Manager, ROCC

Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), a Fortune 500 company that's leading the charge in the global energy revolution. With operations spanning 14 countries, AES is committed to shaping a future through innovation and collaboration. Our dedication to innovation has earned us recognition as one of the Top Ten Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company in 2022. And with our certification as a Great Place to Work, you can be confident that you're joining a company that values its people just as much as its groundbreaking ideas.

AES is proudly ranked #1 globally in renewable energy sales to corporations, and with $12.7B in revenues in 2023, we have the resources and expertise to make a significant impact as we provide electricity to 25 million customers worldwide. As the world moves towards a net-zero future, AES is committed to meeting the Paris Agreement's goals by 2050. Our innovative solutions, such as 24/7 carbon-free energy for data centers, are setting the pace for rapid, global decarbonization.

If you're ready to be part of a company that's not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We're not just building a cleaner, more sustainable future - we're powering it. Apply now and energize your career with a true leader in the global energy transformation.

We are hiring a Salt Lake City ROCC Manager with experience operating renewable energy facilities across multiple RTOs, especially those in the Western Interconnect. Renewable energy facilities include solar PV, battery storage, hybrid PV-storage, and wind systems. Responsibilities include supporting operations for utility-scale facilities and distributed generation sites nationwide, including those in Hawaii. The ideal candidate can manage multiple tasks and teams in a fast-growing company. This position splits focus evenly between daily real-time operational execution to support upcoming Operations projects and short-term strategic planning (1-4 week look ahead) for ROCC operations.

The role requires the ability to work on and prioritize multiple tasks and projects. The successful candidate will work on a cross functional team with Performance Engineering, SCADA Engineering, Compliance, Integration, SCADA Execution, the Field O&M, Construction as well as strategic vendors.

AES CE, a subsidiary of The AES Corporation, specializes in developing, owning, and operating utility scale PV solar projects, distributed generation PV solar projects, PV solar projects combined with battery energy storage systems (BESS), stand-alone battery energy storage projects and wind generation projects. AES CE currently has over 10,000 MW of solar, wind and battery storage projects in operation in the U.S.

With a business goal to double our operating portfolio by 2030, and a development pipeline to support achieving that goal, now is an amazing time to join the AES CE team as it continues its exponential growth.

AES's mission is to accelerate the future of energy, together. We are a global, agile, cohesive organization with an employee engagement level akin to a startup company. AES businesses throughout the world are often recognized as great places to work. Our people share a passion to help meet the world's current and increasing energy needs, while providing communities and countries the opportunity for economic growth due to the availability of reliable, affordable electric power.

Safety First - Self-starter - Innovative Thinker - Driven by Excellence - Team Player - Accountable

If these characteristics describe key elements of who you are as a person, we want you as part of our team on this next phase of our exciting journey!

Basic Job Functions:

• Oversee an industry leading AES CE Operations team, driving toward excellence and innovation
• Lead a team of 15 or more people with expected growth to 20+ over the next 1-2 years, including Control Room Operators, Lead Operators, Trainers, Outage Coordinators, and Team Leads.
• Cultivate a strict culture of compliance while overseeing the implementation of applicable NERC reliability standards with Compliance support.
• Act as the main driving force for continuous improvement initiatives ensuring their success and on-time delivery/execution.
• Responsible for overseeing the DG ROCC Operators and AES' Distributed Generation portfolio.
• Responsible for managing future Training and Outage Coordinator role(s).
• Manage operating and access credentials for secure systems and physical security spaces.

Leadership & Personnel Management:

• Responsible for performance and performance management of employees

• Foster, motivate, and support employee development, talent cultivation, and career advancement

• Ability to respond to, and assist/guide on-shift Control Room Operators outside of normal business hours
• Plan and execute strategies to accommodate rapid company growth to include employing staffing strategies, and efficiently control room tools & resources
• Manage time off requests for Team Lead(s), DG Operators, Outage and Training Coordinator and, as needed, CRO ROCC staff.
• Review/approve time and submit to payroll a minimum of every two weeks, in accordance with the pay schedule.
• Responsible for final hiring decisions for all ROCC personnel.

