Associate Manager - O&M

Purpose/Objective

Site Head (Large) - Solar O&M is responsible for managing the operational efficiency and financial performance of a large-scale (101-300 MW) solar energy site. This role includes overseeing budget adherence, maintaining compliance with safety and environmental standards, and achieving operational targets specific to solar energy generation. The Site Head drives process improvements, implements strategic business plans, and leads people development initiatives. Additionally, they manage stakeholder relationships, optimize inventory, and integrate advanced technology solutions to enhance site performance and ensure long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities of Role

Financial Management and Reporting: Monitor and reconcile budget performance monthly, including detailed analyses of variances. Oversee OPEX, CAPEX, and procurement budgets to ensure alignment with financial targets. Ensure timely financial processing to meet revenue and expense goals. Fully implement SAP, ensuring preventive maintenance and breakdown notifications are properly tracked and closed within timelines. Review daily operational interruptions, addressing issues proactively through RCA (Root Cause Analysis) and CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Action) to improve solar asset reliability. Operational Excellence and Compliance: Achieve and track performance metrics specific to solar energy, including Performance Ratio (PR), Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF), Plant Availability (PA), and Grid Availability (GA), providing regular analysis reports. Address audit findings proactively, aiming for zero recurring audit points, and ensure timely closure of observations for IMS and MAAS audits. Maintain inventory within optimal levels, managing through VED (Vital, Essential, Desirable), FSN (Fast, Slow, Non-moving), and ABC analysis. Oversee preventive maintenance for all site assets, including solar panels, inverters, and electrical components. Ensure adherence to management systems such as ESG, 5S, IMS, and comply with all government regulations specific to solar energy operations. People Development and Management: Recruit for open positions within 45 days, managing team composition to meet operational and safety requirements. Meet training mandates, ensuring that at least 20% of the workforce is prepared for advanced roles within the organization. Build strong relationships with local communities and stakeholders to support smooth operational execution. Safety and Environmental Health: Drive a zero-incident culture by enforcing daily safety protocols, prechecks, and safety talks specific to solar operations. Ensure compliance with safety audit requirements, proactively addressing any risks and implementing corrective actions to prevent operational hazards. Conduct regular safety assessments and establish environmental health programs tailored to solar energy production. Business Processes and Strategic Planning: Develop and execute strategic plans to ensure site operational efficiency and resilience. Oversee site planning, inventory control, and procurement processes to ensure minimal operational interruptions. Implement ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) initiatives and business excellence practices to support corporate sustainability objectives. Technology and Innovation: Lead the adoption of relevant technology platforms, including BAX, Google IC, and SCADA systems, to optimize site performance and monitor solar generation metrics. Utilize advanced data analytics to assess solar irradiation, panel efficiency, and generation patterns to enhance performance. Key Operational Targets: Track and report on key performance indicators, with a focus on solar-specific metrics, and highlight areas for operational improvement. Coordinate and ensure the smooth execution of VIP visits and special events at the site. Material and Asset Management: Manage inventory and asset maintenance, ensuring that all projects are completed within budget, on schedule, and meet quality standards. Conduct timely calibration and testing of solar panels, inverters, and transformers in line with industry standards. Oversee scrap disposal, ensuring compliance with preservation policies and environmental standards. Key Stakeholders - Internal: CEO O&M Head Central Cluster Head, Cluster Head HO & Site O&M team Supporting department - Project, Engineering, Safety, BD, Projects, MAAS, HSE, ESG, Techno-commerical, HR, Admin, Finance, BEx, Land, Legal, Insurance, etc. Key Stakeholders - External: Clients Investors Other IPP Regulatory Agencies Local Communities Vendors/Suppliers/Contractors/OEMs Grid Authoritirs-NRLDC/SLDC Govt. officials Local communities

Technical Competencies

AC Operations-AGEL,Budget Management-AGEL,DC Operations-AGEL,Documentation and Reporting-AGEL,ESG Practices-AGEL,Emergency Response Planning-AGEL,Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Management-AGEL,Inventory Management-AGEL,Inverter Operations-AGEL,Liaison Management-AGEL,Market Access Strategy Design-AGEL,Plant Performance Monitoring-AGEL,Regulatory Compliance-AGEL,Risk Management and Mitigation-AGEL,Solar Technology-AGEL,Vendor Management-AGEL

Qualifications and Experience

Educational Qualifications: B.E./B.Tech/Diploma - Electrical or Electronics or relevant to Energy Sector MBA - Advantageous Work Experience: 13-15 years of experience in Energy Sector is must. (If Diploma holder: additional 2-3 Y Exp. req.)