Operation Director

Objectives:

The Director of Operations oversees all aspects of plant performance, including operations and maintenance, fuel procurement, logistics, and ash management. This role is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable plant performance while securing fuel supply, managing transportation logistics, and ensuring environmentally compliant ash handling and disposal. The position combines strategic leadership with operational execution to achieve business, environmental, and safety objectives.

Reports To: Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Responsibilities:

1. Plant Operations & Performance

• Oversee daily operations and maintenance (O&M) of the plant(s) to ensure optimal energy production and equipment availability.
• Monitor KPIs, implement performance improvement plans, and ensure compliance with production targets.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action processes for operational issues.

2. Fuel Sourcing:

• Develop and implement short- and long-term fuel procurement strategies to ensure consistent, cost-effective, and compliant supply.
• Identify, negotiate, and manage vendor and supplier relationships (e.g., biomass suppliers, coal vendors).
• Monitor market trends, commodity prices, and geopolitical factors to mitigate risks and leverage opportunities.
• Ensure all sourced fuels meet environmental, regulatory, and operational specifications.
• Lead contract negotiations, renewals, and performance monitoring.

3. Logistics Management:

• Oversee the full logistics chain including transportation, handling, storage, and inventory of fuels and byproducts.
• Optimize freight operations (road, rail, waterway) to reduce costs and emissions while maintaining delivery reliability.
• Implement tracking, inventory, and reporting systems for real-time data visibility and decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with DOT, OSHA, and other relevant regulations for transportation and material handling.
• Coordinate closely with plant operations, procurement, and maintenance teams to align logistics with operational needs.

4. Ash Management:

• Lead and manage ash sales and beneficial reuse programs, including collaboration with the Ash Sales unit and partnerships with third parties for applications in construction, agriculture, and industry.
• Develop and implement strategies and best practices for ash handling, storage, disposal, and recycling in compliance with environmental standards and to minimize environmental impact.
• Manage relationships with contractors, haulers, and disposal site operators to ensure efficient and compliant operations.
• Ensure accurate documentation and regulatory reporting of ash generation, transport, and disposal (e.g., EPA CCR compliance)

5. Safety, Health & Environment (HSE)

• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture across all plant operations.
• Ensure full compliance with local environmental regulations, occupational safety standards, and corporate HSE policies.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement preventive safety programs.

6. Maintenance & Reliability

• Oversee preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs.
• Coordinate with OEMs, vendors, and contractors for equipment servicing and spare parts management.
• Implement asset integrity management systems and reliability-cantered maintenance practices.

7. Leadership & Team Development

• Lead a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and operators.
• Establish training programs, performance metrics, and career development plans.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a results-driven culture.

8. Budgeting & Cost Control

• Develop and manage operational budgets, including O&M costs and capital expenditures.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising performance or safety.

9. Regulatory & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary interface with local authorities, grid operators, and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure timely submission of reports, permits, and environmental documentation.
• Support community engagement and sustainability initiatives.

Key Skills/Competencies/Experience

Experience:

• 10–15 years of progressive experience in power plant operations, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing plant performance, maintenance, and operational strategy.
• Proven experience managing end-to-end operations of renewable or thermal energy plants (e.g., biomass, waste-to-energy, or hybrid systems).
• Extensive knowledge of fuel supply chain management, including sourcing, logistics, inventory control, and supplier negotiations—especially for biomass, RDF, or other alternative fuels.
• Strong background in operations and maintenance (O&M), asset performance optimization, and compliance with HSE and environmental standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary technical teams across operations, procurement, and engineering functions.
• Experience implementing digital plant monitoring systems (e.g., SCADA, CMMS) and performance analytics.
• Familiarity with local and international fuel sourcing regulations, contract structures (long-term, spot), and quality assurance protocols.
• Successful track record in managing budgets, operational KPIs, and cost optimization initiatives in a plant environment.
• Experience dealing with grid operators, regulatory bodies, and environmental agencies.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, particularly in cross-cultural or multi-site settings.

Competencies:

• Expertise in plant operations, preventive and corrective maintenance, and performance optimization.
• Ability to lead O&M strategy across multiple renewable energy assets.
• Deep understanding of renewable energy technologies (e.g., solar, wind, biomass, WtE, hydro).
• Familiarity with SCADA, CMMS, and digital performance monitoring systems.
• Strong capability in fuel sourcing, procurement strategy, logistics, and inventory control (especially for biomass or alternative fuels).
• Knowledge of local and international fuel markets, supplier networks, and quality standards.
• Solid grounding in environmental compliance, safety regulations, and risk mitigation.
• Ability to create and sustain a safety-first culture across all operational levels.
• Proficiency in long-term operational planning, cost control, and asset management.
• Experience developing and executing operational budgets and efficiency roadmaps.
• Strong leadership and motivational skills to manage multi-functional teams across operations, maintenance, and procurement.
• Talent development, succession planning, and team performance management.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to troubleshoot complex operational issues and make data-driven decisions under pressure.
• Ability to interface effectively with internal stakeholders, regulators, local authorities, and community partners.
• Skilled in managing expectations and building alignment across departments.
• rack record of driving operational improvements through Lean, Six Sigma, or other process optimization methodologies.
• Open to innovation, digital transformation, and sustainability-driven change.
• Clear, concise communicator—able to translate technical insights into actionable strategies for executives, investors, and regulators.
• Skilled in operational reporting, compliance documentation, and performance presentations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (Master's preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in power generation, with at least 5 years in a leadership role at a renewable energy facility.
• Deep knowledge of plant operations for solar, wind, hydro, or biomass projects.
• Strong understanding of HSE regulations, grid interconnection, and energy market dynamics.
• Proven ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams and complex technical operations.
• Familiarity with SCADA, CMMS, and digital asset management platforms.
• Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.