Plant Manager

NAES•Hubbard, TX

24d•Onsite

About The Position

The APEX Power Co. Project in Hubbard, TX, currently under Phase 1 construction, is expected to expand to 1.6 GW. It features a diverse mix of generation technologies, including Siemens SGT-800/400 simple cycle turbines, MAN/Everllence 18V51/60G gas reciprocating engines, GE LM6000/LM2500 simple cycle turbines, Pratt & Whitney FT8 simple cycle turbines, and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), enabling flexible, reliable power output. Future expansion may include additional GE aero and large frame units (6B, 7FA/7FB/7H) in simple or combined cycle configurations, allowing the plant to efficiently meet varying energy demands while supporting data center grid reliability. The Plant Manager at the APEX Power Co Project oversees commissioning, operations, maintenance, safety, compliance, and administrative programs, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable performance of this multi-technology facility. Responsibilities include managing initial staffing, training, qualifications, morale, and providing hands-on support during commissioning and early operations. As the primary interface with the Owner, NAES as the Operator, regulatory agencies, and the community, the Plant Manager manages project and commercial agreements—including O&M, fuel, service, power sales, dedicated power delivery contracts, and facility power interface agreements—oversees budgets, ensures compliance with safety, environmental, and contractual requirements, and enhances the facility’s and Owner’s reputation.

Requirements

Extensive experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities.
Strong history of career growth and a track record of excellence in achieving results.
Relevant industry or military experience may also be considered in lieu of education.
Experience as a Plant Manager at a natural gas-fired, multi-unit or multi-technology generation facility is strongly preferred.
Prior supervisory experience overseeing technical, supervisory, and hourly personnel required.
Proven leadership, team building, and communication skills, including managing training, qualification programs, and employee development to sustain morale, operational readiness, and technical proficiency.
Strong proficiency in plant operations and maintenance, including hands-on support, troubleshooting, and directing planned and forced outages.
Experienced in managing multi-technology operations, including LM6000 and 7EA turbines and gas reciprocating engines.
Driven problem solver with a track record of leading initiatives to improve technical, human resource, operational, and financial outcomes.
Extensive understanding of business and operational practices within power generation facilities—particularly independent power producers—combined with strong financial acumen in budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and contract administration.
Thorough understanding of safety regulations, with a consistent focus on fostering a culture of safety and accountability, including oversight of Management of Change (MOC) programs.
Expertise in environmental compliance, regulatory reporting, and serving as a liaison to regulatory agencies, stakeholders, and the local community.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or equivalent is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Recruit, onboard, and train initial operations staff, establishing qualification and certification standards for multi-technology operations.
Develop and implement comprehensive staffing and training programs to ensure personnel can safely operate and maintain LM6000 and 7EA turbines, gas reciprocating engines, and BESS systems.
Promote a safety-first culture, proactively identifying hazards and enforcing industry best practices.
Coordinate and support EPC in the commissioning of LM6000 turbines, GE Vernova 7EA units, 18V51/60G engines, and BESS, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant startup.
Support lead engineers, contractors, and internal teams to resolve commissioning challenges and ensure operational readiness.
Make ready all commissioning and early operational activities to satisfy safety, environmental, and critical load interface requirements, ensuring complete, audit-ready documentation to support a seamless CCC transition from EPC to Operations.
Develop, review, and approve operating procedures, emergency response plans, and maintenance strategies for commercial operations.
Monitor budgets, manage vendor contracts, allocate resources efficiently, and mitigate commissioning and operational risks.
Prepare reports documenting commissioning milestones, operational readiness, and performance metrics for owners, regulators, and leadership.
Serve as primary liaison with NAES, the Owner, EPC, OEMs, and regulatory agencies.
Manage project and power contracts to ensure compliance and operational alignment.
Lead plant-level commercial activities, including budgeting, procurement, contract administration, and vendor management, to maintain reliable and cost-effective operations.
Control plant expenditures and financial performance, using disciplined budgeting, forecasting, and cost management practices while preparing and administering operating and capital budgets with accurate reporting.
Provide leadership to all plant personnel by reviewing and updating policies and procedures to align with facility objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices, while maintaining consistent on-site presence.
Identify training objectives and employee development needs, providing coaching and professional development opportunities to sustain morale, technical proficiency, and operational readiness.
Foster a strong safety culture across a fast-start, multi-unit generation facility, promoting hazard awareness, personal accountability, and adherence to safety standards for all personnel and contractors.
Ensure environmental and regulatory compliance, including adherence to permits, air quality requirements, and reporting obligations, while serving as the primary contact for regulatory agencies and stakeholders.
Manage plant operations and performance programs, including Safety, Maintenance, NERC Compliance, Administrative, Training, Chemistry, and Environmental QA/QC programs, to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation while applying best practices to support dispatch flexibility and profitability.
Lead all aspects of planned and forced outages, including planning, procurement, execution, contractor coordination, and performance review to maximize reliability and minimize downtime.
Support troubleshooting and performance improvements for turbines, engines, and auxiliary systems, leveraging OEM guidance and third-party expertise as needed.
Direct functional and performance testing of all generation assets to verify reliability, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
Administer the Management of Change (MOC) program to ensure modifications to combustion turbines, reciprocating engines, balance-of-plant systems, and procedures are properly reviewed, approved, documented, and communicated to maintain safety, compliance, and operational reliability.
Carry out additional special projects and assignments as required.