Director, Operations - Utility
21 days ago
Springfield
Job Description The Director of Operations – Utility Scale at QE Solar is responsible for leading all field operations, ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient management of utility-scale solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) assets. This leadership role is critical to optimizing asset performance, driving operational excellence, and implementing scalable systems to support QE Solar’s continued growth. The Director will oversee utility-scale operations teams, develop and execute strategies to enhance safety, compliance, efficiency, and financial performance, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. They will be accountable for the financial performance of their teams, including controlling operational costs, maximizing margins, and supporting the P&L owner for the utility-scale business. Key responsibilities include leading and mentoring internal teams, managing stakeholder relationships, identifying and mitigating operational risks, overseeing project and resources, and ensuring alignment with company goals and customer expectations. Remote candidates will be considered; however, preference will be given to those located in or willing to relocate to the Scottsdale, AZ or Springfield, NJ areas. Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities (30%): 1. Operational Leadership & Strategy – • Develop and implement operational strategies for both field and control center functions to maximize asset reliability, performance, and profitability. • Design and deploy scalable systems, processes, checklists, and SOPs to support QE Solar’s utility-scale growth. • Drive a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability across all operations. • Oversee daily business and operational management activities, including performance reviews, KPI tracking, forecasting, and cost control measures. • Partner with finance and executive leadership to monitor operational budgets, track financial KPIs, and ensure alignment with P&L objectives. 2. Field Operations Management – 40% • Lead all field operations for utility-scale solar and BESS assets, including training, maintenance, repairs, inspections, and performance optimization. • Develop and implement rigorous training programs to ensure technical competence, compliance, and operational excellence. • Establish and monitor KPIs to ensure adherence to safety, compliance, and environmental standards (OSHA, NERC-CIP, industry best practices). • Optimize resource allocation and maintenance scheduling to balance cost efficiency with high uptime and performance. • Optimize resource allocation, maintenance scheduling, and subcontractor usage to balance cost efficiency with high uptime and performance. • Coordinate with the control center for real-time issue resolution. • Lead safety culture initiatives and ensure all regulatory and environmental compliance requirements are met and documented. 4. Client & Stakeholder Engagement – 15% • Support client engagement efforts by providing operational expertise, performance updates, and project insights. • Partner with the business development team to validate technical assumptions, operational feasibility, and cost implications. Contribute to pricing strategies by analyzing operational costs, margins, and performance metrics • Contribute to pricing strategies by analyzing operational costs and performance metrics. • Collaborate with performance engineering to drive asset optimization across operations. 5. Team Leadership & Development – 15% • Lead, mentor, and develop field managers and teams, focusing on technical proficiency, safety, compliance, and cost awareness. • Foster a collaborative, growth-oriented environment that encourages knowledge sharing and professional development. • Hold teams accountable for meeting both operational and financial performance goals. Knowledge: • Extensive expertise in utility-scale solar and BESS operations, field maintenance, and troubleshooting. • Deep understanding of safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices, including NERC-CIP and OSHA standards. • Proficiency in designing and implementing scalable operational systems and procedures to support business growth and cost efficiency. • Financial acumen related to budgeting, cost control, margin improvement, and operational performance tracking. • Working knowledge of NERC/FERC, CAISO, MISO, ERCOT, and/or ISO operational requirements, as well as CIP and other government/regulatory guidelines. Skills: • Strong leadership and strategic planning capabilities, with experience managing both field and control center operations. • Proven ability to design and implement scalable systems and SOPs to support operational expansion. • Proven ability to balance operational performance with cost efficiency to achieve financial targets. • Exceptional communication and organizational skills for effective client engagement, team leadership, and stakeholder collaboration. • Advanced problem-solving skills with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to operational challenges. • Experience with project origination, commercial agreements, and utility-scale onboarding processes. Abilities: • Ability to lead, motivate, and manage cross-functional teams with a strong focus on safety, compliance, and performance. • Capacity to adapt quickly to changing operational demands, make data-driven decisions, and ensure operational scalability while meeting budgetary goals. Skilled in balancing multiple priorities to optimize safety, performance, and profitability. • Commitment to fostering a proactive safety culture across all levels of utility-scale operations. • Ability to anticipate and plan for changes in NERC standards/guidelines and ensure organizational compliance with evolving requirements. • Self-motivated with a high degree of initiative, accountability, and follow-through. • Proven ability to guide teams through risk and uncertainty with clear direction and confidence. • Skilled in using feedback loops, financial reporting, and data analytics to drive continuous improvement. Physical Requirements: • Ability to lift 50 pounds regularly • Ability to climb ladders (a-frame, ship-style, movable or fixed) • Ability to move safely over uneven terrain • Ability to sit or drive for prolonged periods • Ability to safely climb ladders while carrying 50 pounds • Ability to work in extreme weather Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Renewable Energy, Business, Construction Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Required Experience: • 7–10+ years of experience in the energy industry, with a strong preference for utility-scale solar/BESS operations. • Demonstrated experience managing large, geographically distributed field operations teams, including direct oversight of managers and frontline personnel. • Comprehensive understanding of regulatory frameworks and NERC/CIP standards. • Proven track record leading cross-functional technical projects. • Familiarity with commissioning, asset transition, and operational readiness processes. • Working knowledge of financial concepts, capital infrastructure planning, and budgeting. Preferred Experience: • Experience onboarding solar or BESS projects ≥50 MW. Prior experience with SCADA or CMMS configuration and deployment. Preferred Certifications, Licensures, Etc. • Inverter and/or BESS manufacturers’ certifications (e.g. SunGrow, Power Electronics, Solectria, BYD, etc) • Thermography certifications • AVO transformer, SEL, Relay certificates of training • IT/networking skills: i.e. IP addressing, familiarity with RS485, Modbus, TCP/IP, etc. • NABCEP PV Installer or O&M Certification • OSHA 10/30 Certification • Completion of NFPA 70E courses • CPR/First Aid Workplace Type: On-site Employment Type: Full-time Location: Scottsdale, AZ United States Note to Agencies: QE Solar only works with authorized recruiting partners under signed agreements. Resumes submitted without prior authorization will not be accepted and QE Solar will not be liable for any associated fees.