Operations Manager I (m/w/d)

Job Description

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the efficient and safe operation of the Canadian Hills Wind Project, a 132-turbine, 292 MW wind facility located in Calumet, Oklahoma. This role leads day-to-day operations, maintenance, fiscal accountability, contractor oversight, and administrative functions in alignment with Longroad's corporate strategies and objectives. Key focus areas include safety leadership, turbine availability, cost control, regulatory compliance, and stewardship of site personnel, contractors, equipment, landowner relationships, and community stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Maintenance Oversight

• Oversee operations and maintenance activities across the facility, including wind turbine generators, substation and high-voltage equipment, collection systems, balance of plant, and related site infrastructure.
• Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations through the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of site procedures, operational standards, and maintenance practices.
• Monitor operational performance, turbine availability, maintenance trends, and equipment issues; partner with internal and external teams to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to Longroad policies, site procedures, corporate code of conduct expectations, and applicable safety programs for employees and contractors.
• Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements, including environmental obligations, NERC/FERC standards, land-use commitments, and other regulatory requirements relevant to wind facility operations.

People, Financial & Stakeholder Management

• Provide leadership and oversight to site personnel and contractors, including scheduling, coordination, performance expectations, training support, professional conduct, and day-to-day issue resolution.
• Develop, monitor, and control the site operating budget, forecasts, cost-effective maintenance programs, and project spending in support of facility performance and lifecycle value.
• Manage site contracts, contractor performance, and warranty obligations to Longroad standards and business interests.
• Serve as a site representative with utilities, regulatory agencies, local government, landowners, community members, vendors, and internal stakeholders; complete assigned projects and travel as business needs require.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in operations and maintenance of a wind, renewable energy, power generation, or comparable industrial facility.
• Experience supporting or managing budgets, maintenance programs, projects, contracts, warranties, or vendor relationships.
• Working knowledge of safety programs, environmental requirements, regulatory compliance, and operational procedures applicable to energy facilities.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with computers, standard business software, and operational reporting tools.
• Ability to work safely in a wind facility environment, including work at heights and performance of essential physical functions with or without reasonable accommodation, including climbing 300-foot wind turbines, lifting up to 50 pounds above head, and meeting safety gear weight requirements of 310 pounds or less.
• Valid driver's license and ability to maintain 24/7 on-call availability as required by site operations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical four-year degree, equivalent technical training, or comparable certifications in wind energy, power generation, electrical systems, mechanical systems, or a related discipline.
• Five or more years of supervisory, contractor management, or site leadership experience.
• Experience with wind turbine operations, substation or high-voltage systems, balance-of-plant work, NERC/FERC compliance, and OEM warranty administration.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives focused on safety, reliability, availability, cost control, or operational performance improvement.

Characteristics for Success

• Demonstrates personal accountability, integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to Longroad's standards.
• Leads by example and promotes a safety-first, team-oriented, and inclusive work environment.
• Makes informed decisions quickly and effectively in a dynamic operating environment.
• Communicates clearly with employees, contractors, landowners, utilities, regulators, and community stakeholders.
• Builds trust through follow-through, collaboration, transparency, and professional conduct.
• Shows enthusiasm for renewable energy and continuous improvement in site operations.

Benefits of Working at Longroad Energy

We are dedicated to providing our employees with the support and resources they need to stay healthy, secure their future, and be successful in their careers. Benefits at Longroad include the opportunity for merit-based salary increases, incentive plan participation, eligibility for our 401 (k) plan and matching, and comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Our robust time-off policy includes accrual of 18 vacation days in your first year, paid holidays, and paid volunteer time. We offer paid parental leave to help support employees as they transition into parenthood.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion matter - at Longroad, in our industry, in our communities, and in society at large. We embrace our responsibility to build and promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive working experience and drive change where we live and operate. We work to actively promote and celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion. We foster a supportive space that empowers everyone at Longroad to learn about, discuss and ask questions related to embracing and honoring identity. We collaborate with our community, colleagues, and industry in the ongoing pursuit of evolving and growing an inclusive and diverse environment.

Longroad Energy Values

At Longroad, we SHINE. We aim to be the most trusted renewable energy company on the long road to a green future. We are an experienced team of problem solvers and promise-keepers who develop sustainable solutions that meet today's challenges and make a lasting impact on people and our planet. Learn more about our SHINE values.

Longroad Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, citizenship, or any other legally protected status. Longroad prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants and employees with disabilities upon request. Longroad is firmly committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities in all employment practices and personnel actions, including advertising, recruitment, testing, screening, hiring, selection for training, upgrading, transfer, demotion, layoff, discipline, termination, rates of pay, and other forms of compensation.