To ensure the efficient and cost-effective management of operational expenditures (Opex & Capex) through robust asset management strategies, plant performance analysis, and cost optimization, also including full adaptation to SAP for Budget control, invoicing & vendor management/payments. The role supports data-driven decision-making by maintaining plant analysis for trackers, conducting soiling loss assessments, and performing diagnostic testing. It also drives innovation through the implementation of advanced technologies, Central Monitoring and Analytics, Module cleaning robotics and DSM control initiatives to enhance operational efficiency, sustainability.
This role operates within a dynamic and technologically evolving environment, focusing on optimizing the performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency of plant operations and assets. The position plays a critical part in supporting both strategic and day-to-day decisions related to Opex and Capex budgeting, plant health monitoring, diagnostics, and performance analytics. It also contributes to innovation by integrating new technologies such as robotics and supporting energy efficiency/DSM. The role requires cross-functional coordination with operations, engineering, and innovation teams, and it contributes directly to improving operational resilience and long-term asset value.
Major Challenges
- Data Accuracy and Integration: Ensuring high-quality data collection and interpretation across multiple systems and platforms for plant performance and soiling analysis.
- Cost Control vs. Performance Optimization: Balancing budget constraints with the need to maintain or improve plant performance, reliability, and technological upgrades.
- Adoption of New Technologies: Driving innovation and robotics in a traditionally conservative industry, overcoming resistance to change and ensuring ROI.
- Diagnostic Complexity: Identifying and addressing root causes of technical issues in complex systems while minimizing downtime and operational risk.
- Regulatory and Environmental Compliance: Aligning asset management and DSM efforts with evolving industry regulations and sustainability goals.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Working effectively with internal departments (e. g. , finance, operations, engineering) and external vendors to deliver seamless project and plant operations.
Accountability
Supporting Actions
Budgeting/ Cost Control & Optimization/ Vendor Management/ Invoice & Payment process/DSM/Innovation & Robotics/ Tracker & Soiling loss analysis
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Budgeting & Cost Control
: Prepare and manage Opex/Capex budgets; monitor expenditures and drive cost optimisation initiatives. -
Financial Analysis
: Track budget variances, conduct ROI assessments, and support financial planning with data-driven insights. -
Vendor Management
: Handle vendor selection, contract negotiation, and performance monitoring to ensure service quality and cost-effectiveness. -
Invoice & Payment Processing
: Oversee invoice verification, approval, and coordination with finance for timely and accurate payments. -
Tracker & Soiling Loss Analysis
: Performance analysis for trackers; analyse soiling loss data to identify trends and improve generation efficiency. -
DSM (Deviation Settlement Mechanism)
: Ways to reduce the penalties, along with upgrading new policies. -
Innovation & Robotics
: Identify, evaluate, and implement emerging technologies and robotics solutions to enhance operational performance and reduce manual intervention via CMAS (Central Monitoring & Analytics).
Leading & Lagging indicators
Leading Indicators
- Accuracy of budget forecasts and early variance alerts
- Timely completion of financial reviews and forecast updates
- Frequency of plant tracker updates and early daily updates of soiling losses.
- Number of planned DSM initiatives and innovation/robotics pilot projects
- Level of automation in invoice processing and vendor performance monitoring.
- Managing of Vendors
Lagging Indicators
- Actual budget variance and final Opex/Capex spend compared to plan
- ROI and cost savings realized from projects and optimization efforts
- Vendor performance ratings and resolution of escalated issues
- Average invoice processing time and any payment delays or penalties
- Energy loss percentage due to soiling and improvements after cleaning
- DSM penalties reduction
- Reduction in downtime and efficiency gains from implemented innovations and robotics
Benchmarking
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Budgeting & Cost Control
: Compare Opex and Capex spend ratios, cost savings percentages, and budget adherence rates with similar organizations or industry averages. -
Vendor Management
: Assess vendor performance metrics such as delivery times, quality standards, and contract compliance against established benchmarks or competitor data. -
Tracker & Soiling Loss Analysis
: Use industry norms for soiling loss percentages and plant efficiency to set realistic performance targets and identify underperforming assets. -
DSM Penalties Control
: Evaluate DSM penalties of industry. -
Innovation & Robotics
: Benchmark adoption rates, automation levels, and productivity gains against companies known for technological leadership. -
Invoice & Payment Processing
: Maintaining all sorts of data as SAP and follow ups for timely payments.
