Operations Manager

The Newark Energy Center is a remarkable 665-megawatt gas-fired facility that harnesses the innovative GE 7FA technology. This state-of-the-art power plant sets a new standard for environmental consciousness, prioritizing sustainability at every turn. Committed to reducing emissions and adhering to rigorous environmental standards, it not only generates cleaner energy but also contributes to improved air quality in the community. The Newark Energy Center is a prime example of responsible energy generation that empowers Newark while minimizing its environmental footprint.

Opportunity Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for managing the daily operations and routine maintenance of the project to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable performance. They oversee the execution of the Operating Plan, proactively identifying opportunities for improvement and areas requiring further development. The Operations Manager ensures that all operating conditions remain within optimal limits to support continuous compliance, equipment longevity, and operational excellence.

Your scope of responsibility as Operations Manager includes the following primary functions:

• Direct the Operations Team in performing their duties to maintain reliable, safe, and efficient plant operations.
• Ensure thermal and electrical outputs are maintained at maximum levels and efficiencies.
• Analyze operating results and equipment failures to improve overall efficiency and performance, implementing new methods to reduce operating costs.
• Report normal, abnormal, or emergency plant conditions to the Plant Manager and take corrective action as required by established policy or at the Plant Manager’s direction.
• Provide guidance to the Maintenance Manager regarding equipment conditions and required maintenance activities.
• Ensure proper implementation of the water chemistry program, including testing, inspections, and routine maintenance of water treatment systems.
• Coordinate environmental compliance activities across departments to ensure adherence to procedures and permit conditions, and train Operations personnel accordingly.
• Develop and manage contracts and work scopes for external contractors to optimize the use of both plant and contractor personnel.
• Ensure compliance with NAES policies and procedures, project-specific work rules, and all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Oversee and enhance the training and development of Operations personnel, ensuring sufficient staffing for safe and continuous plant operation, including during adverse conditions.
• Supervise and support safety and performance improvement initiatives within the Operations department.
• Provide operations-related training to maintenance technicians, emphasizing job-specific skills, equipment procedures, and safe work practices.
• Oversee the training of all plant personnel and maintain the plant Training Manual.
• Maintain the plant Operations Manuals, ensuring all policies and procedures are current and reflect safe, effective practices.
• Issue new operating procedures as needed and regularly review and revise existing procedures for accuracy and safety.
• Supervise the daily upkeep of essential plant logs and records.
• Prepare and submit all required reports to the project owner and/or utility as scheduled.
• Foster a positive work environment by maintaining morale, motivating staff, and promptly addressing employee concerns.
• Complete additional tasks and special projects as assigned by the Plant Manager to support plant goals and operational needs.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. All NAES managers and supervisors have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a healthy and safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each Supervisor’s performance. This includes, but is not limited to, the following functions:

• Conduct and support regular safety meetings (at least monthly).
• Address safety in all group meetings.
• Conduct inspections and observations by establishing a regular inspection process for the work area and a safety observation process for ongoing work.
• Lead these activities in accordance with any rules, requirements, or guidance established within your business unit, group, or division.
• Involve all NAES teammates in these activities.
• Analyze results, write work orders, and provide training and education to eliminate hazards, address at-risk behavior, and meet company regulatory requirements.
• Conduct safety observation tours of high-risk activities (e.g., confined space) to verify that employees are following safe practices, company procedures, and OSHA regulations.
• Hold one-on-one sessions with direct reports to discuss safety issues, communicate expectations, and coach safe behaviors.
• Respond to all safety-related incidents, including injuries, incidents, and near misses; write a report explaining what happened, identify the cause, and recommend corrective actions based on established business unit or division practices. Follow up as necessary to ensure corrective actions are taken.

Working Relationships

The Operations Manager reports to the Plant Manager and supervises subordinate operations personnel. The Operations Manager cooperates with the Maintenance Manager, Compliance Coordinator, Plant Engineer, and Plant Administrator as needed in the daily operation of the plant.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.

Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.

Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The regular work schedule follows a Monday through Friday workweek during standard day shift hours.

This position will also occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status may also be required.

Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

Compensation

This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $175,000 to $195,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

We are seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities, paired with a strong history of career growth and a track record of excellence in achieving results.

• A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or equivalent is desired, providing a strong foundation for understanding the technical aspects of power plant operations and management. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.
• Must currently possess a valid New Jersey Red Seal Engineer License or higher.
• Demonstrated advanced-level experience in plant operations, with a focus on directing and managing operations to ensure reliability, safety, and efficiency.
• Strong technical knowledge of power plant operations, including thermal and electrical systems.
• Proven track record of analyzing operational results and equipment failures to implement efficiency improvements and cost-saving measures.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and hands-on experience coordinating environmental compliance activities within a plant environment.
• Familiarity with contract management and experience overseeing external contractors to enhance plant performance and efficiency.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office, with experience in Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to effectively guide, motivate, and supervise a diverse operations team, including oversight of hourly employees and task delegation.
• Commitment to safety standards and practices, ensuring adherence to company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly report plant conditions and interact effectively with management, staff, and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and decision-making abilities, with the capacity to manage shifting priorities, handle multiple tasks, and perform under pressure.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.