Plant Manager, Smarr Combined Cycle

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to join Oglethorpe Power Corporation as we construct and commission a new state-of-the-art greenfield combined-cycle power plant. The Plant Manager will play a critical leadership role in the successful integration and startup of the facility, including building and developing the operations team over the next three years. This position requires close collaboration with the construction project team to ensure a seamless transition from construction to commercial operations.

During commissioning, the Plant Manager will lead key readiness and startup activities such as 3D model reviews, preventive maintenance (PM) program creation, training, spare parts review and ordering, and the development of operational and maintenance processes and procedures. The Smarr Combined Cycle Facility will utilize two 1x1 multi-shaft GE 7HA.03 combined-cycle units with GE HRSGs, GE steam turbines, and air-cooled condensers.

Upon commissioning, the Plant Manager will assume full responsibility for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the 1,425-MW facility, overseeing all operations, maintenance, technical, and administrative functions. This role ensures compliance with corporate safety policies, FERC, EPA, EPD, OSHA, DOT, and all applicable regulatory requirements, while driving continuous improvement and fostering professional growth among plant personnel.

• Plant Construction, Commissioning, and Startup :
• Develop and execute integration plans for the Smarr CC facility to accept, operate, and maintain the new units once fully commissioned
• Engage and lead the plant team during the supporting of commissioning and startup of the combined cycle power plant, ensuring alignment with project timelines, budgets, and OPC's technical specifications.
• Establish and maintain a collaborative relationship with the OPC project team, engineering, procurement, and EPC construction team to ensure a seamless and efficient transition from the construction phase to operational readiness.
• Validate equipment performance, including gas turbines, steam turbines, heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), and associated systems.
• Operational Leadership :
• Manage day-to-day plant operations to achieve optimal performance, reliability, and efficiency of the combined cycle power generation systems.
• Monitor and optimize plant processes, including fuel usage, emissions control, and power output, to meet contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Implement and maintain operational procedures in accordance with GE technology standards and industry best practices.
• Safety and Compliance :
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including environmental (EPA), safety (OSHA), and energy (FERC, NERC) standards.
• Develop and enforce a robust safety culture, conduct regular safety audits, training, and incident investigations.
• Maintain compliance with air, water, and waste permits, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
• Team Management :
• Recruit, train, and lead a diverse team of operators, technicians, engineers, and administrative staff.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, promoting professional development and accountability.
• Conduct performance evaluations and implement strategies to enhance team productivity and morale.
• Financial and Resource Management :
• Develop and manage the plant's operating budget, controlling costs while maintaining high operational standards.
• Oversee procurement of materials, spare parts, and services, optimizing inventory for GE-specific equipment.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as plant availability, heat rate, and forced outage rates, driving continuous improvement.
• Maintenance and Reliability :
• Implement and sustain a proactive maintenance strategy for the units.
• Coordinate planned and unplanned maintenance activities to minimize downtime and ensure equipment longevity.
• Work with GE technical support and OEM vendors to resolve complex technical issues.
• Stakeholder Engagement :
• Act as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, utility partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Provide regular reports on plant performance, operational challenges, and strategic initiatives to senior leadership.
• Engage with local communities and stakeholders to maintain positive relations and support corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Job Duties :

Required Qualifications :

Education : High School diploma or equivalent

Experience :

Equivalent Experience : B.S. Degree in Business, Engineering, or Physical Sciences, and eleven (11) years of progressively responsible experience in operating or maintaining of electric power station, of which (4) years were at a supervisory level.

Two (2) years of college or technical school in a related technology program and 13 (13) years of progressively responsible experience in operating or maintaining of electric power station, of which six (6) years were at a supervisory level.

Specialized Skills :

Licenses, Registrations, and / or Certifications : Valid driver's license which meets the insurance eligibility requirements under Oglethorpe Power's qualification program.

Travel : 25%

Unusual hours required of this position : This position will require the associate to be on call at any hour to address emergency conditions at the plants, or operational and maintenance problems.

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