Plant Manager
Onward Energy is hiring a Plant Manager! Read below to learn more!
Position Description
Position Title: Plant Manager
Reports To: Director, Gas Plant Operations
Direct Reports: Yes Functional Unit: Operations
FLSA Status: Exempt Position Type: Full-Time
Office Location: Mankato Energy Center
Plant Location: Mankato, MN
The Company
Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 6,000 MW 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 associates, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation. Based in New York, Denver, and Charlotte, Onward Energy is a company where people and power are always on. We are where renewable meets reliable. See www.onwardenergy.com for more information.
Mankato Energy Center (MEC) is a 720-megawatt natural gas-fired combined-cycle facility located within the city limits on the northern edge of the City of Mankato, Minnesota. The project operates in the MISO power market and sells energy under contract to Northern States Power (NSP), a subsidiary of Xcel Energy. MEC I became commercially operational in July 2006 in a 1x1 configuration and is contracted through July 2026. In 2019 MEC II began commercial operations and is contracted with NSP through 2039. MEC I has a Siemens 501F-D3 combustion turbine rated at approximately 198 MW (at ISO Conditions) with a Nooter Eriksen HRSG. MEC II has a Siemens 501F-D4 combustion turbine rated at approximately 204 MW (at ISO Conditions) with a Nooter Eriksen HRSG. Both units deliver steam to a single Toshiba TCDF-40L steam turbine rated at 330MW.
The Challenge
The Plant Manager is responsible for the profitability and management of the overall Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of the Mankato Energy Center. 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 associate 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 associates.
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 in the performance of plant outages, capital projects and daily operation.
• Administer the plant’s 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 associates of the plant through elimination of injuries to associates, contractors and visitors.
• Ensure the plants are operated and maintained in compliance with all NERC and WECC regional standards including performing self-certifications and audits.
• Create and support an organizational culture that encourages, and rewards associate 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 associates on their performance to allow them to capitalize on their strengths and focus on opportunities for improvement.
• Work under limited to no supervision.
• Independently prioritizes and executes responsibilities.
• Oversee inventory management and procurement activities.
• Devise and implement profit improvement projects.
• Provide technical support to corporate business development and other Onward Energy plants as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or related technical discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in power generation field or exceptional work or military experience in a related technical field may substitute for the degree.
• Experience with Siemens 501F or other heavy-duty combustion turbines, and experience operating steam turbines including 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 associates and understand the importance of positive employee relations.
• Ability to develop and lead plant associates 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. Controls experience, particularly with PLCs, TXP controls and Emerson Ovation BOP DCS is preferred.
• Some level of advanced technical skills, such as rotating-equipment vibration analysis, electrical troubleshooting, etc. is desired.
• 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. Driver license with acceptable MVR history.
The Physical Demands
Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Associate will be required to 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
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
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. Some travel to and work at other sites required
THE TOTAL REWARDS
Onward Energy total rewards philosophy is motivated by a key tenet of People First, and offers associates 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 send a note 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.
Utilities
Management and Manufacturing
FULL_TIME