LVI is one of the leading Energy and Infrastructure recruitment firm. We offer a bespoke service to our clients that allows for us utilize industry gossip to maximize our reach for both candidates and our current and future clients. Within the renewable energy space, we have upwards of 80 clients that we can introduce our candidates to.
Overview of Vice President of Asset Operations:
The company is a prominent player in the creation, financing, and management (IPP) of distributed large-scale solar, storage, and combined solar + storage systems for a range of clients including commercial, industrial, municipal, and utility sectors across the U.S. We have successfully developed over 125 solar projects, totaling more than 600 MW of distributed generating capacity either operational or under development, with investments exceeding $1.5 billion in the U.S. clean energy sector.
Position Expectations: Vice President of Asset Operations:
We are looking for a seasoned professional to head our Asset Operations department. The Vice President of Asset Operations will oversee the management of operations and maintenance for commercial and industrial distributed energy resources, small to medium-sized utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems, energy storage systems (ESS), and combined photovoltaic + energy storage systems (PV+BESS). This role will manage the Operations team and ensure the effective Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of our portfolio of solar and energy storage assets.
Key Responsibilities of Vice President of Asset Operations:
- Oversee the operational performance and maintenance of a portfolio comprising over 100 solar projects across more than 15 states, including standalone energy storage and solar + storage projects.
- Lead and mentor Asset Operations staff, providing guidance, training, and support to a diverse team with various skill sets.
- Manage the Network Operations Center (NOC).
- Supervise the preparation of periodic asset operations management performance reports.
- Ensure the safe execution of all work related to solar and storage assets.
- Identify, justify, and execute approved optimization projects to enhance the long-term value of the solar fleet.
- Develop and oversee annual operating plans, prepare monthly and quarterly reports, and provide detailed variance explanations and corrective action plans.
- Monitor and manage outsourced O&M providers to optimize both short- and long-term asset performance, offering guidance and leadership to staff and stakeholders.
- Focus on NOC operational metrics and optimization tools necessary for evaluating real-time performance of operating assets.
- Manage asset generation data quality and address any anomalies.
- Establish and manage preventative and corrective maintenance programs in collaboration with Engineering and Asset Management teams, ensuring compliance with NERC, ISO, and IA standards.
- Oversee commercial relationships with key vendors and lead contract negotiations as required.
- Analyze system efficiency to maximize production from each asset and identify opportunities for performance improvement.
- Produce detailed, comprehensive reports on all projects and resources.
- Review performance reports and specific project data, investigate issues, and take action to enhance performance and up-time, focusing on O&M strategies.
- Facilitate the integration of new project portfolios, manage O&M RFP processes, and negotiate O&M agreements with potential vendors.
- Collaborate closely with various departments, including Portfolio Management, Asset Management, Finance, Business Development, Engineering, Project Management, external service providers, off-takers, and partners.
- Oversee SCADA and DAS software platforms.
- Travel as needed.
Experience and Education Requirements for Vice President of Asset Operations:
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Renewable Energy, Management, Mathematics, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have:
- At least 7 years of experience in Asset Operations management, including the operation and maintenance of photovoltaic and energy storage systems or similar equipment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to interact effectively with employees at all levels, including executives and board members. A proactive, problem-solving attitude is essential. The candidate should be self-motivated, capable of handling multiple tasks under tight deadlines without supervision.
- Strong organizational and process orientation skills, with the ability to prioritize and address potential issues in a dynamic work environment.
- Proven leadership abilities, with experience managing a team and adjusting to shifting priorities.
- A solid understanding of renewable technologies, data analysis, and energy management principles.
- Familiarity with medium and low voltage electrical systems, SCADA systems, and other monitoring tools.
- Experience reading design and construction drawings and specifications.
- Proficiency in writing proposals and reports, and comfort with presenting and interacting with consultants, regulatory authorities, and agencies.
- High proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite.
