Associate Manager - O&M

Purpose/Objective:

Site Head (Small) - Solar O&M is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a small-scale solar energy site (0-50 MW), ensuring financial, operational, and safety targets are met consistently. This role includes monitoring budgets, maintaining high standards of safety and compliance, and achieving operational metrics that contribute to the organization's sustainability and growth objectives. Additionally, the Site Head is responsible for personnel management, asset and inventory optimization, and ensuring adherence to all regulatory and audit standards. The primary goal is to meet and exceed site performance targets while fostering a culture of safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Job Purpose:

Qualifications and Experience

Educational Qualifications:

B.E./B.Tech/Diploma - Electrical or Electronics or relevant to Energy Sector

MBA - Advantageous

Work Experience:

8-10 years of experience in Energy Sector is must. (If Diploma holder: additional 2-3 Y Exp. req.)

Location: Karnataka

Key Responsibilities of Role

Financial Management and Reporting:

Track and reconcile monthly budgets versus actuals, providing analyses and justifications for any deviations.

Oversee OPEX, CAPEX, and procurement budgets, ensuring alignment with financial targets for the solar site.

Ensure timely processing of payments and manage the financial performance to meet revenue and cost targets.

Implement SAP comprehensively, including preventive and breakdown maintenance (PM/BM) scheduling, notifications, and issue resolution.

Analyze daily interruption records and initiate RCA and CAPA processes to proactively address and eliminate recurring issues, thus improving solar asset reliability.

Operational Excellence and Compliance:

Meet periodic performance metrics specific to solar operations, including Performance Ratio (PR), Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF), Plant Availability (PA), and Grid Availability (GA).

Ensure zero repetitive audit observations and address audit points promptly within IMS and MAAS standards.

Optimize inventory levels within prescribed limits, manage critical spares using VED, FSN, and ABC analysis, and ensure stock availability for smooth solar operations.

Conduct and oversee preventive maintenance, testing, calibration, and overall solar asset upkeep.

Ensure ongoing compliance with ESG, Legatrix, 5S, Business Excellence, IMS, and other relevant management systems, including all government regulations.

People Development and Management:

Recruit for any vacant positions within 45 days and maintain low attrition rates among the team.

Fulfill training mandates and develop at least 20% of staff for potential elevated roles, with a focus on building solar-specific O&M skills.

Build strong relations with local stakeholders and ensure effective communication and coordination to facilitate site operations.

Safety and Environmental Health:

Achieve zero accidents and Lost Time Injuries (LTIs) by fostering a safety-conscious culture at the solar site.

Conduct daily safety briefings, enforce pre-check protocols, and ensure compliance with safety audit standards.

Address safety concerns proactively, implementing corrective actions to mitigate operational risks and enhance site safety.

Business Processes and Strategic Planning:

Develop and execute business processes and strategic plans tailored to enhance solar site efficiency and performance.

Oversee site planning, inventory management, and procurement processes to meet operational needs and minimize downtime.

Drive technology adoption and innovation strategies to improve solar site performance and implement ESG initiatives in alignment with organizational goals.

Technology and Innovation:

Implement technology platforms such as BAX and Google IC to enhance monitoring, reporting, and efficiency.

Maintain SCADA communication and monitor solar operations to ensure maximum site efficiency and availability.

Key Operational Targets:

Report on key performance indicators, identifying accomplishments and areas needing improvement.

Organize and manage VIP visits and special events at the solar site, ensuring smooth operations and support for successful execution.

Material and Asset Management:

Supervise the management of inventory and asset maintenance to complete projects within budget and timelines.

Conduct regular calibration and testing of all solar equipment according to schedule.

Oversee scrap disposal and ensure compliance with storage, preservation, and disposal policies.