Technical Solar Operations Manager

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Technical Operations Manager

Department:Renewables Sector - Solar

Equitix Management Services (EMS) has delivered management services across the infrastructure sector since 2014, with experience spanning education, healthcare, social housing, utilities, government infrastructure and renewable energy.

Today, EMS manages more than £4bn of infrastructure assets across 135 contracts, supported by over 100 professionals. As our renewables portfolio continues to grow, we are looking for a Technical Operations Manager to join our expanding team.

This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role within a fast-growing sector, with strong prospects for professional development and career progression.

Principal Responsibilities:

The Technical Operations Manager will support the day-to-day management of assets within our portfolio along and provide technical support and performance analysis. The role location is flexible as EMS have offices throughout the UK, however the preferred location for this role is Glasgow. Primary responsibilities of the position are to carry out the day to day management of the portfolio of solar projects that we manage on behalf of our clients, however the role will also involve data driven performance analysis and technical investigations and discussions with project service providers. The successful candidate will report to the Solar Subsector Lead but will be expected to be a self-starter able to manage their own workloads. There will also be opportunities to be involved in business development activities, system design & development and strategic corporate discussions, and to interact with the wider Renewables sector teams

As the Technical Operations Manager, you'll play a crucial role in the following:

• Managing service providers and ensuring performance meets contractual requirements.
• Confidently reviewing, and querying as necessary, maintenance activities undertaken by service providers to ensure industry best practice is followed.
• Managing Health, Safety and Environmental obligations including awareness of SSOW, RAMS and CPPs and an understanding of CDM obligations.
• Data analysis including site performance monitoring and calculations, component downtime losses and performance improvement suggestions, cost-benefit analyses for additional work streams and insurance claim management.
• Supporting the Subsector Lead to ensure compliance with all contractual obligations and project documentation including PPAs, grid connections, planning permissions, landscape management plans, leases, O&M contracts, Meter Operator Provider contracts and MSAs.
• Promoting effective communication with all stakeholders and maintaining project records.

• Manage the day-to-day operation and performance of multiple commercial-scale solar assets and report directly to clients.
• Manage O&M contractors and other service providers, ensuring performance and maintenance activities meet contractual requirements and industry best practice.
• Monitor asset performance using SCADA, service provider reports and in-house data systems, identifying downtime losses, performance issues and optimisation opportunities.
• Prepare and submit client reports, including KPIs, monthly reports and Board reports.
• Manage Health, Safety and Environmental obligations, including SSOW, RAMS, CPPs and relevant CDM requirements.
• Support compliance with key project documentation including PPAs, grid connections, planning permissions, leases, O&M contracts and other service agreements.
• Manage component warranty claims, insurance claims, performance warranty calculations, missed maintenance obligations and associated settlements.
• Monitor preventative and reactive maintenance, contractor response times and emergencies, approving quotes within agreed parameters.
• Review service provider KPIs, budgets, exclusion events, performance calculations and liquidated damages.
• Maintain project management systems including Operating Plans, CMMS, Asset Registers and task/quality management tools.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, professional advisers, lenders, landowners, communities and other stakeholders.
• Challenge contractor and service provider proposals where appropriate to achieve the best outcome for clients.
• Identify asset optimisation opportunities and support repowering projects and contract renewals.
• Contribute to the development of EMS data management systems, operational processes and procedures.
• Work collaboratively with Asset Engineers, General Managers and the wider Renewables team.

Candidate Experience & Attributes:

• Technical solar site experience / knowledge - either general or related to specific components (e.g. inverters, modules, transformers)
• Proficient data analysis skills
• Contract Management with strong commercial acumen and ability to adeptly apply contractual mechanisms to commercial discussions
• IT literate (familiar with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) & SharePoint; willing to learn and make full use of internal systems)
• Strong understanding of the importance of data management processes
• Experience of, or strong interest in, the renewable energy industry - particularly related to the solar industry.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be an advantage but not a requirement

• Repowering projects
• Health & Safety process management
• Battery Storage (BESS) technology
• SCADA systems
• High Voltage Electrical systems
• PowerBi

Benefits & role info

• Private medical healthcare with Vitality
• Scottish Widows Pension
• UNUM Death in Service Cover
• UNUM
• UNUM Group Income Protection Cover
• Corporate Eyecare with Specsavers
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Electric car scheme with Octopus (after probation)
• 26 days of annual leave + Bank holidays
• We operate with a hybrid work setup; 3 days in the office & 2 from home. There may be an expectation to be more present in the office during the initial period of employment.

Next Step:

• By clicking 'apply' you will be taken to our HR platform to complete your application.