Job Description
Solarcentury builds and operates large installations of photovoltaic power plants which are expected to perform for 20 years or longer. It is responsible for looking after the performance of the installations once they are constructed and retains a team of field service engineers in the UK with responsibility for the safety, quality and timeliness of maintenance and fault rectification activities across our portfolio of sites.Only applicants living and eligible to work in Kenya with the experience and skills listed below will be considered for this role.
The O&M Manager role is to manage this team, ensuring that their activities and the activities of our subcontractors are fully in line with our responsibilities under the relevant O&M contracts, and that the relevant information reported back from site (visit reports, ticket resolutions etc.) giving the Solarcentury Service team full visibility of what has happened on site and the client full confidence in the professionalism and quality focus of the service they are receiving.
The role is also to provide engineering leadership in matters requiring technical escalation – whether that is complicated faults arising during service, or potential disputes with clients during the FAC process over what does and does not constitute a defect.
Some figures that will be measured
O&M Availability %
O&M Actual vs Guaranteed PR%
O&M Performance Liquidated Damages
Average costs of HV/LV maintenance per MWp
O&M EBITDA
Key activities and responsibilities:
The role is to make sure Solarcentury O&M sites are expertly maintained to the satisfaction of the client. Specific responsibilities will include:
Managing operation and maintenance of multiple solar PV sites across several African jurisdictions to ensure:
full scope of responsibilities under the relevant O&M contracts is met including regular (monthly, bi-annual/annual) maintenance and FAC testing and certification
site availability and PR at or above target levels is maintained
sites are kept in excellent shape (monthly PPM)
site safety is maintained
effective communication back to UK O&M and engineering team for support/guidance
Subcontractor management:
Procuring subcontract resource as required to fulfil additional works including contract negotiation and organizing payments
Managing subcontractors and intervene to address any issues of underperformance
safety standards and quality of works by subcontractors are maintain.
Providing technical leadership for field activities:
Taking responsibility for investigations/ on major site issues and incidents, ensuring that the analysis is performed in a calm and structured manner, and appropriate conclusions made and then actioned
Co-ordinating, reviewing, editing and approving technical reports
Ensuring SCADA tools being fully and effectively used to assist such investigations
Reviewing and advising on intervention plans for target under-performing sites
Supervising field service engineers in efforts to tackle systemic site issues and reduce performance LDs.
Feeding back improvement opportunities to the design engineering team.
Site performance monitoring and reporting:
Monitoring site performance on a twice daily basis – including organising provision for weekend monitoring
Compiling and distributing monthly performance reports to all clients
Billing and payment:
Coordinating monthly billing and collection of funds
Organising quotes and Purchase Orders as required for Additional Works
Control of funds collection according to contractual requirements/timelines and cessation of works if non-payment issues arise.
Client liaison and dispute management:
Being main point of contact with all O&M clients
Managing client issues and disputes and find appropriate resolutions as required e.g. providing technical leadership on PAC/FAC disputes with clients.
Managing client adherence to O&M contract responsibilities
Africa O&M hub development:
Aligning African O&M department with the UK O&M team’s operating procedures and data analysis
Employing additional O&M staff as required to meet Africa team’s expansion
Qualifications and experience:
Essential
Degree educated in a relevant discipline
Both LV and HV qualifications and experience
Expert understanding of SCADA hardware/network/software
At least 4 years of engineering experience in a solar PV operations environment.
At least 2 years of team management experience.
Proven experience in problem solving in an engineering environment and the ability to deliver effective, long-term solutions.
Excellent understanding of large scale (>1MW) solar technology, industry practices and performance measures
Excellent understanding of hybrid (PV + BESS + gensets etc.) systems, industry practices and performance measures
Able to perform, prioritise and remain calm in a time pressured, busy environment
Able to represent SC in front of the customer
Experience of controlling and managing multiple suppliers
Excellent understanding of safety standards, especially electrical safety
Desired
Service Management or Project Management qualification. A-level / equivalent qualifications – mathematical or technical courses.
Experience using trouble ticketing / remedy systems. Project office work – tracking project plans, recording updates from suppliers, tracking costs.
Good understanding of remote monitoring systems and data collection
Contract management experience
Useful
Solar engineering design experience. Asset management training or experience.
Experience in construction of solar parks
Budget-holding experience – being accountable for costs against a budget.
