O&M Manager (Saudi National)

The Consortium of AL JOMAIH ENERGY AND WATER CO. LTD. (JENWA) and TOTAL ENERGIES RENEWABLES is developing a new solar PV power plant on a build, own and operate ("BOO") basis. The Power Plant, REEM RABIGH ENERGY COMPANY LTD, shall comprise all facilities necessary for the generation of power with a total net capacity of 300 MW. The Initial Commercial Operation Date (ICOD) is planned for early summer 2026 and the Scheduled Project Commercial Operation Date (SCOD) for December 2026. The Project Company will sell the power capacity and output of the Plant to SPPC (SAUDI POWER PROCUREMENT COMPANY) under a 25-year PPA.

Project

The project comprises 300 MW Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology on 6.56 km area that includes PV field, the plant's substation and OHTL (Approx. 500 ML).

Job Overview

The O&M Manager will be responsible for Operation and Maintenance of a 300 MW industrial scale photovoltaic (PV) plant, which operates under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and various project agreements.

Requirements JOB FUNCTIONS (DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES)

• Participate in the design review, construction, and commissioning period support
• Ensure operational readiness before takeover from EPC
• Staff mobilization, hiring, training, and support of the O&M staff
• Establish plant policies and procedures and implement CMMS
• Ensure that all consents, permits, approvals and licenses are obtained, valid and in force to ensure safe operation of the plant
• Search and select suppliers and service providers
• Optimize, order and manage inventory of materials and supplies
• Operational management: lead and oversee operation and maintenance of the power plant adhering to HSE and project agreements
• Develop and implement operational strategies to maximize energy production and achieve performance targets outlined in the PPA and the project company's annual budget
• Develop and manage the annual and long term operating plan and ensure reliability, profitability, and operational efficiency
• Budget preparation, monthly analysis of revenues & expenses and required mitigations
• Comply with accounting principles and maintain proper books and records in accordance with legal requirements
• Schedule and prioritize O&M tasks effectively. Ensure proper stakeholder management (SPPC, NGSA, SEC, SWCC, HCIS, MiM, NCEC, Modon, etc.)
• HSSE management: maintain a safe working environment, ensure adherence to safety protocols and environmental regulations, conduct regular safety audits and training sessions for staff, and achieve annual HSE KPIs
• Effective risk management
• Contracts & compliance management: ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, project agreements, and operational standards as specified in the PPA and other contractual obligations
• Establish delegation of authority matrix (operations phase)
• Identify opportunities to enhance revenues and profit margins
• Provide monthly and annual reports on plant performance, incidents, failures, and general operation and maintenance activities developed in the plant
• Report accurately and timely to the board/owner and maintain regular communication
• Develop and nurture strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including lenders, contract counterparties, insurers, partners, suppliers, OEM companies, and regulatory/government authorities
• Establish and maintain community relations
• Liaise with construction management team, EPC contractor, OEM vendors, subcontractors and other suppliers to ensure efficient and timely resolution of punch list items, warranty defects, novation of key OEM contracts, LTSAs, procurement of essential spares and tools
• Manage project as-built documentation, plant O&M documentation, official communications, and regular reporting
• Work with admin and finance team in day to day tasks
• Monitor and supervise the EPC contractor interim O&M period to maximize availability, performance and production of electricity
• Elaborate and improve the O&M manual and procedures based on the version provided by the EPC contractor
• Participate in the implementation of plant related IT tools: CMMS, ERP, cybersecurity
• Manage all plant outages, maintenance tasks, predictive, curative, etc.
• Assist in the implementation of HR and admin policies

Qualifications & Skill Sets

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, renewable energy or equivalent; thorough understanding of all aspects of solar PV systems and associated SCADA controls
• 8+ years of experience in managing operations of large scale PV plants or similar renewable energy facilities, preferably in KSA and/or GCC region
• Experience working with AC & DC electricity, PV systems, trackers, inverters, and AC collection systems
• Excellent teamwork skills; foster a positive team environment through collaborative decision making
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; English fluency required, Arabic a plus
• Experience working collaboratively with people and initiatives affecting multiple organizations
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment under tight deadlines and demanding customers
• Dedication to electrical safety
• Ability to work independently while maintaining accountability to site management
• Coordination of third party testing services for MV systems
• Coordination of equipment vendor commissioning processes
• Proficient with PV inverters and DC collection systems
• Understanding of major electrical equipment such as switchgear, VAR systems, reclosers, MV transformers
• Knowledgeable of single axis tracking systems, inverters, power transformers, OHTL, etc.
• Ability to troubleshoot electrical systems within utility PV projects
• Possess an understanding of the operation of power system protection relays
• Understanding of Ethernet networks with fibre optic distribution
• Understanding of the principles and operation of SCADA system, weather forecasting system
• Ability to plan, review, and execute a commissioning process, startup process, shutdown process
• Ability to read electrical, civil, mechanical, I&C drawings and documentation
• Understanding of LOTO principles, PTW, management of crisis
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite