[Hiring] Operations Manager @Ameresco

Role Description

The Operations Manager – Medium Voltage is a newly created position and the first hire for Ameresco's Medium Voltage Operations & Maintenance Department. This role is responsible for building the department from the ground up, including hiring and developing crews, establishing operating procedures, and managing day-to-day execution across the company's national Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) portfolio.

The Operations Manager – Medium Voltage will lead the phased internalization of medium voltage preventative and corrective maintenance work currently performed by third-party contractors, with a goal of internalizing 95–100% of this scope over five years. This individual will also serve as Ameresco's internal subject matter expert for all things medium voltage, including oversight of third-party MV subcontractors performing work not yet internalized. This position reports directly to the Senior Director of Operations and holds accountability for the department.

This is a Remote position, but preferably the candidate will live in the Northeast to provide adequate coverage of Ameresco's Medium Voltage projects.

Responsibilities

• Department Buildout & Strategy
  • Lead the phased hiring plan from the initial three-person crew through the full 21-person department over five years.
  • Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Method of Procedures (MOPs), Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and quality management systems for all medium voltage work types.
  • Manage the phased transition of medium voltage work from third-party contractors to internal crews, ensuring no degradation in client service levels.
  • Develop and manage relationships with preferred third-party MV contractors retained for surge capacity and specialty work.
• Subcontractor Management & Technical Oversight
  • Serve as Ameresco's internal subject matter expert for all things medium voltage, providing technical guidance to Operations, Asset Management, and field teams.
  • Manage and evaluate the performance of third-party MV subcontractors performing work not yet internalized, including scope, quality, and responsiveness.
  • Remotely review and assess subcontractor-reported issues, testing reports, and deliverables (e.g., DGA results, relay test reports, infrared scans, cable test results) to validate findings and identify discrepancies.
  • Make professional recommendations on next steps based on subcontractor findings, including repair versus replace decisions, escalation of critical issues, and prioritization of corrective action.
  • Serve as the technical point of escalation for complex or ambiguous MV issues identified by internal crews or subcontractors.
• Operations Management
  • Oversee scheduling, dispatch, and execution of all medium voltage preventative maintenance (PM) and corrective maintenance (CM) service requests nationwide.
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA, NFPA 70E, and site-specific safety and regulatory requirements across all crews and regions.
  • Manage crew travel logistics and regional coverage optimization as the department expands from the Eastern and Mid-Atlantic region to nationwide coverage.
  • Own all department Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) (see Measures of Success).
  • Maintain accurate, timely records of all work orders, inspections, findings, and recommendations within Ameresco's CMMS platform, AssetPlanner.
• Inventory Management
  • Perform initial onboarding and quarterly review of all operating MV equipment across Ameresco-owned and client-owned projects to identify critical MV spare parts required to support system operation.
  • Source, procure, and stock components which are common across the fleet.
  • Update IMS.
• Safety & Compliance
  • Establish and enforce a zero-tolerance safety culture across all crews, targeting zero recordable incidents.
  • Conduct quarterly safety reviews and unannounced field PPE and lockout/tagout (LOTO) compliance audits.
  • Ensure all technicians maintain current certifications, PPE compliance, and training requirements.
• Training & Development
  • Design and manage the department's training roadmap in partnership with AVO Training Institute, SEL University, and OEM training providers.
  • Oversee the structured apprenticeship program, including required on-the-job training hours for advancement.
  • Conduct annual skills matrix assessments and competency evaluations across all technician tiers.
  • Develop succession plans and mentor Lead Technicians and other high-potential team members to build a leadership pipeline within the department.
• Financial Management
  • Own the department's annual operating budget.
  • Track and report third-party cost avoidance and net savings against the department's financial plan.
  • Manage fleet, tooling, and consumable budgets, including vehicle procurement and replacement planning.
• Additional Duties
  • Participate in or oversee an on-call rotation to support 24/7 emergency corrective maintenance response, including availability on weekends and holidays as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Operations.

Qualifications

• Experience in medium voltage operations and maintenance.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

Requirements

• Relevant technical certifications in medium voltage systems.
• Proven experience in managing subcontractors and technical oversight.
• Familiarity with safety regulations and compliance standards.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Retirement plans.
• Paid time off.
• Performance incentives, bonuses, commissions, or equity, depending on the role.