Vice President Operations, Stationary Power Plants

VoltaGrid - Houston, TX

Full-time - Executive

Houston, TX

About the position

The Vice President of Operations will oversee the cradle-to-grave operations of permanent power plants dedicated to providing reliable power to data centers across the United States. These plants range in size from 25 MW to 200 MW, operating at voltages of 13.8 kV to 35 kV, and are critical to supporting mission-critical data center operations. This position will be based in Houston, TX, and will require leadership over all aspects of plant operations, personnel management, maintenance management, parts inventory, compliance (including environmental and air permitting), construction oversight, and operational excellence. The Vice President of Operations will also collaborate closely with other VoltaGrid executives to support and strengthen the company's cross-functional organization, aligning operational priorities with corporate objectives and contributing to shared business success. Additionally, this role will involve overseeing construction projects and working with multi-discipline engineering teams, both internal and external to VoltaGrid, to ensure successful project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of fossil fuel power plants ranging from 25 MW to 200 MW in capacity, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and safety.
• Manage high-voltage systems operating between 13.8 kV and 35 kV to ensure optimal performance and alignment with operational needs.
• Monitor performance metrics to meet or exceed operational targets, including uptime, output, and cost efficiency.
• Manage the scheduling of maintenance, outages, and upgrades to minimize downtime and operational risks.
• Lead and oversee the planning, execution, and completion of construction projects for power plants and associated infrastructure.
• Coordinate with internal and external engineering teams to ensure designs meet operational requirements, industry standards, and voltage specifications.
• Monitor construction progress, manage budgets, and ensure projects are completed on time and within scope.
• Address challenges and implement solutions to keep construction projects on track.
• Work closely with internal VoltaGrid engineering teams and external engineering firms to develop and implement project designs and operational improvements.
• Facilitate effective communication and coordination between multi-discipline teams, including mechanical, electrical, civil, and environmental engineers.
• Ensure engineering solutions align with operational goals, regulatory requirements, and voltage compatibility.
• Develop and oversee a comprehensive maintenance program, including preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance strategies.
• Ensure all equipment, including high-voltage components, is maintained at optimal operating conditions to support uninterrupted power generation.
• Track maintenance schedules, manage work orders, and allocate resources efficiently for timely repairs and inspections.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies or processes to improve maintenance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Establish and manage a robust parts inventory system to ensure the availability of critical components and minimize downtime.
• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate procurement strategies to balance cost-effectiveness and operational readiness.
• Develop contingency plans for sourcing and replacing key equipment and components during emergencies.
• Ensure strict compliance with all environmental regulations, including air quality standards, emissions control, and waste management protocols.
• Partner with other VoltaGrid executives to align operational strategies with corporate goals and cross-functional initiatives.
• Collaborate with leadership in finance, engineering, business development, and customer relations to ensure integrated organizational success.
• Provide insights and operational expertise to support strategic planning, organizational growth, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Actively contribute to company-wide projects, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual accountability across teams.
• Develop and implement long-term strategies for plant operations aligned with corporate goals.
• Optimize operational processes to enhance reliability and align with data center power needs.
• Oversee the budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring financial objectives are met.
• Lead and develop a team of plant personnel, fostering a culture of safety, excellence, and accountability.
• Recruit, train, and retain high-performing staff to support operational objectives.
• Establish clear goals, provide performance feedback, and implement professional development plans for team members.
• Promote a safety-first culture, implementing rigorous safety protocols and conducting regular audits and training.
• Act as the primary contact for regulatory bodies and stakeholders, managing inspections and reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with data center partners to align power delivery with their operational needs and service-level agreements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including corporate leadership, customers, and vendors.
• Represent the organization at industry events and forums to build relationships and enhance the company's reputation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Energy Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in power plant or relevant data center operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven expertise in managing power plants ranging from 25 MW to 200 MW and operating at voltages from 13.8 kV to 35 kV.
• Experience with power delivery to data centers or other mission-critical facilities is highly preferred.
• Exceptional leadership skills with a track record of building and managing high-performing teams.
• Financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, and financial analysis.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to travel to plant sites and partner locations as needed.

Nice-to-haves

• Strategic Thinking
• Construction and Project Oversight Expertise
• Multi-Discipline Engineering Collaboration
• Air Permitting and Emissions Management
• High-Voltage Operations Knowledge (13.8 kV-35 kV)
• Leadership and Team Building
• Maintenance and Parts Management Expertise
• Risk Management
• Customer-Focused Mindset