Regional Manager (O&M) (Chicago)
The Solar O&M Regional Manager is responsible for operational oversight, performance optimization, and regulatory compliance across a portfolio of utility-scale solar assets within the assigned region. This role manages a small, multidisciplinary field team and ensures safe, reliable, and cost-efficient plant operations. The position requires a strong technical foundation in photovoltaic systems, disciplined operational leadership, and the ability to drive continuous improvement across multiple sites.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Oversee day-to-day operations of utility-scale solar sites, including preventive and corrective maintenance, system monitoring, and performance analytics.
- Develop and execute annual O&M plans, KPIs, and reliability initiatives to achieve availability, production, and budget targets.
- Maintain site readiness for audits, inspections, and compliance checks.
Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of technicians, coordinators, or subcontractors.
- Allocate work, supervise field execution, and ensure adherence to safety, quality, and technical standards.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and skills development programs for field personnel.
Safety & Compliance
- Enforce all EHS policies and OSHA requirements; drive a culture of strong safety performance.
- Maintain regulatory and permitting compliance across sites.
- Lead incident investigations, root-cause analyses, and corrective action plans.
Technical Oversight
- Review SCADA data, performance KPIs, and fault trends to identify and resolve operational issues.
- Coordinate high-voltage switching, equipment isolation, and LOTO procedures.
- Manage vendors and contractors for specialized services (inverter OEMs, vegetation management, HV services, etc.).
Financial & Administrative Management
- Manage regional O&M budget, including labor, materials, spare parts, and subcontractors.
- Oversee procurement for maintenance materials and critical spares inventory.
- Provide periodic reports on fleet performance, outages, maintenance activities, and cost tracking.
Stakeholder Management
- Serve as primary regional point of contact for asset owners, engineering teams, utilities, and internal leadership.
- Support warranty claims, contract interpretation, and coordination with asset management teams.
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in engineering, renewable energy, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- 5+ years of O&M or operations experience in utility-scale solar, power generation, or high-voltage electrical systems.
- 2+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
- Strong understanding of PV systems, inverters, trackers, and HV substations.
- Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, teams, and contractors across multiple sites.
- Proficiency with CMMS platforms, SCADA systems, and performance analytics tools.
- Valid drivers license and willingness to travel within the region.