POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Plant Manager
Reports To: VP, Thermal Operations & Technical Services
Direct Reports: Yes Functional Unit: Gas Operations
FLSA Status: Exempt Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Mankato Energy Center (MEC)
THE COMPANY
Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 7 GW of utility-scale wind, solar and natural gas generation projects across the U.S. Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future. Our Mission is that as North America’s premier independent power generator, we will deliver renewable and reliable power to our customers, opportunities to our associates, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation. Based in Denver, New York and Charlotte, Onward Energy is a company where people and power are always on. We are where renewable meets reliable. See www.onwardenergy.com for more information.
The Mankato Energy Center (MEC) is a 720-megawatt natural gas-fired combined-cycle facility located within the city limits on the northern edge of the City of Mankato, Minnesota. The project operates in the MISO power market and sells energy under contract to Northern States Power (NSP), a subsidiary of Xcel Energy. MEC I became commercially operational in July 2006 in a 1x1 configuration and is contracted through July 2028. In 2019 MEC II began commercial operations and is contracted with NSP through 2039. MEC I has a Siemens 501F-D3 combustion turbine rated at approximately 198 MW (at ISO Conditions) with a Nooter Eriksen HRSG. MEC II has a Siemens 501F-D4 combustion turbine rated at approximately 204 MW (at ISO Conditions) with a Nooter Eriksen HRSG. Both units deliver steam to a single Toshiba TCDF-40L steam turbine rated at 330MW.
THE CHALLENGE
The Plant Manager oversees all Operations and Maintenance (O&M) at the Mankato Energy Center, ensuring profitability and efficient resource allocation. Responsibilities include: maintaining safe operations, meeting regulatory and environmental standards, and fostering a skilled, reliable workforce. The role also involves setting goals for safety, performance, and employee engagement, as well as mentoring staff in leadership and strategic thinking.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES
•Ensure the plant operates in alignment with corporate safety, environmental, and regulatory goals.
•Develop and manage financial forecasts within established budgetary and capital expense parameters.
•Direct plant management regarding plant outages, capital projects, and routine operations.
•Oversee Safety, Operations, NERC Compliance, Maintenance, Administrative, Training, Chemistry, and Environmental QA/QC programs to maintain consistent, compliant plant operation.
•Maintain employee, contractor, and visitor safety by managing and minimizing workplace injuries.
•Operate and maintain plants in accordance with all NERC and MISO regional standards, including oversight of self-certifications and audits.
•Support an organizational culture that values employee participation, adaptability, innovation, responsible risk management, and ongoing improvement.
•Conduct periodic evaluations of plant policies and procedures to ensure they meet current operational requirements.
•Provide leadership via workforce planning, succession management, and training initiatives.
•Offer regular performance feedback to employees to assist in skill development and address areas for improvement.
•Work with minimal supervision as required.
•Prioritize and execute responsibilities independently.
•Supervise inventory management and procurement functions.
•Identify and implement projects aimed at profit improvement.
•Supply technical support to corporate business development and other Onward Energy plants as necessary.
•May need to perform job responsibilities outside scheduled work hours.
•Occasional travel may be expected.
•Perform other assigned duties as necessary.
THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED
•A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline is preferred.
•At least 10 years of experience in the power generation field, or equivalent work or military experience in a related technical area, may be accepted instead of a degree.
•Experience with Siemens 501F or other heavy-duty combustion turbines, as well as operating steam turbines including HRSGs, is preferred.
•Previous supervisory experience (such as Plant Manager, Assistant Plant Manager, O&M Manager, or O&M Supervisor) is preferred.
•Adherence to standards of conduct and integrity in interactions representing ONW both internally and externally is required.
•Skills in leadership, coaching, and managing employee relations are necessary.
•Capability to develop and guide plant employees in working collaboratively and implementing efficient operational practices is expected.
•Knowledge of competitive business practices for effective decision making.
•Strong writing, presentation, and persuasive verbal skills to support business initiatives.
•Expertise in combustion turbine operation, maintenance, and controls, PLCs, TXP, and Emerson Ovation BOP DCS preferred.
•Advanced technical skills such as vibration analysis and electrical troubleshooting preferred.
•Ability to adapt to organizational changes.
•Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and deadlines.
•Proficient in Word, Excel, Power Point, and similar programs.
•OSlsoft PI Software knowledge preferred.
•Valid U.S. drivers license and clean MVR.
THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.
•Requires frequent standing, walking, bending, squatting, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and use of arms and hands for various tasks. Duties may include working at heights, climbing ladders or platforms, and using vision for different distances and color recognition. PPE such as hard hats, safety glasses, ear protection, masks, vests, gloves, and steel-toe boots must be worn.
•Must be able to hear alarms, monitor equipment, follow oral instructions, and visually assess plant conditions and safety hazards.
THE TEAM
The Onward Energy team is comprised of industry professionals who embrace our values of accountability, adaptability, collaboration, and excellence. At Onward Energy, we seek to find solutions rather than assign blame.
THE WORK ENVIRONMENT
Performing this job without full/focused attention may cause serious injury or even fatality. Work is generally performed inside the power plant but may work in all weather conditions ranging from warm/hot - cool/cold. Occasional rain. Noise levels will be moderate to high. Job site will contain light to heavy equipment vehicles, small to large equipment, materials, communication equipment and tools. Some travel to work at other sites may be required.
THE TOTAL REWARDS
Onward Energy total rewards philosophy is motivated by a key tenet of People First and offers associates a comprehensive total rewards package which includes market-competitive compensation, health, life insurance, and retirement savings benefits.
If you require an accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a disability to Recruiting@onwardenergy.com.
EEO STATEMENT:
Onward Energy is an Affirmative Action Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
full timeMankato, MN13 days ago
$20,000-$34,000Houston, Texasabout 19 hours ago
