Plant Manager - (Solar Industry) Jobs in Mascoutah,IL,US

Plant Manager - Solar Industry Location: Mascoutah, IL 62258 Employment Type: Full-Time Position Overview: Our client is seeking an experienced and results-driven Plant Manager to oversee the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a 150 MW solar facility located near Mascoutah, Illinois. This leadership role is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the plant while leading a high-performing team of Field Technicians focused on safety, operational excellence, reliability, and fiscal responsibility. The Plant Manager will oversee operations and maintenance activities, budget management, outage coordination, regulatory compliance, and long-term operational strategy. This individual will play a critical role in ensuring the facility operates in accordance with Prudent Utility Practices and company performance standards. This position reports directly to the Regional Director of Field Operations. Key Responsibilities: Operations & Plant Performance Lead the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the solar facility to maximize plant availability and performance Oversee day-to-day operations, preventative maintenance, and corrective maintenance activities Coordinate outages and maintenance schedules with interconnect entities and internal stakeholders Monitor plant performance and assist with troubleshooting, repairs, and warranty-related activities Ensure all maintenance and operational activities comply with manufacturer recommendations and operational standards Leadership & Team Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Field Technicians and operations personnel Manage staffing, scheduling, coaching, performance evaluations, and corrective actions Establish training programs, operational procedures, and safety protocols Foster a culture centered on accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to all Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) programs and procedures Participate in safety audits, observations, meetings, training, and incident investigations Support NERC compliance efforts and other applicable regulatory requirements Manage site environmental permits and vegetation management programs Budgeting & Reporting: Assist in preparing and managing the annual operating budget Maintain operating expenses within approved financial targets Prepare weekly and monthly operational reports, including plant performance metrics, expenses, project updates, and compliance reporting Asset & Maintenance Management: Maintain accurate documentation and maintenance records within the company's CMMS platform Oversee inventory management, spare parts tracking, cycle counts, and supplier coordination Administer warranties, manage claims, and track loaned equipment and replacement parts Support implementation of capital improvement initiatives, retrofits, and operational enhancement projects Project & Construction Support: Assist with QA/QC activities during project construction and support successful turnover to operations Participate in root cause analysis and present findings to cross-functional and executive teams Support site setup for tooling, inventory, equipment, and operational readiness Additional Responsibilities: Travel occasionally to other plant locations for maintenance support, troubleshooting, training, or meetings Perform additional duties as assigned Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree, technical school certification, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience Minimum of 5 years of experience in power generation, renewable energy, electrical facility operations, or related industries Demonstrated experience in operations and maintenance within renewable energy or power generation environments Minimum of 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience managing teams Strong understanding of electrical systems, troubleshooting, and maintenance practices Ability to interpret electrical schematics and technical drawings Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CMMS platforms, reporting systems, and computerized diagnostic tools Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills Self-motivated, goal-oriented, and capable of working independently in a fast-paced environment Valid driver's license with the ability to travel as needed Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and around low- and medium-voltage systems Must reside within 60 miles or approximately 60 minutes of the plant location Willingness to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and respond on short notice when necessary Preferred Qualifications: Direct experience in solar plant operations Experience with high-voltage maintenance, switching, and electrical testing equipment Experience developing and improving preventative maintenance programs Experience working with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) Previous plant management or supervisory leadership experience Compensation & Benefits: Our client offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including: Medical, dental, and disability insurance 401(k) retirement plan Paid time off and holidays Career advancement opportunities within the renewable energy industry