cool/cold. Occasional rain. Noise levels will be moderate to high. Job site will contain light to heavy equipment vehicles, small to large equipment, materials, communication equipment, and tools. People standing, walking, sitting, signaling, and talking. Bells, whistles, and alarms.

THE TOTAL REWARDS

Onward Energy total rewards philosophy is motivated by a key tenet of People First and offers employees a comprehensive total rewards package which includes market competitive compensation, health, life insurance, and retirement savings benefits.

If you require an accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a disability to Recruiting@onwardenergy.com.

EEO STATEMENT:

Onward Energy is an Affirmative Action Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.