The Vice President, Renewable Energy Asset Operations will be responsible for managing, directing and operating over 1GW of utility-scale solar and battery energy storage assets located in California and ensuring corporate and ownership objectives are met. The Vice President, Renewable Energy Asset Operations is accountable for protecting, maintaining, and enhancing the value of assigned assets to maximize the owners’ financial return and for the benefit of the communities in which those assets are located. This person will achieve results through direct supervision of both internal and third-party operations teams as well as collaboration with development, construction management, accounting, risk management, investments, and portfolio oversight departments to realize stated goals and objectives.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Primary responsibility is to direct and coordinate the various operational activities of the assigned assets, including the direction of the day-to-day activities of the operations teams in all aspects of asset management. This shall include but not be limited to:
- Business Plan Execution – Work with the Portfolio Oversight and Investments teams to ensure the successful development and execution of the annual business plan. Oversee the implementation of any major Capital Expenditures, project timelines, cost controls, budget review and approvals, as well as proactive management of any Power Purchase Agreements and Confirms, energy bidding strategies, and associated revenue generation initiatives to meet or exceed the business plan objectives.
- Leadership - Lead and manage strategy on all operations related contracts for solar+BESS projects (O&M, LTSA, land management, etc.) Provide both commercial and technical leadership on all aspects of asset management / asset operations.
- Financial Obligations – Overall responsibility for all financial functions including but not limited to budgeting, including creation and execution of operating budgets for operational assets; re-forecasting; and detailed variance reporting. Expense monitoring and cost control implementation, revenue enhancement and overall asset profitability to meet or exceed budgeted Net Operating Income.
- Revenues – Oversee the contracting program and energy bidding strategy for the assets and ensure that revenue goals are met or exceeded as outlined in the operating budget. Oversee and ensure the timely invoicing to counterparties and collection of all invoiced charges; oversee A/P functions and ensure that all expenses are paid on-time; assist in the negotiation of Power Purchase Agreements and Confirms.
- Interdepartmental Collaboration - Collaborate with the Development & Construction team and manage asset transition from construction to operations in all aspects. Collaborate with the Investments and Development teams on diligence for potential acquisitions, operating budgets, plant life and cost optimization strategies.
- Risk Assessment – Analyze challenges to business plan initiatives; proactively communicate issues that may place the asset or results at risk; develop and execute improvement plans to address identified challenges. Regularly monitor the asset for any defects to mitigate damage and/or insurance claims; oversee and direct the security program for the assets; oversee life/safety policies and procedures; ensure contractor and service provider safety protocols are implemented and adhered to; address all issues promptly to ensure a safe work environment. Implement a comprehensive preventative and corrective maintenance program for the asset using third-party contractors and service providers; provide regular contractor and service provider training sessions on operational protocols.
- Site Visits – Conduct regular site visits and site inspections at under construction and operational project sites located in the Central Valley, California.
- Bidding Strategies – Evaluate and modify CAISO day-ahead, real-time, and ancillary services market bidding strategies to maximize merchant revenues and mitigate any associated risks.
- Financial Deliverables – Manage and track deliverables in project tax equity and financing documents including certificates, reports, loan and interest payments, budgets, and calculations. Work with the investment, accounting, and legal teams in preparing and submitting all required deliverables.
- Compliance - Manage all asset related compliance including but not limited to FERC, NERC, Generator Owner, EIA, RTO, Interconnection Utility, Transmission Operator, WREGIS, WECC, CEC, etc.
- Contract Administration – Participate in bi-lateral contract negotiations for the sale of energy, renewable credits, capacity, and other products to various off-takers. Manage and track obligations in existing off-take contracts. Contract with third-party contractors, consultants, and service providers, develop scope of work documents for contracted services, competitively bid services. Monitor contractor performance and ensure contract compliance.
- Reporting- Responsible for all typical internal and external monthly and quarterly project performance reporting including but not limited to tax equity, debt, equity investors.
- Ability to develop and manage 12X24 production schedule.
- Provide both commercial and technical leadership on all aspects of asset management / asset operations.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Hire, train, and supervise renewable energy operations team personnel. Team members may include Operations Manager, Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, etc.
- Maintain a positive relationship with all corporate support departments.
- Provide objectives, evaluate performance, and give interim and annual performance reviews of direct reports.
- Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
- Responsibilities may include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding, counseling and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
- Exhibit passion and commitment to their own personal and professional development as well as that of their colleagues.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- 8+ years in solar and storage asset operations and management required including land management and 3rd party O&M management
- Prior experience in BESS operations required
- Prior experience managing an operating fleet of utility-scale projects in CA is preferred along with other RTOs
- Prior experience operating merchant energy projects preferred.
- Prior experience / knowledge with Day Ahead scheduling required.
- Prior experience in CAISO and WECC region preferred.
COMMUNICATION SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
- High level of communication, organizational, and management skills.
- Ability to develop, present and gain approval for annual Business Plan.
- Ability to write effective and concise communications to counterparties, contractors, service providers, suppliers, and government agencies.
- Ability to comprehend, analyze and interpret contracts and other legal documents and to communicate effectively with attorneys.
- Ability to presents ideas in a clear, concise, understandable, and organized manner to reach the goals/objectives of the organization.
TECHNICAL SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Proficiency in Yardi, Nexus and/or other ERP software systems.
- Proficiency in industry related software packages as required.
PERFORMANCE METRICS:
- Meet or exceed Net Operating Income goals.
- Effective financial management and oversight of asset operations.
- Positive, innovative approach to problem solving.
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Proven ability to work independently as a leader and as a team member.
- Ability to work in an organized, efficient manner with a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and follow-through.
- Ability to exercise excellent judgment and discretion.
- Must be able to cope with shifting priorities, difficult situations, and deadlines.
What CIM offers
CIM offers an enriched benefits program as well as a wide range of resources for eligible employees to thrive both inside and outside of work. Some of our benefits include:
- Medical, dental, and vision
- Company-subsidized Health Savings Account
- Company paid life & disability
- Pre-tax savings accounts
- 401(k) match
- Competitive vacation policy
- Additional voluntary benefits
- Paid time off for community service
- Paid Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks
Actual base salary considers several factors including but not limited to geography, job-related knowledge, experience, and budget. The start of the salary range is typically associated with the minimum experience required.
At CIM, base pay is one part of the total compensation package. For this role, bonus compensation may be a significant part of the total compensation. The anticipated base salary range for the position in Los Angeles is $180,000-$250,000
CIM Group is committed to bringing together humans from different backgrounds and perspectives, providing employees with a safe and welcoming work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We strive to create a diverse & inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, feel a sense of belonging, and do impactful work together. As an equal opportunity employer, we prohibit any unlawful discrimination against a job applicant on the basis of their race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, family or parental status, disability*, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We respect the laws enforced by the EEOC and are dedicated to going above and beyond in fostering diversity across our workplace.
*Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on CIM Group. Please inform our Talent team if you need any assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.
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