Plant Manager

The Towantic Energy Center is a cutting-edge power generation facility in Oxford, CT, has a 785 MW capacity. This dual-fuel plant utilizes gas and employs a 2x1 combined cycle setup. It includes two high-efficiency GE 7HA.01 combustion turbine generators and a single GE D602 steam turbine. This facility showcases modern electricity generation, combining technologies for reliable and sustainable power delivery to the region.

Opportunity Summary

The Plant Manager provides leadership for all aspects of operations, maintenance, safety, compliance, and administrative programs at the Towantic Energy Center, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable performance. This includes overseeing staffing, training, and development for both union and non-union personnel, maintaining qualifications and engagement, and providing hands-on operational support as needed.

The Plant Manager serves as the primary interface with the Owner, regulatory agencies, ISO-New England, and the local community, administering project and commercial agreements, managing budgets, ensuring compliance, and implementing Management of Change (MOC) processes. This role supports the facility’s mission to deliver reliable, sustainable power while enhancing the plant’s and Owner’s reputation in the community and industry.

Your scope of responsibility as Plant Manager includes the following primary functions:

- Provide leadership and direction to all plant personnel, ensuring policies, procedures, and work practices support the operational goals of a high-efficiency, combined-cycle generating facility. Foster a strong safety culture through visible leadership and commitment to safe work practices, emphasizing Towantic’s role as a leading example of operational safety and reliability.

- Oversee and administer the plant’s Safety, Operations, Maintenance, NERC Compliance, Administrative, Training, Chemistry, Environmental QA/QC, and Management of Change (MOC) programs, ensuring compliance and optimal performance. Apply sound business principles and industry best practices to maximize plant efficiency and profitability.

- Develop and implement staffing, training, qualification, and professional development programs to maintain a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting the GE 7HA.01 gas turbines, D602 steam turbine, balance-of-plant systems, and all auxiliary equipment, while fostering technical expertise, leadership growth, and a motivated, proficient team.

- Oversee a mixed union and non-union workforce, maintaining positive labor-management relations through effective communication and consistent application of labor agreements. Serve as the primary contact for union representatives and support collective bargaining processes.

- Plan, coordinate, and manage both planned and forced outages for the combustion and steam turbine systems, optimizing schedules to maximize equipment availability, production efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

- Provide technical and managerial support to operations and maintenance teams in diagnosing and resolving equipment issues, coordinating with OEMs and specialized service providers as needed.

- Administer project and commercial agreements, including the O&M Agreement, fuel and power sales contracts, and major service agreements, ensuring full contractual and regulatory compliance.

- Direct financial activities, including budgeting, forecasting, procurement, and cost control, while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and manage lifecycle costs of major equipment.

- Ensure compliance with all environmental permits, dual-fuel emission requirements, and local, state, and federal regulations, preparing accurate and timely environmental and regulatory reports.

- Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory bodies, ISO-New England, local officials, and the Oxford community, representing the facility as a responsible and valued regional energy provider.

- Perform additional special projects and assigned tasks as required to support plant and organizational 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 Plant Manager reports to the Operations Director and supervises the managers, technicians, and Plant Administrator. The Plant Manager is the single point of contact between NAES and the Owner on all matters pertaining to the operation, maintenance, and commercial management 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 Plant Manager works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business 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 $186,000 to $225,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise & 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.

- An Associate degree in engineering, technical, or related field is required, with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or a related technical field preferred, providing a strong foundation for understanding the technical, operational, and management aspects of a modern combined-cycle, dual-fuel power plant.

- A minimum of 10 years of experience in power generation is required, including at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role. Experience as a Plant Manager or equivalent leadership position at a natural gas-fired combined-cycle power generation facility is strongly preferred, with demonstrated experience supervising both union and non-union personnel, including technical, supervisory, and hourly staff. Relevant military experience will also be considered.

- Extensive knowledge of business principles, operational practices, and independent power production, with proven ability to optimize plant performance, efficiency, and reliability.

- Strong technical proficiency in combined-cycle plant operations and maintenance, including advanced gas turbines, steam turbines, balance-of-plant systems, and auxiliary equipment, with the ability to provide hands-on support and effective troubleshooting for operations and maintenance personnel.

- Thorough understanding of safety regulations and best practices, with a consistent focus on fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement among plant staff.

- Proven expertise in environmental compliance, Management of Change (MOC) processes, budget development and oversight, organizational development, and contract administration.

- Solid financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and managing plant expenditures to meet both operational and commercial objectives.

- Demonstrated ability to lead change initiatives and team-building efforts that improve technical, human resource, operational, and financial outcomes.

- Effective in managing community relations and serving as a liaison with regulatory agencies, ISO-New England, and local stakeholders.

- Exceptional leadership and communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to engage and influence individuals at all organizational levels.

- 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.

- An Associate degree in engineering, technical, or related field is required, with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or a related technical field preferred, providing a strong foundation for understanding the technical, operational, and management aspects of a modern combined-cycle, dual-fuel power plant.

- A minimum of 10 years of experience in power generation is required, including at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role. Experience as a Plant Manager or equivalent leadership position at a natural gas-fired combined-cycle power generation facility is strongly preferred, with demonstrated experience supervising both union and non-union personnel, including technical, supervisory, and hourly staff. Relevant military experience will also be considered.

- Extensive knowledge of business principles, operational practices, and independent power production, with proven ability to optimize plant performance, efficiency, and reliability.

- Strong technical proficiency in combined-cycle plant operations and maintenance, including advanced gas turbines, steam turbines, balance-of-plant systems, and auxiliary equipment, with the ability to provide hands-on support and effective troubleshooting for operations and maintenance personnel.

- Thorough understanding of safety regulations and best practices, with a consistent focus on fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement among plant staff.

- Proven expertise in environmental compliance, Management of Change (MOC) processes, budget development and oversight, organizational development, and contract administration.

- Solid financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and managing plant expenditures to meet both operational and commercial objectives.

- Demonstrated ability to lead change initiatives and team-building efforts that improve technical, human resource, operational, and financial outcomes.

- Effective in managing community relations and serving as a liaison with regulatory agencies, ISO-New England, and local stakeholders.

- Exceptional leadership and communication skills, both oral and written, with the ability to engage and influence individuals at all organizational levels.

Education

Required

- High School or better

- Associates or better in Engineering or related field

Preferred

- Bachelors or better in Engineering or related field

Licenses & Certifications

Required

- Driver's License

Skills

Preferred

- Power Plant Operations

- Power Plant Fundamentals

- Power Generation

- Budgeting

- Environmental Awareness

- Key Performance Indicators

- Microsoft Office Suite

- Motivating Others

- O&M - Operations & Maintenance

- Team Leadership

- Verbal and Written Communications

- Team building

- Safety Statutes and Regulations

- Safety Policies and Procedures

- Safety Plan Creation/Maintenance

- Combined Cycle

- NERC

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.