Vice President - Asset Management

Austin, TX, United States

Vice President - Asset Management

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Austin

Description

The Vice President - Asset Management will have overall responsibility and accountability for Cubico's US operating asset portfolio. Key activities include management of operation & maintenance contractors, HSE management, financial management, oversight of electricity sales arrangements, daily/weekly/month reporting and directly managing a subset of operational assets to achieve industry best levels of availability and performance.

The candidate should have experience in managing renewable energy projects, solar, wind and battery, direct experience of managing and negotiating Operation & Maintenance contracts and contractors with a deep knowledge of the dynamics of the US power market. The role would be responsible for managing the operational portfolio to industry best standards and keeping and delivering EBITDA targets for the portfolio of projects

Reporting directly to our USA Country Manager, this role will be based in Austin, Texas and will serve as part of our expanding US leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the Asset Management team including the development, recruitment and retention of personnel

Work with the US HSE manager to develop and maintain a positive safety culture and ensure all activities are undertaken in accordance with local legislation and Cubico's HSE policies.

Ensure safe operations of all assets in the country.

Implement best practice asset management in the asset portfolio, working closely with functional teams across the business to optimise HSE, commercial and technical performance.

Manage the production of regular portfolio and project level reports highlighting HSE and commercial performance, risks and technical issues.

Develop and implement the asset management strategy for the renewable energy asset portfolio in the US.

Implement and continuously improve local asset management systems and processes consistent with Cubico's global policies and standards.

Provide input to business development, origination and asset construction activities and proactively share knowledge and experience with the wider business.

Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Manage Operation and Maintenance contractors to ensure that their service provision and performance follows the requirements of O&M contracts.

Prepare and review O&M plans and strategies for assets to optimise through-life value.

Monitor and report asset performance and implement strategies for improvement of performance, mitigation of risks and creation of value.

Manage technical issues to ensure they are fully analysed and appropriate solutions developed and implemented. Pursue insurance claims and/or other commercial settlements as appropriate.

Develop plant improvement plans and prepare associated investment proposals.

Develop relationships with suppliers and manage all contracts and agreements in order to maximise long term value to Cubico.

Ensure compliance with all licences, consents and NERC/FERC guidelines.

Oversee all electricity market arrangements and ensure that 'best' value is obtained for power generated.

Work with the US Finance Manager to prepare and agree operational plans and budgets, control and analyse performance of operating assets against approved budgets.

Instigate robust business risk assessment processes and procedures in line with Cubico's policies.

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

Education Requirements

A relevant degree or equivalent technical qualification, plus extensive experience of asset management and operations in the renewable energy industry. Possession of an MBA or equivalent would be beneficial.

Knowledge Requirements

Knowledge of best practice asset management, including decision-making, capital investment, operations & maintenance, lifecycle cost and value optimisation, resourcing strategy and optimisation, shutdowns/outage strategy and optimisation, ageing asset strategy, performance monitoring.

Sound working knowledge of business risk assessment tools and risk assessment processes and methods.

Knowledge of quality assurance principles and quality management systems.

Knowledge of electricity market arrangements in the markets in which Cubico has US operating assets.

Knowledge of information and SCADA systems and tools available to support asset management activities.

In depth knowledge of project management principles and the importance of operating to cost, quality and time specifications.

An understanding of contract law and typical commercial contractual arrangements required for renewable generation assets. Direct experience of negotiating and managing commercial contracts.

Other Skills & Competencies

A passion for HSE and a good awareness of OSHA legislation and standards, ideally with a relevant certification.

Technical expertise in the operation, maintenance and management of renewable generation and associated technologies, particularly solar PV, battery and onshore wind.

Proven leadership qualities and the capability to build and manage Operation and Maintenance contractors, engineering consultancies etc.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and external counterparties across all levels and across diverse cultures.

Ability to assess technical problems and develop engineering solutions.

Strong commercial acumen/track record and the ability to translate technical findings into commercial implications.

Solid planning and organising skills to include effective prioritisation and resource management

Ability to work under pressure and to deliver high quality work to tight deadlines.

Proactive, motivated and enthusiastic, with a positive attitude and a drive for high standards. Proven ability to develop self and others.

Membership of an appropriate professional institution or similar is an advantage.

High level IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Sharepoint.

#J-18808-Ljbffr