Efficiency & Strategy

• Responsible for ensuring standard operating procedures are up-to-date, and enforcing work polices
• Ensure proper Management of Change process is being utilized for any modifications to controls, SCADA HMI's, alarms, etc.
• Ability to recognize the need for process improvement and the ability to execute projects/initiatives that will maximize efficiency and mitigate risk
• Accountable for developing short-term plans (spanning from one week to one month) and implementing strategies that ensure the effective execution of longer-term tasks and initiatives.

ROCC Infrastructure

• Responsible for upkeeping physical ROCC spare including all maintenance and improvements initiatives.
• Ensure all monitors, computer equipment, telecommunications equipment, and voice communications are in good working order.
• Manage the ROCC server and server room. Ensure secure communications to all site networks and company systems.
• Manage ROCC access for all company employees by creating, modifying, or revoking ROCC access as personnel join or leave the company.
• Ensure functionality and optimization of CRO tools such as sure computers, monitors, video walls, printers, SCADA's and all other equipment in the control room.

Cross Functional Team Collaboration

• Maintain active collaboration and engagement with multiple AES CE departments-including Development, Interconnection, Construction Project Managers, ROCC Integration and Execution-during site commissioning, and test energy phases of renewable assets.
• Foster ongoing coordination and engagement with O&M teams-including OT, IT, Compliance, Field Services, Technical Services, and O&M SCADA for in-service projects during activities such as site performance testing, audits, assessments, process improvement initiatives, compliance testing, RCA's and other related activities
• Collaborate with Commercial Team in managing market exposed assets
• Provide control center tours and presentations to internal and external stakeholders as required.
• Assist Senior ROCC Operations Manager roll out new procedures, work protocols and programs with cross-functional teams that will be impacted by ROCC internal changes.
• Facilitate transitions resulting from cross-functional team changes that affect ROCC operations, making sure the ROCC team adapts smoothly.

Desired Skills, Expertise and Competencies

• Deep operational understanding utility-scale PV, wind, and battery storage operations including during times of emergency conditions.
• Experience with electrical substation safety protocols, equipment and equipment functions, and substation operations (Switching)
• Demonstrated leadership experience in control room environments
• Exceptional organizational, communication, decision making, analytical and time management skills.
• Manage the relationship with company's IT and OT team and all upgrades, improvements, modifications, or enhancements to the ROCC network or digital infrastructure.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong team player with strong drive, able to work autonomously to complete tasks
• Working knowledge of SCADA control and design pertaining to Utility scale renewable systems
• Understanding of operating performance metrics for solar and wind assets
• Understanding of PPA's and Interconnect Agreements and their obligations pertaining to ROCC Operations
• Experience with testing, commissioning and turnover of newly built renewable facilities
• Demonstrated analytical proficiency and ability to make timely and accurate decisions.
• Experience in performing Root Cause Analysis and risk mitigation

• Knowledge and understanding of cybersecurity principles and policies.
• Experience with creating and managing credentials for secure systems.
• Experience communicating with Balancing Authorities, Transmission Operators, Reliability Coordinators, and/or Scheduling Entities.
• Exceptional understanding of NERC standards (VAR, COM, EOP, PER, PRC, TOP)as they pertain to ROCC operations relation to operations.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office tools especially Word, Excel, Teams, etc.

Desired Qualifications/Experience:

• B.S. in engineering or related discipline preferred or equivalent military experience (i.e. Navy Nuclear) or similar industry experience
• Minimum of [7+] years of experience working in control center real-time operations. This combination of experience can come from working for a utility scale generator operator, utility, market participant, distribution provider, manufacturing, or military service.
• At least three years of experience in utility scale power production or energy management is preferable.

• Minimum of 5 years managing 5 or more direct reports
• Minimum of [5+] years of experience working with SCADA systems. This includes, but is not limited to wind turbine OEM SCADA systems, solar SCADA systems, substation SCADA systems, and SCADA data aggregation/historian platforms.
• At least [3+] years of experience holding a leadership role managing at least 5 direct reports and preferably in the power industry.

Travel:

• Some travel to project sites or other regional offices may be required.