MEAG Wansley Unit #9 is a cutting-edge power generation facility featuring two GE 7FA gas turbines and one GE D11 steam turbine, delivering a robust 503 MW of electricity to the grid. Fueled exclusively by natural gas, the plant exhibits remarkable flexibility, cycling as needed to meet changing energy demands, particularly during the summer peak season, ensuring a reliable and resilient power supply.
Opportunity Summary
This Operations Manager role at MEAG Wansley Unit #9 offers the opportunity to lead a dynamic team in maintaining safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations while driving continuous improvement in performance and compliance. You will play a key role in managing budgets, optimizing output, and ensuring seamless coordination of staffing and training to support round-the-clock operations. Additionally, this position involves fostering a culture of safety and accountability, overseeing environmental and regulatory compliance, and collaborating across departments and contractors to uphold the highest operational standards.
Your scope of responsibility as Operations Manager includes the following primary functions:
•Direct the Operations Team to maintain safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations aligned with operational goals and safety standards.
•Assist in developing and managing the operations budget to align spending with plant performance and reliability goals.
•Oversee Operator scheduling to ensure sufficient coverage for continuous, safe plant operation per management directives.
•Provide 24-hour on-call operational support, backed by the Plant and Maintenance Managers, to ensure plant reliability and timely emergency response.
•Optimize thermal and electrical output by setting operational objectives and reviewing performance data to identify improvements that ensure safe, reliable, economical, and environmentally compliant plant performance.
•Analyze operating results and equipment failures to improve efficiency and performance, implementing cost reductions without compromising safety.
•Guide the Maintenance Manager on equipment conditions and maintenance activities, providing technical support as needed.
•Oversee plant logs and records, ensuring accurate documentation of operational and maintenance activities compliant with regulatory and company requirements.
•Manage controlled operations documents—including manuals and procedures—by issuing, reviewing, and revising content per the site Master List of Controlled Documents, engaging staff to ensure accuracy and compliance.
•Maintain the Training Manual and coordinate training programs to keep personnel current on procedures, safety standards, and equipment handling.
•Lead skill development and safety initiatives, providing targeted training to both operations and maintenance technicians to enhance competencies and support uninterrupted operations.
•Foster morale and motivation among personnel, addressing concerns promptly and maintaining open feedback.
•Ensure implementation of the water chemistry program—sampling, inspections, inventory control, testing equipment, lab upkeep—and provide staff training.
•Coordinate environmental activities across departments to ensure compliance with permits, NAES policies, work rules, and regulations, while training Operations personnel and monitoring regulatory changes.
•Develop and manage contracts and work scopes for contractors to maximize efficiency and ensure adherence to operational and safety standards.
•Prepare reports for the owner and/or utility, ensuring accuracy and addressing operational or compliance concerns.
•Participation in the Facility Confined Space Rescue Team is required.
•Perform other duties as assigned to support overall plant operations, maintenance, safety, and compliance objectives.
NAES Safe
Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. All NAES managers and supervisors have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a healthy and safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each Supervisor’s performance. This includes, but is not limited to, the following functions:
•Conduct and support regular safety meetings (at least monthly).
•Address safety in all group meetings.
•Conduct inspections and observations by establishing a regular inspection process for the work area and a safety observation process for ongoing work.
•Lead these activities in accordance with any rules, requirements, or guidance established within your business unit, group, or division.
•Involve all NAES teammates in these activities.
•Analyze results, write work orders, and provide training and education to eliminate hazards, address at-risk behavior, and meet company regulatory requirements.
•Conduct safety observation tours of high-risk activities (e.g., confined space) to verify that employees are following safe practices, company procedures, and OSHA regulations.
•Hold one-on-one sessions with direct reports to discuss safety issues, communicate expectations, and coach safe behaviors.
•Respond to all safety-related incidents, including injuries, incidents, and near misses; write a report explaining what happened, identify the cause, and recommend corrective actions based on established business unit or division practices. Follow up as necessary to ensure corrective actions are taken.
Working Relationships
The Operations Manager reports to the Plant Manager and supervises subordinate operations personnel. The Operations Manager cooperates with the Maintenance Manager, Compliance Coordinator, Plant Engineer, and Plant Administrator as needed in the daily operation of the plant.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.
Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.
Fitness for Duty
All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.
Work Schedule
The regular work schedule follows a Monday through Friday workweek during standard day shift hours. This position will also occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status may also be required.
Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.
Compensation
This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $138,600 to $190,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.
Job Qualifications
We are seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities, paired with a strong history of career growth and a track record of excellence in achieving results.
•A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or equivalent is desired, providing a strong foundation for understanding the technical aspects of power plant operations and management. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.
•Extensive experience in plant operations management, successfully directing and overseeing activities to ensure reliability, safety, and operational efficiency, while effectively guiding, motivating, and supervising a diverse operations team, including delegation of tasks for project completion.
•Strong technical skills and qualifications in power plant systems, including in-depth knowledge of gas turbines, steam turbines, generators, as well as thermal and electrical systems.
•Proven track record in analyzing operational results and equipment failures to implement efficiency improvements and cost-saving measures.
•Knowledge of environmental regulations and experience in coordinating environmental compliance activities within a plant setting.
•Familiarity with contract management and experience in overseeing external contractors to optimize plant performance and efficiency.
•Commitment to safety standards and practices, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
•Ability to adapt to changing priorities, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and make decisions under pressure.
•Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office; experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) desired.
•Excellent communication skills, capable of reporting plant conditions and interacting effectively with management, staff, and external stakeholders.
•Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.
About NAES
NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.
NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.
Experience
Preferred
•We are seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities, paired with a strong history of career growth and a track record of excellence in achieving results.
•A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or equivalent is desired, providing a strong foundation for understanding the technical aspects of power plant operations and management. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.
•Extensive experience in plant operations management, successfully directing and overseeing activities to ensure reliability, safety, and operational efficiency, while effectively guiding, motivating, and supervising a diverse operations team, including delegation of tasks for project completion.
•Strong technical skills and qualifications in power plant systems, including in-depth knowledge of gas turbines, steam turbines, generators, as well as thermal and electrical systems.
•Proven track record in analyzing operational results and equipment failures to implement efficiency improvements and cost-saving measures.
•Knowledge of environmental regulations and experience in coordinating environmental compliance activities within a plant setting.
•Familiarity with contract management and experience in overseeing external contractors to optimize plant performance and efficiency.
•Commitment to safety standards and practices, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
•Ability to adapt to changing priorities, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and make decisions under pressure.
•Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office; experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) desired.
•Excellent communication skills, capable of reporting plant conditions and interacting effectively with management, staff, and external stakeholders.
Education
Required
Preferred
•Technical/other training or better in Power Plant Technology or related field
Licenses & Certifications
Required
Skills
Required
•Safety Policies and Procedures
•Environmental Compliance
•Verbal and Written Communications
Preferred
•Safety Statutes and Regulations
•Safety Plan Creation/Maintenance
•Power Plant Fundamentals
Behaviors
Preferred
•Thought Provoking: Capable of making others think deeply on a subject
•Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
•Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
•Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
•Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Franklin, GA
Full-time
$138,600-$190,000
