Head of Operations (Director – SVP Level)
Location: Southern New Jersey / Mid-Atlantic
Travel: ~25% (weekly visits to a flagship site + periodic travel to regional facilities)
Reports To: CEO
About the Company
A well-capitalized, growth-focused U.S. district energy platform operating a diverse portfolio of thermal and power generation facilities across multiple states in the Northeast and Midwest.
This platform delivers reliable, resilient, and cost-effective energy infrastructure solutions to universities, hospitals, municipalities, and commercial/industrial clients. The business maintains long-term concession arrangements, operates multiple CHP and cogeneration facilities, and executes ~$100M+ in annual revenue.
The company operates in long-term partnership with a leading EPC/O&M organization and is backed by a major global infrastructure investment fund.
Position Overview
The Head of Operations will lead all operational and maintenance activities across a fleet of district energy and power generation assets. This is a high-impact, executive-level role responsible for performance, safety, reliability, CAPEX planning, and commercial alignment across multiple facilities—while partnering closely with an external O&M organization.
This is an ideal role for an experienced energy operations leader who excels in fast-paced, entrepreneurial platforms and enjoys hands-on engagement with plant teams and assets.
Key Responsibilities
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Provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple district energy and power facilities (CHP, cogeneration, boiler/chiller plants).
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Lead plant performance, reliability, maintenance programs, and operational KPIs across all sites.
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Serve as the senior interface with a contracted O&M partner to ensure service quality and contractual adherence.
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Conduct frequent on-site visits to ensure operational excellence and team alignment.
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Build and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and CAPEX planning
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Approve and oversee maintenance/project scopes, contractor selection, and asset lifecycle programs.
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Implement standardized maintenance, safety, and reliability procedures across the fleet.
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Coach and develop plant leadership teams; strengthen culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
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Support commercial and business development efforts by providing technical and operational insight on new projects.
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Manage third-party O&M relationships and streamline site-level oversight.
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Contribute as part of the executive team on strategy, growth planning, development projects, and M&A evaluation.
Qualifications
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10–20 years of experience in power generation, district energy, utilities, industrial energy systems, or critical infrastructure operations.
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Deep technical expertise in CHP, cogeneration, combined cycle, boiler/chiller systems, and thermal energy generation.
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Demonstrated success managing multi-site operations, O&M programs, and CAPEX budgets.
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Experience leading veteran/tenured technical teams; military or industrial leadership background strongly valued.
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Hands-on leadership style with willingness to be on-site regularly.
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Knowledge of maintenance planning software, work order management, and reliability programs.
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Excellent communication and relationship-building skills from field to boardroom.
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Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering or equivalent preferred.
Ideal Candidate Profile
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Proven district energy/CHP operations leadership
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Strong operational rigor & safety culture champion
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Executive presence with tactical execution ability
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Relationship-driven leader who builds trust with customers, O&M partners, and internal stakeholders
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Enjoys being in a high-growth environment with direct executive exposure and decision-making authority
Apply / Express Interest
Submit your resume or reach out confidentially to learn more about this opportunity.