Sr. Operations Manager (m/w/d)

Job Description

FirstLight is a leading clean power producer, developer, and energy storage company serving North America. With a diversified portfolio that includes over 1.65 GW of operating renewable energy and energy storage technologies and a development pipeline with 4+ GW of solar, battery, hydro, onshore wind and offshore wind projects, FirstLight specializes in hybrid solutions that pair hydroelectric, pumped-hydro storage (including Northfield Mountain, the largest energy storage facility in New England), utility-scale solar, large-scale battery, and wind assets. The company's mission is to accelerate the decarbonization of the electric grid by supporting the development, operation, and integration of renewable energy and storage to meet the world's growing clean energy needs and deliver an electric system that is clean, reliable, affordable, and equitable. Based in Burlington, MA, with operating offices in Northfield, MA, New Milford, CT, Oshawa, ON and Montréal, QC, FirstLight is a steward of more than 14,000 acres and hundreds of miles of shoreline along some of the most beautiful rivers and lakes in North America.

In Canada, FirstLight operates through its subsidiaries H2O Power and Hydroméga. We operate 18 hydroelectric generating stations in Ontario and Québec and we are one of the largest providers of hydroelectric power in these provinces. FirstLight is wholly owned by PSP Investments, one of Canada's largest pension investment managers and we have over 200 employees in Canada and the US.

We proudly serve our host communities and beyond through our clean energy assets, the recreation spaces we steward, the jobs we produce, and the economic benefit we deliver through our operations and charitable actions.

We are a team of caring, passionate professionals who are driven to deliver positive climate impact and to have fun while doing it! We value diversity, equity and inclusion and encourage people with diverse perspectives, skills and experiences to apply.

Position Detail

We currently have an opening for an experienced Sr. Operations Manager for this role which can be based in Iroquois Falls, , Kapuskasing or Smooth Rock Falls, ON.

Reporting to the Director, Operations, the Sr. Operations Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable day-to-day operation of all Company-managed generating stations, substations, transmission lines, and control dams located in our Eastern Ontario operations sites. Will provide strategic direction and leadership to supervisors, planners, trades, and technical staff, ensuring that maintenance and operational activities across electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and water control systems align with corporate goals, safety standards, and long-term operational strategies. Serving as the primary link between senior management and frontline teams, the Operations Manager fosters a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Our ideal candidate possesses the experience, passion and energy to be a driving force in FirstLight's continued evolution to accelerate the decarbonization of the electric grid to meet the clean energy needs of tomorrow.

Salary range: $125,000-165,000/annually PLUS competitive bonus

Key Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

Leadership & Team Management

• Provide overall leadership, mentorship and development for the Supervisors and the Planner/Scheduler, setting expectations, priorities, performance goals, fostering leadership capability and supporting succession planning.
• Conduct performance reviews and implement development or performance improvement plans.
• Build a culture of engagement, collaboration, and accountability across teams and within the senior management group.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable execution of work plans.
• Ensure Supervisors effectively manage crews, allocate resources, and address barriers to completion.
• Validate and approve maintenance and operations schedules in collaboration with the Planner/Scheduler.
• Ensure resources, materials, and equipment are in place to meet planned work requirements.
• Prioritize work based on risk, business impact, and operational needs.
• Monitor and report on KPIs including safety, productivity, cost, quality, and schedule compliance.
• Lead problem-solving initiatives to address recurring issues, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with all regulations, policies, and procedures while ensuring that Supervisors enforce safe work practices;
• Conduct safety reviews, audits, and support incident investigations as required.
• Ensure operations and decision-making comply with the Collective Agreement; consult with Human Resources or the Director, Operations where interpretation is unclear.

Budget & Project Management

• Manage the maintenance budget for the assigned area, setting priorities, making adjustments, and ensuring alignment with corporate financial objectives.
• Oversee the safe execution of planned outage programs, coordinating with other Operations Managers to achieve company-wide schedule and budget targets.
• Manage the safe delivery of assigned capital and maintenance projects, including scope development, contractor selection and oversight, contract management, and project closeout.
• Ensure project execution meets safety, schedule, and budget requirements.

Continuous Improvement & Reporting

• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce downtime.
• Review and consolidate reports from Supervisors and the Planner/Scheduler for submission to Senior Management.
• Promote innovation, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Other Duties

• Complies with all policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Job Qualifications / Skills

• Bachelor's degree in electrical or mechanical engineering preferred OR qualified tradesman with relevant experience in hydroelectric generation.
• 10+ years' experience in an industrial setting, preferably hydroelectric generation.
• Experience managing employees in an industrial setting.
• Experience with water flow control equipment.
• Understanding of water management plans, preferred.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working in a unionized environment.
• Self-starter with a high level of initiative and independence.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments on a timely basis with a high degree of accuracy.
• Must be able to travel to asset sites as needed.
• Experience with Microsoft Office programs including Excel.
• Must possess a valid G driver's license and have a good driving record.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to climb heights and work in confined spaces, on station structures, ladders, stairs, staging and equipment as well as lift, work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and temperatures and stand; all over considerable distances and for extended periods of time.
• Must stand for extended periods of time, be able to lift safely within your physical capability, climb stairs frequently, including over considerable distances on a regular basis.

Why Work for FirstLight?

We consider our employees to be our most valuable resource and we strive to provide a challenging, collegial, and rewarding workplace. FirstLight embraces a company-wide commitment to recruit, develop, and retain a dedicated, diverse, and engaged workforce that is motivated to be ever better both professionally and personally.

Joining the FirstLight Team is an opportunity to experience a unique and exciting culture. We offer a competitive benefits package.

FirstLight's values are:

Respect - Integrity - Safety - Excellence - Innovation - Team

FirstLight is an Equal Opportunity Employer; promoting accessibility and inclusivity at work and offering accommodation for applicants as required and requested.