Operations Manager at Alpha Generation in Astoria, NY

Job description

• Summary: The Operations Manager’s overall function is to manage all operations functions ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment, maximum productivity, and economic operation of the generating facility at the Astoria, NY plant (Arthur Kill Generating Station).
• The Operations Manager directs the daily operations of the plant, leads the execution of the Operating Plan, and continually identifies areas requiring operational improvement or further development.
• The Operations Manager ensures that plant operating parameters remain within safe limits at all times, maintaining full environmental compliance and operational reliability per the day-ahead schedule for energy and steam production.
• The role directly supervises operations staff and union-represented personnel, oversees training/qualification programs, collaborates with maintenance leadership to align work management priorities (via EAM), and leads operations support during major/minor outages and plant projects.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of the generating facility in accordance with established Operating Procedures, environmental permits, and industry best practices.
• Operate the plant strictly as per the day-ahead schedule for energy and steam production according to day-ahead awards.
• Direct necessary corrective action under normal and emergency plant conditions.
• Conduct periodic inspections and tours of the facility to inspect operating equipment, supervise shift personnel, enforce plant safety rules, and ensure procedure adherence.
• Perform, lead, and assist in technical troubleshooting activities on plant equipment, controls, and rotating machinery.
• Oversee Operations personnel skills improvement, safety programs, training, and qualification tracking. Ensure adequate coverage of qualified operators under all operating conditions.
• Supervise, mentor, and motivate operations personnel, managing workforce relations, addressing shift concerns, and preparing team members for future advancement.
• Supervise hourly/union personnel in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements and company policies.
• Assist with workforce planning, screening, interviewing, and hiring of operations personnel.
• Lead regular safety initiatives, conducting at least monthly group safety meetings, reinforcing human performance tools, and investigating injuries, near-misses, and safety incidents.
• Author incident reports identifying root causes, establishing corrective action plans, and following up to ensure full execution and hazard mitigation.
• Maintain and update plant Operations Manuals, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and operational guidelines.
• Collaborate closely with Maintenance leadership to align resources, schedule work orders, and drive execution through the plant Work Management System (EAM).
• Assist in the long-term planning, scope development, and operational execution of minor and major plant outages and capital projects alongside plant management and contractors.
• Cover duties as Shift Supervisor as required, maintaining active NYC Stationary Engineer License coverage.

Requirements

• Safety & Compliance Ownership: Uncompromising commitment to personnel safety, environmental compliance, LOTO procedures, and enforcing safety standards across all plant operations.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Ability to inspire, mentor, and motivate operations personnel through positive encouragement, structured development, and proactive problem resolution.
• Operational & Technical Acumen: Strong working knowledge of natural gas-fired combined/simple cycle operations, steam production, rotating equipment, electricity, and I&C systems.
• Judgement & Adaptability: Strong personal and professional judgment with the agility to respond rapidly to shifting grid demands, emergent plant conditions, and changing operational priorities.
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required to interact effectively with plant staff, union representatives, executive leadership, and regulatory agencies.
• Organizational & Financial Aptitude: Strong time management and organizational capabilities with a clear understanding of financial processes, budgeting, and economic dispatch principles.
• A technical undergraduate degree (B.S. in Engineering, Operations, or related technical discipline) or equivalent combined operational leadership experience.
• Proven operational experience in natural gas-fired power plant operations and maintenance required.
• Demonstrated experience supervising hourly and/or union-represented personnel, with strong leadership, labor relations, and motivational capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience managing plant outages in coordination with multiple contractors and cross-functional maintenance teams.
• Strong technical proficiency in Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, process safety management, and hazard isolation.
• Working knowledge of rotating equipment, power plant mechanics, electricity, instrumentation and controls, and Enterprise Asset Management systems (EAM).
• Must possess a current and valid Driver’s License.
• Current and active Stationary Engineer License — High Pressure New York City License (NYC Stationary Engineer License / FDNY COFs).

Skills

Required

• Process safety management
• Hazard isolation
• Working knowledge of rotating equipment
• Power plant mechanics
• Electricity
• Instrumentation and controls
• Current and valid Driver’s License