Plant Manager

NAES•Goldsmith, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Manager at Ector County Generation plays a critical role in overseeing the safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation of a 330 MW simple-cycle natural gas-fired facility. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements, operating agreements, and owner directives while maintaining high standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and operational performance. In addition, the Plant Manager provides leadership to plant personnel, overseeing staffing, training, and a strong culture of safety and accountability. The role also serves as a liaison with the local community and industry stakeholders, supporting operational integrity and reputation.

Requirements

Prior leadership experience as a Plant Manager or equivalent role in a utility-scale power generation facility, with responsibility for safe, reliable operations, budget oversight, and regulatory compliance in a high-performance environment.
Extensive technical expertise with heavy-duty gas turbine systems, including GE 7FA-class equipment, covering operation, maintenance coordination, and troubleshooting of turbine and balance-of-plant systems in simple-cycle configurations.
Demonstrated experience managing preventive and predictive maintenance programs, including outage planning, work prioritization, and reliability-centered strategies to maximize asset availability in peaking generation service.
Strong proficiency in plant control systems such as PLC and SCADA platforms, with the ability to interpret operational data, diagnose system abnormalities, and implement corrective actions to enhance performance and reliability.
Working knowledge of NERC reliability standards and environmental compliance requirements applicable to fossil-fueled generation facilities, with experience supporting audits, reporting, and compliance programs.
Solid understanding of power generation business and commercial practices, including budgeting, cost control, procurement, contract administration, and financial performance optimization.
Proven ability to lead diverse plant teams, drive accountability, and build a strong safety culture while effectively communicating across operations, maintenance, and corporate stakeholders.
Demonstrated success in problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives, with a track record of improving plant reliability, operational efficiency, and overall financial performance.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

Nice To Haves

Technical experience in gas-fired power generation, preferably with LM6000 or aero-derivative engines, along with leadership experience and a proven track record of accomplishments and career advancement.
A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or a related field is preferred but not required, as it provides a strong foundation for understanding the technical aspects of power plant operations and management. Equivalent industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Responsibilities

Administer the plant’s Safety, Operations, NERC Compliance, Maintenance, Administrative, Training, Chemistry, and Environmental QA/QC programs to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation.
Implement training and qualification programs to ensure all personnel are properly prepared, certified, and consistently following plant procedures and operating standards.
Direct staffing activities including sourcing, screening, hiring, and onboarding of new or replacement personnel to maintain a qualified and capable workforce.
Define training objectives and employee development needs, providing coaching, performance feedback, and career development support in coordination with plant leadership.
Maintain certification compliance for operations and maintenance personnel and ensure ongoing adherence to applicable standards and requirements.
Foster and sustain high morale, engagement, and motivation across all plant personnel.
Ensure alignment of plant personnel and operational objectives with client requirements to support safe and seamless facility operations.
Manage planning, budgeting, contracting, and execution of planned and unplanned outages to optimize availability, reduce costs, and enhance reliability and profitability.
Apply sound business principles and utility best practices to maximize plant performance and profitability.
Oversee commercial and financial activities including budgeting, procurement, contract administration (power sales, fuel supply, LTSA agreements), and plant-level financial reporting.
Ensure timely and accurate preparation of client, utility, environmental, and regulatory reports, budgets, and compliance documentation.
Administer the plant’s Management of Change (MOC) program to ensure all operational, equipment, procedural, and personnel changes are properly evaluated, approved, documented, and implemented in compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
Promote a positive plant image within the community and encourage employee participation in local activities and outreach.
Periodically review and update plant policies and procedures to ensure alignment with current regulatory requirements, operational needs, and industry best practices.
Carry out and complete additional special projects and tasks as needed.