Manager – O&M Innovation and Technology

Scope of Position:

This isn't a role for someone who needs a roadmap; we're looking for an independent, visionary leader prepared to act as the founding force behind our O&M innovation strategy. If you thrive on presenting your own high-stakes business cases and transforming novel concepts into company-wide solutions, your entrepreneurial drive is exactly what we need.

The Innovation and Technology Manager for Asset Optimization (AO) Operations and Maintenance (O&M) services will lead a dedicated team responsible for identifying, piloting, and implementing innovative tools and technologies that enhance Operations and Maintenance (O&M) services. The Manager will oversee a team of O&M subject matter experts who will focus on discovering, testing/piloting, new technologies, techniques, or tooling (O&M Innovations) that are directly applicable in AO's O&M services. The manager is responsible for establishing a process for reviewing and approving potential O&M Innovations within AO and is responsible for developing the business cases and securing Management approval prior to implementing at scale and industrializing selected AO O&M Innovations. These O&M Innovations, when deployed, should enable AO O&M teams to improve its productivity and efficiency, or reduce asset down time, or expand O&M's service offerings, hence reduce dependence on contractors, or capture more revenue from O&M service market. The manager will be responsible for developing go-to-market strategies for external 3rd party AO O&M customers.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a dedicated or matrixed team of O&M SMEs focused on O&M services, fostering a culture of technology and innovation.
• Work closely with the Asset Optimization teams to identify opportunities for improving productivity and operational efficiency.
• Engage in the Renewable industry and actively identifying and evaluating applicable new technologies, techniques, or tooling.
• Pilot innovative solutions, such as drones, robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and advanced analytics tools specific to the O&M technology and techniques, etc. to improve operational efficiency and extend service delivery.
• Present findings and recommendations to AO leadership team and stakeholders to secure buy-in and funding for new initiatives.
• Own and manage a RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) matrix for each solution and its implementation, ensuring clarity in roles and responsibilities.
• Develop and implement new service offerings based on innovative tools and technologies that create additional revenue streams for the organization.
• Work closely with the Asset Optimization teams to identify opportunities for improving productivity and operational efficiency.
• Implement decision-oriented analytic tools that provide actionable insights to optimize asset performance and reduce downtime.
• Actively engage in selling technology-based services to external 3rd party AO customers, leveraging innovative solutions to meet their needs.
• Establish metrics to monitor the performance and impact of implemented technologies and new service offerings.
• Build KPIs to report effectiveness of initiatives in driving revenue growth and enhancing asset utilization.
• Build and expand third-party service offerings to enhance market competitiveness.
• Determine and execute the go-to-market strategy for external 3rd party O&M customers, ensuring alignment with market needs and organizational capabilities.
• Collaborate with business development managers, key client managers and marketing teams to promote new services and drive customer engagement.
• Negotiate costs and manage relationships with technology vendors to ensure favorable terms and successful implementation of solutions.
• Foster strong partnerships with vendors to leverage their expertise and support in driving innovation.
• Team size could vary from 1-2 FTEs and may include additional internal partial time employees, depending on the business justified activities.

Supervision of Others:

• Manage O&M SME's (up to 5 individual contributors)

Qualifications:

• Strong interest in innovation and technology.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Technology, Renewable Energy, or a related field, or proven track record of successful innovative technology implementation.
• 5-10 years of O&M experience in renewable industry preferred.
• Proven experience in technology management, innovation, or operations within the renewable energy sector, particularly in O&M services.
• Strong understanding of O&M technologies and tools that drive productivity and efficiency in asset optimization.
• Experience working in operations of electrical generation field- thermal, hydro or renewables.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a focus on delivering immediate and measurable results.
• Excellent negotiation skills and experience managing vendor relationships.
• Strong interest in developing go-to-market strategies and selling technology-based services preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to work with diverse cross functional teams.
• Ability to deal with uncertainty.
• Ability to multi-tasking.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

• Experience in successfully leading multi-shift teams to constantly achieve company objectives.
• The ability to communicate with all levels, from senior management to front-line operational staff.
• Target and KPI focused yet able to deliver whilst maintaining employee engagement.
• Excellent people and performance management skills: motivate, coach, develop, inspire.
• Analytical and quality focused – able to produce accurate, factual management information.
• Excellent presentation and IT skills are required.

Physical Requirements:

N/A

WorkingConditions:

85% of time is spent in the office environment, utilizing computers (frequent use of various Microsoft software/programs), phones, and general office equipment. 15% of time is spent outside of the office visiting vendors' and/or internal customers' sites in additional to attending various conferences and meetings.

FiscalResponsibilities:

O&M Cost Center budget creation, adherence, and monthly tracking. Develop and quantify business cases for new pilot solutions, ensuring a 1–2-year payback or return on investment.