Senior Manager - Utilities Interface Management

Overview

Job Purpose: Senior Manager - Operations for the District Cooling Plant is responsible for overseeing the operational excellence, performance optimization, and strategic development of one or more district cooling plants. This role ensures reliable and efficient cooling service delivery while maintaining compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory standards. The position involves managing plant operations, leading technical teams, coordinating maintenance programs, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to support the company's growth and sustainability goals.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the district cooling plant(s), ensuring uninterrupted and efficient service delivery. Implement industry best practices and KPIs to ensure high operational efficiency and reliability.
• Monitor plant performance using SCADA and other monitoring systems and initiate corrective actions as needed.
• Strategic Planning & Optimisation: Develop and implement short- and long-term operational strategies to improve energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and enhance system reliability. Lead plant capacity planning and optimization initiatives in coordination with planning and engineering teams.
• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary operations team, including operators, engineers, and technicians. Define roles, set performance expectations, and ensure continuous technical and professional development.
• Maintenance & Asset Management: Oversee the development and execution of preventive and predictive maintenance programs. Ensure optimal asset life-cycle management in coordination with the maintenance and engineering departments.
• Budgeting & Reporting: Prepare and manage the operational budget, including energy costs, manpower, and maintenance expenditures. Produce regular reports on plant performance, incidents, efficiency, and regulatory compliance for senior management.
• HSE & Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations and company policies. Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective actions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinate with utility providers, end users, and internal stakeholders to ensure aligned operations. Serve as the key point of contact for all operational issues and escalations.
• Policies, Systems, Processes, Procedures, Standards and Reports: Follow all relevant functional policies, processes, standard operating procedures, and instructions to ensure controlled and consistent work. Provide information and data for the preparation of accurate and timely functional MIS statements and reports to meet corporate and functional requirements, policies, and standards.
• Safety, Quality & Environment: Apply safety, quality and environmental management policies, procedures, and controls to ensure employee safety, legislative compliance, delivery of high-quality products/services, and responsible environmental practices.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for continuous improvement of department systems, processes and practices considering international best practice, business process improvements, cost reduction and productivity improvements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering (Master's preferred).
• Minimum 10-12 years of experience in utility operations, with an EPC contractor background, and at least 5 years in a senior operations management role within the district cooling or related energy sector.
• Strong leadership and team management skills. Deep understanding of district cooling technologies, chilled water systems, and automation controls.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in operational software such as SCADA, CMMS, and energy management tools. Sound knowledge of health, safety, and environmental standards.

Certifications

• Preferred: PMP, CEM, or other relevant certifications.
• NEBOSH or equivalent safety certifications.