Senior Manager, Operations - Solar

SB Energy•San Diego, CA

5d•$160,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

SB Energy is a leading company backed by SoftBank and Ares, focused on providing reliable, affordable energy at scale. Headquartered in Redwood City, CA, SB Energy develops, builds, owns, and operates large-scale energy and data center infrastructure projects across the United States. Since its launch in 2019, the company has grown significantly, with over 3 gigawatts (GW) in operation and a substantial pipeline. SB Energy leverages innovation, including an AI-based digital platform, to deliver local, reliable energy infrastructure matched to load. The company is committed to accelerating the energy transition to cleaner, more sustainable power sources. This role is for a highly experienced Senior Manager / Director – Operations who will provide commercial and operational leadership for a growing portfolio of utility-scale solar projects in the US. The position is responsible for maximizing the value of solar assets through strong operational performance, commercial optimization, budget management, contract administration, stakeholder management, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will possess deep industrial operations experience, strong business acumen, and a proven ability to manage large-scale power generation assets in a commercial environment. This individual will act as the business owner for the operating portfolio, ensuring operational decisions align with financial objectives, contractual commitments, investor expectations, and long-term asset value creation.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in a quantitative discipline
Minimum 10 years of experience working in industrial environments.
Minimum 7 years experience in utility scale solar operations required.
3+ years of supervisory experience required.
Intimate knowledge of the energy and renewable energy market, and the ability to stay current with changing technologies, regulations, and industry trends.
Commercial mindset, strong prioritization, communication, and organizational skills.
Knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC) and standard practices
Ability to read and understand electrical single-line and three-line diagrams and schematics.
Ability to demonstrate competent technical knowledge of general plant and system processes, electrical and SCADA systems.
Ability to demonstrate competent technical knowledge in analyzing equipment performance and identifying performance issues using software tools.
Experience with PV maintenance, including DC systems, AC MV systems, network communications and monitoring.
Strong analytical and diagnostic capabilities to guide others in troubleshooting and corrective actions.
Strong learning skills with aptitude to independently research, understand, and implement knowledge in new areas.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire people to action through his/her influence.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and other applications for productivity
Ability to travel, as required.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree or additional certifications such as PMP, CFA, CPA preferred.
Sound knowledge of industrial safety and experience in field quality is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead the overall operational and commercial performance of utility-scale solar assets.
Serve as the primary owner of plant profitability and operational performance objectives.
Maximize the generation of the portfolio to meet all objectives consistently.
Develop and execute strategies to maximize revenue, plant availability, reliability, and long-term asset value.
Manage operating budgets, forecasts, and business plans for assigned assets.
Monitor operational KPIs and financial metrics, driving accountability throughout the organization.
Identify and implement initiatives to improve generation, reduce costs, and increase profitability.
Manage key commercial relationships with O&M contractors, EPC contractors, OEMs, utilities, and service providers.
Ensure compliance with Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Interconnection Agreements, warranty agreements, and service contracts.
Lead contract performance reviews and commercial negotiations when required.
Interface with investors, lenders, regulatory agencies, and utility partners.
Support strategic business decisions related to asset acquisitions, divestments, and refinancing activities.
Own annual operating budgets and long-term operating plans.
Monitor operating expenditures and identify opportunities for cost optimization.
Develop business cases and ROI analyses for capital improvement projects.
Support asset valuation efforts and portfolio forecasting activities.
Partner closely with finance and accounting teams to achieve portfolio financial objectives.
Ensure plants are meeting safety requirements in coordination with SBE Safety.
Ensure all sites are operating and meeting Energy Availability targets.
Manage day-to-day relationships and act as the primary SBE contact for coordination with O&M Service providers.
Oversee O&M Service Providers activities across the portfolio ensuring PM activities are conducted as per plan.
Provide feedback to O&M providers based on performance, safety and quality data and as per specific metrics.
Develop and implement O&M strategies to maximize the performance and lifespan of PV & BESS assets.
Keep track of all additional services/NCS approval and completion.
Pursue and resolve open warranty issues with OEMs and EPCs in coordination with O&M Service Provider.
Manage all site-related non-covered services (NCS), including vegetation management.
Supervise SBE Field Technicians as and when applicable.
Own tracker of open performance issues across portfolio. Present status updates and other reports to management on a regular cadence.
Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual operational reports across SBE portfolio.
Lead HOTO from SBE O&M and interface with SBE Projects, EPC and O&M provider across all turnover deliverables and closing of punch lists.
Be the primary contact of SBE for any site visits, ad-hoc on-site coordination and logistics.
Lead and support development of self-perform capabilities within SBE.

Benefits

100% Company-Paid Medical, Dental & Vision (for employees and dependents)
401(k) with Company Match
Generous Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays
12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
Life, AD&D & Long-Term Disability Coverage
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical, Dependent Care, Transit & Parking (with company contributions)
Mental, Physical & Social Wellness Support (with company contributions)
Flexible Work Arrangements & Hybrid Office Setup Benefits
Monthly Reimbursement for Phone, Internet & Data
Optional Legal & Pet Insurance Plans
Device Purchase Support