Manager - Operations Control Center (OCC)

Job Title: Manager - Operations Control Center (OCC)

Duration: Permanent

Hours: Full-time

Location: Bloomington, MN

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available

Travel: Yes, quarterly travel plus field trips to sites

This key management role has responsibility for oversight, leadership, and management of the OCC team. The individual will report to the Operational Technologies Director and will ensure compliance with business processes and contribute to performance improvements within the OCC that align with department and corporate strategy. Primary role is to manage the real-time remote operations contracted for renewable sites under the OCC’s monitoring and control scope of services

Job Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operations of the operations control center.
• Maintain the 24/7 shift schedule and ensure smooth day-to-day real-time operations of the OCC.
• Establish the strategy for the control center and set goals to execute on the strategy.
• Set policies and procedures for the control center, ensuring correct procedural use by staff for productive and efficient operations.
• Ensure that the OCC adheres to compliance standards, regulations, and customer requirements.
• Oversee the delivery of the control room services and operational KPIs so regulatory and contractual requirements are adhered to for all OCC functions.
• Oversee and manage personnel functions for the OCC, including scheduling, staffing, disciplinary actions, and hiring/termination.
• Manage new operator onboarding training, along with operator qualifications and the routine operator training program.
• Continuously improve OCC operations by incorporating lessons learned, best practices, and feedback related to people, processes, and technology.
• Define system improvements for the OCC to leverage technology in simplifying and automating processes while advancing the OCC’s overall productivity.
• Communicate effectively with the control room team and liaise effectively with the operational management teams within OT (SIG, OT Regulatory) and other functional departments (NERC Compliance Services, IT, Generation, Field Sites, PRE)
• Maintain effective customer relationships and foster effective relationships with frontline OCC staff between all internal and external stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the site teams and support staff at all levels.
• Manage OCC contracts for profitability and customer satisfaction.
• Manage and follow the OCC budget.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, Engineering, or related field; MBA preferred.
• 10 years of experience working in a real-time control room, renewable energy preferred, with at least 5 years in a management role.
• Experience working in operations of electrical generation field—thermal, hydro, or renewables.
• Hands-on experience with high-voltage systems, transmission systems, or collection systems.
• Renewable energy experience—solar, wind, and/or storage plants.
• Experience or in-depth knowledge of RTO, system operators, NERC regulations, utility electrical generation relationships, and regulations.
• Evidence of problem-solving skills and improving the day-to-day operations of a department.

Required Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

• Experience in successfully leading multi-shift teams to constantly achieve company objectives.
• The ability to communicate with all levels, from senior management to front-line operational staff.
• Target and KPI focused yet able to deliver whilst maintaining employee engagement.
• Excellent people and performance management skills: motivate, coach, develop, and inspire.
• Analytical and quality focused – able to produce accurate, factual management information.
• Excellent presentation and IT skills are required.