SVP, Plant Operations - Renewable Energy

FirstLight Power is hiring a Senior Vice President of Plant Operations for a hybrid role based in Northfield, MA. The SVP will oversee plant operations across North America, focusing on productivity, risk mitigation, and fostering excellence. Responsibilities include managing senior managers, ensuring compliance, negotiating contracts, and preparing strategic plans. The ideal candidate should have experience in renewable energy and a passion for decarbonization efforts.
About the position

FirstLight Power is seeking an experienced Senior Vice President of Plant Operations to join our executive team in a hybrid role based in Northfield, MA. This position is pivotal in leading all aspects of plant operations across our generating facilities in North America. The SVP will report directly to the CEO and will be a foundational member of the executive leadership team, integral to key decision-making and execution. The role encompasses a comprehensive view of the company's plant operations, with a focus on enhancing productivity, mitigating risks, and fostering a culture of excellence. The ideal candidate will possess the experience, passion, and energy to drive FirstLight's mission of accelerating the decarbonization of the electric grid to meet the clean energy needs of tomorrow. In this role, the SVP will direct the activities of senior managers in their geographic area, ensuring a positive employee relations climate through consistent application of FirstLight programs. Responsibilities include monitoring the day-to-day operations, maintenance, fiscal, and administrative functions of each facility, establishing project objectives, policies, procedures, and performance standards, and overseeing compliance with company policies and governmental regulations. The SVP will also negotiate favorable operating parameters during the FERC License Renewal process for federally regulated U.S. hydroelectric projects and work with various governmental and regulatory agencies to address operational concerns. The SVP will prepare, review, negotiate, and approve business contracts to ensure reliable and profitable operations, optimize plant performance, and maintain key contractual compliance. The role requires keeping abreast of market trends and new opportunities in Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and enhancing communications with the commercial organization to maximize economic performance. Additionally, the SVP will recommend hiring, termination, and pay schedules for operating facilities, direct professional development for key members of the operations organization, and prepare strategic plans, budgets, and reports. This position is essential for ensuring that FirstLight continues to lead in the renewable energy sector while delivering positive climate impacts and fostering a rewarding workplace culture.

Responsibilities
• Direct the activities of all senior managers in their geographic area and maintain a positive employee relations climate for all employees through consistent application of all FirstLight programs.
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• Monitor the day-to-day operation, maintenance, fiscal, and administrative functions of each operating facility.
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• Establish project objectives, policies, procedures, and performance standards within boundaries of company policy and procedures.
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• Oversee plant compliance with company policies, governmental regulations, and good engineering practices at each facility.
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• Negotiate favorable operating parameters during the FERC License Renewal process for federally regulated U.S. hydroelectric projects.
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• Work with local governments and regulatory agencies to address operational concerns and their impact on communities.
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• Prepare, review, negotiate, and approve business contracts to ensure reliable and profitable operations of all FirstLight generation facilities.
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• Optimize plant technical and financial performance through enhancements and/or modifications to contracts.
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• Maintain key contractual compliance and strive to enhance revenue streams from electric sales and partnerships.
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• Keep abreast of changing market trends and new opportunities in Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
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• Interface with the commercial organization to enhance communications and maximize economic performance of the merchant plants.
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• Recommend hiring, termination, and pay schedules for the operating facilities.
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• Direct professional development of key members of the operations organization, identifying needs and supporting plans.
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• Prepare and submit for review and approval strategic plans, budgets, and periodic reports.
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• Direct lender-required technical and budget review programs.
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• Comply with all FirstLight policies and procedures.
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• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in Engineering, Business, Accounting, or Finance.
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• 10+ years of related experience in power plant operations.
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• Demonstrated outstanding management and supervision of technical, operating, and maintenance power plant personnel.
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• In-depth knowledge of power generating facility equipment technology, with a preference for hydro and pumped storage.
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• Proficiency with MS Suite and operational, financial modeling, and budgeting programs.
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• Strong public speaking skills and superior problem-solving abilities.
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• Excellent organization and prioritization skills.
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• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time within the US and Canada.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in renewable energy sectors beyond hydropower.
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• Familiarity with regulatory compliance in multiple jurisdictions.
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• Advanced certifications in project management or energy management.

Benefits
• 401(k) with Employer Matching
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• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance
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• Paid Parental Leave
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• Health and Wellness Programs
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• Mental Health Care
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• Flexible Spending Account
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• Health Savings Account
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• Annual Performance Incentive Plan
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• Employee Assistance Program
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• Generous Paid Time Off Plan
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• Paid Holidays
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• Professional Development
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• Employee Referral Program
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• Tuition Reimbursement
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• Charitable Matching Program & Employer Sponsored Volunteer Program