VP, Renewable Energy Asset Operations

About the job

The Vice President, Renewable Energy Asset Operations oversees the management and operation of over 1GW of utility-scale solar and battery energy storage assets in California. Their responsibilities include ensuring corporate objectives are met, maximizing financial return for owners, and benefiting local communities. They lead internal and third-party operations teams, collaborating across departments to achieve goals and enhance asset value.

Essential Functions

• Business Plan Execution – Work with the Portfolio Oversight and Investments teams to ensure the successful development and execution of the annual business plan. Oversee the implementation of any major Capital Expenditures, project timelines, cost controls, budget review and approvals, as well as proactive management of any Power Purchase Agreements and Confirms, energy bidding strategies, and associated revenue generation initiatives to meet or exceed the business plan objectives.
• Leadership – Lead and manage strategy on all operations related contracts for solar+BESS projects (O&M, LTSA, land management, etc.) Provide both commercial and technical leadership on all aspects of asset management / asset operations.
• Financial Obligations – Overall responsibility for all financial functions including but not limited to budgeting, including creation and execution of operating budgets for operational assets; re-forecasting; and detailed variance reporting. Expense monitoring and cost control implementation, revenue enhancement and overall asset profitability to meet or exceed budgeted Net Operating Income.
• Revenues – Oversee the contracting program and energy bidding strategy for the assets and ensure that revenue goals are met or exceeded as outlined in the operating budget. Oversee and ensure the timely invoicing to counterparties and collection of all invoiced charges; oversee A/P functions and ensure that all expenses are paid on-time; assist in the negotiation of Power Purchase Agreements and Confirms.
• Interdepartmental Collaboration – Collaborate with the Development & Construction team and manage asset transition from construction to operations in all aspects. Collaborate with the Investments and Development teams on diligence for potential acquisitions, operating budgets, plant life and cost optimization strategies.
• Risk Assessment – Analyze challenges to business plan initiatives; proactively communicate issues that may place the asset or results at risk; develop and execute improvement plans to address identified challenges. Regularly monitor the asset for any defects to mitigate damage and/or insurance claims; oversee and direct the security program for the assets; oversee life/safety policies and procedures; ensure contractor and service provider safety protocols are implemented and adhered to; address all issues promptly to ensure a safe work environment. Implement a comprehensive preventative and corrective maintenance program for the asset using third-party contractors and service providers; provide regular contractor and service provider training sessions on operational protocols.
• Site Visits – Conduct regular site visits and site inspections at under construction and operational project sites located in the Central Valley, California.
• Bidding Strategies – Evaluate and modify CAISO day-ahead, real-time, and ancillary services market bidding strategies to maximize merchant revenues and mitigate any associated risks.
• Financial Deliverables – Manage and track deliverables in project tax equity and financing documents including certificates, reports, loan and interest payments, budgets, and calculations. Work with the investment, accounting, and legal teams in preparing and submitting all required deliverables.
• Compliance – Manage all asset related compliance including but not limited to FERC, NERC, Generator Owner, EIA, RTO, Interconnection Utility, Transmission Operator, WREGIS, WECC, CEC, etc.
• Contract Administration – Participate in bi-lateral contract negotiations for the sale of energy, renewable credits, capacity, and other products to various off-takers. Manage and track obligations in existing off-take contracts. Contract with third-party contractors, consultants, and service providers, develop scope of work documents for contracted services, competitively bid services. Monitor contractor performance and ensure contract compliance.
• Reporting- Responsible for all typical internal and external monthly and quarterly project performance reporting including but not limited to tax equity, debt, equity investors.
• Ability to develop and manage 12X24 production schedule.
• Provide both commercial and technical leadership on all aspects of asset management / asset operations.

Education/Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• 8+ years in solar and storage asset operations and management required including land management and 3rd party O&M management
• Prior experience in BESS operations required
• Prior experience managing an operating fleet of utility-scale projects in CA is preferred along with other RTOs
• Prior experience operating merchant energy projects preferred.
• Prior experience / knowledge with Day Ahead scheduling required.
• Prior experience in CAISO and WECC region preferred.

Technical Skill Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in Yardi, Nexus and/or other ERP software systems.
• Proficiency in industry related software packages as required.

What Client Offers

Client offers an enriched benefits program as well as a wide range of resources for eligible employees to thrive both inside and outside of work. Some benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision
• Relocation Assistance
• Company-subsidized Health Savings Account
• Company paid life & disability
• Pre-tax savings accounts
• 401(k) match
• Competitive vacation policy
• Additional voluntary benefits
• Paid time off for community service
• Paid Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks

**Experienced candidates may be eligible for consideration for the Senior Vice President position.**