Senior Operations Manager- Pathfinder in Abingdon

We are looking for an experienced and motivated electrically focused Senior Operations Manager to join our rapidly growing team. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this senior operations role will eventually assume responsibility for all operation and maintenance activities across the two Pathfinder projects. In the interim, the role will support the development, construction and commissioning of the projects working closely with our Pathfinder project delivery team.

The Pathfinder Operations Manager will be responsible for development and implementation of the operational strategy and processes for the projects and managing all internal and external stakeholders to provide high levels of support and service throughout the operational phase of the projects, including computerised maintenance management systems, asset optimisation and management of third-party long-term contracts. Applicants will need to hold a driving license and be willing to travel to sites across the UK.

About Conrad Energy Ltd: Conrad Energy is a fast-growing UK energy company. We’re powering the move towards renewables through innovation and technology. We generate power to support the National Grid when renewables can’t meet demand and we buy, sell and manage energy for businesses nationally. With a portfolio including gas, batteries, solar, wind and hydrogen, our 83 sites, operational or in construction, have a potential to generate 983MW of power making us one of the leading flexible energy providers in the country. Optimised and operated using our market-leading software, iON+, we’re at the forefront of shaping a more efficient energy sector that is both reliable and sustainable.

Main job tasks and responsibilities:

• To carry out all duties with health and safety as number one priority.
• Responsibilities for your own Health and Safety, for the Health and Safety of your work colleagues and any others who may be affected by the operations under your responsibility or control.
• Ensure the plant is operated in full compliance with applicable contracts held with National Grid ESO and bilateral grid connection agreements and related industry best practice.
• Manage and work closely with the appointed contractors, technical advisors and National Grid to ensure that the plant is operated safely.
• Manage internal and external engineering staff/contractors specialising in Extra High Voltage Electrical Systems and EC&I disciplines across construction, commissioning, testing, performance testing and operations phases of the projects.
• Ensure that all EHV electrical plant and equipment is run efficiently as scheduled at times of commercial demand and operations and maintenance are carried out in accordance with Health and Safety systems / operational policies and procedures, including technical OEM operating literature and guidelines.
• Manage 3rd party contractors ensuring any 3rd party contracts are managed to the mutual advantage of the Company and customer.
• Manage and review performance and quality of work of long-term service providers and assist in the selection and management of external contractors and suppliers where necessary.
• Develop and implement reporting on operational KPIs, such as availability and efficiency, to monitor performance and identify when improvements to maintenance practices are needed.
• Define and implement appropriate electrical operations and maintenance procedures and practices, working with and developing the company’s information systems.
• Ensure all staff and contractors who access electrical plant and equipment are trained and aware of their health and safety responsibilities.
• Assist in developing and implementing annual budgets for spare parts and inventory for the operational sites, ensuring P&L spend does not exceed cost code limits for the period.
• Gain necessary approvals required for spend on operation and maintenance budgets.
• Bring forward and implement remedial action plans as required, providing full cost and time analysis as required.
• Good communication and management of information from specific sites to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support handover of newly built sites from construction phase into operation phase ensuring plant, equipment, facilities and personnel are ready.
• Adherence to all Company Policies & Procedures (including but not limited to) those specified in the Employment Handbook, H&S Policy, Environmental Management Systems, Integrated Management Systems and any financial/accounting systems.

What we are looking for:

Principal Skills:

• Good technical and practical knowledge of grid transmission connected assets with SAP capabilities of electrical systems up to 400kV.
• Experienced in the principles of construction, commissioning and operation of transmission connected assets and substations.
• Ability to make balanced decisions regarding changes to maintenance schedules, experienced at organising the most challenging / complex repairs and maintenance processes.
• Sound people management skills that create both urgency and ownership within the team.
• An understanding of ISO 9001/14001/45001 Quality Management Systems.
• A track record of using data, systems and processes to drive continuous improvement.
• Highly experienced at managing supply chain for electrical services demonstrating good commercial acumen.
• Able to communicate engineering issues to senior management and across disciplines.
• Reasonable technical knowledge and experience of gas reciprocating engines, large battery storage systems and high voltage / power installations.
• Work closely with and support other departments in the business: Mechanical Operations Team, Development, Construction, Finance, Procurement, Human Resources and HSQE.
• Extensive network of contacts within the power generation and distribution industry.

Knowledge:

• Essential: Sound knowledge of Electrical Theory, Application and Technologies for the Electricity Generation and Distribution industry.
• Legal, Safety and Environmental obligations and responsibility that impact upon reliable operation of the above.
• Working knowledge of developing and managing maintenance through CMMS systems.
• Desirable: Working knowledge of thermal power generation assets or grid connected assets at 400kV.

Skills:

• Essential: Good written and numerical skills, IT literate.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet constantly changing deadlines and priorities.
• A valid full driving licence for countrywide travel.
• Desirable: Managing change in engineering maintenance environments, managing customer facing maintenance contracts.
• Ability to drive root cause analysis processes.

Experience:

• Essential: Proven track record in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of electricity transmission connected assets.
• Experience of managing assets under 3rd party long term service agreements.
• Desirable: Control and Instrumentation experience.
• Exposure to higher voltages up to 400kV, experience of operating grid stability services.
• A good feel for data and analytics in an engineering maintenance backdrop.

Qualifications:

• Essential: Educated to at least Degree level or equivalent, in Electrical Engineering augmented by experience in Electric Power Engineering or equivalent environment.
• Desirable: Electricity Generation or Heavy Electrical / Process Plant Training, IET membership or equivalent professional recognition.
• Chartered Electrical Engineering Status.