The Vice President of Power Plant Operations is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational excellence of the company’s power generation assets. This role oversees multi-site plant operations, ensures the reliability and efficiency of generation units (thermal, gas, hydro, or renewable), and aligns production with business, regulatory, and environmental objectives.
The VP leads cross-functional teams, drives performance, manages budgets, and ensures compliance with safety, quality, and emissions standards. A strong focus is placed on asset reliability, innovation, and workforce development.
Provide executive leadership for all aspects of power plant operations, including production, maintenance, safety, engineering, and compliance.
Ensure plants operate efficiently, reliably, and in accordance with all environmental and safety regulations.
Develop and implement short-term and long-term operational strategies to meet generation goals, grid demands, and business targets.
Optimize plant performance through KPIs such as plant availability, heat rate, auxiliary consumption, and forced outage rates.
Lead the implementation of preventive and predictive maintenance programs across all generating units.
Oversee outage planning, execution, and post-outage performance reviews.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, cost control, and operational excellence across all facilities.
Ensure compliance with regulatory bodies (e.g., local energy authorities, grid operators, environmental agencies).
Coordinate closely with fuel supply, procurement, grid coordination, project management, and finance teams.
Champion digital transformation initiatives including remote monitoring, control systems, and asset analytics.
Manage operational budgets, O&M costs, and capital improvement programs.
Lead, mentor, and develop plant managers and operations leaders at various locations.
Operational Reliability & Efficiency
Achieve consistent generation targets while minimizing downtime and improving energy efficiency.
Regulatory Compliance & Safety
Ensure all power plants comply with local and international safety, environmental, and grid codes.
Asset Optimization & Performance Monitoring
Drive high availability, reduced heat rate, and improved asset utilization through analytics and best practices.
Leadership & Team Development
Build and lead high-performing operations teams, instill accountability, and promote professional growth.
Strategic Planning & Cost Management
Balance operational excellence with cost efficiency and long-term sustainability goals.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Power Engineering; Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
15–20+ years of progressive experience in power plant operations, with at least 5 years in a senior or executive leadership role.
Extensive experience in thermal (coal/gas), hydro, or combined-cycle generation operations. Renewable energy experience is a plus.
In-depth understanding of power plant systems, grid operations, energy markets, and regulatory frameworks.
Proven ability to manage large, multi-disciplinary teams across geographically dispersed locations.
Proficiency with digital plant management tools (DCS, SCADA, CMMS, data analytics platforms).
Strong financial, analytical, and project management capabilities.
PMP (Project Management Professional)
Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing Certification
NEBOSH / ISO 45001 Safety Certification
Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Professional Engineer (PE) license
Executive office setting with frequent site visits to various power plants.
May require emergency response coordination during outages or critical events.