Operations & Maintenance Manager – Power Generation

Location: San Diego, CA | Schedule: Full-time, on-site

Overview

A power generation company is seeking an experienced Operations & Maintenance Manager to help lead daily plant operations and maintenance activities. This role partners closely with the Plant Manager to drive safety, reliability, efficiency, and regulatory compliance across the facility, making it a critical leadership position within the plant's management team.

What you'll do

• Assist the Plant Manager in overseeing mission-critical programs including performance management, outage management, project management, asset integrity, and financial management
• Drive high plant reliability and cost competitiveness without compromising employee safety or environmental commitments
• Support and champion safety and environmental programs, ensuring full regulatory compliance
• Ensure the safety of all employees, contractors, and visitors through injury prevention
• Interface with regulatory, political, business, civic, and public representatives as directed by senior management
• Ensure plant operations and maintenance comply with all NERC and WECC regional standards, including self-certifications and audits
• Identify permit requirements and ensure testing and documentation needed for permit renewals with jurisdictional regulatory agencies
• Assist in developing and administering O&M and Capital budgets
• Prepare, maintain, and provide reports and documents as required
• Respond to plant trips and operational upsets as needed
• Foster an organizational culture that encourages employee involvement, innovative thinking, adaptability, and continuous improvement
• Promote productivity and teamwork through open communication, timely decision-making, and strong leadership
• Establish responsibilities, goals, and expectations for assigned employees, monitoring performance and providing feedback
• Work independently under limited to no supervision, prioritizing and executing responsibilities
• Provide management direction in the absence of the Plant Manager
• Oversee inventory management and procurement activities
• Devise and implement profit improvement projects
• Provide technical support to corporate business development and other company plants as needed
• Work with the Budget Analyst and managers to develop comprehensive O&M and Capital plans
• Travel occasionally as required
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in the power generation field (exceptional work or military experience in a related technical field may substitute for the degree)
• Knowledge of operation and maintenance of gas steam turbines and electrical generators
• Ability to lead, coach, and guide employees with a strong understanding of positive employee relations
• Excellent writing, presentation, and persuasive verbal communication skills
• Ability to plan, organize, schedule, and direct varied operations and maintenance programs and tasks
• Ability to read and understand control logic diagrams, P&IDs, and other technical materials relevant to power plant operation and maintenance
• Ability to apply knowledge of competitive business practices in daily work and decision‑making
• Excellent troubleshooting skills
• Ability to anticipate and adapt to organizational changes and new requirements
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness
• Advanced computer skills including Word, Excel, Power Point, and other programs
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions
• Demonstrated technical expertise in a relevant functional area, including standards, procedures, and applicable government/environmental regulations
• Operational knowledge of work and asset management and analytical/reporting applications
• Effective change leadership with the ability to communicate company and business strategies to varied stakeholders
• Proven track record of achieving performance and operational metrics and driving process adherence
• Demonstrated understanding of utility finance
• Valid U.S. Driver license with an acceptable MVR history

Preferred qualifications

• Previous second‑line supervisory experience, such as Assistant Plant Manager, O&M Manager, or O&M Supervisor

Why this role

This is an opportunity to take on a critical leadership position overseeing plant operations and maintenance, working closely with senior plant leadership to ensure safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance.