Head of Operations - Renewables

Posted 21 October 2021
LocationMilan
Job type Permanent
Discipline Renewable Energy & Infrastructure
Contact NameHarry Moncur

Job description

Excellent opportunity for a renewable Head of Operations (Italy) to take overall responsibility and accountability for the Italian Wind and Solar asset portfolio of a large international IPP.  Key activities include managing relationships with external investors, HSE management, leading, managing and developing the local Asset Management team, and directly managing a subset of operational assets. 

 

The Opportunity:

  • HSE - Provide exemplary HSE leadership.  Maintain and improve a positive safety culture and ensure Asset Management activities are undertaken in accordance with Italian legislation and the group's HSE policies.
  • Contract and Operation Management - Develop and implement best practice asset management in the asset portfolio, working closely with functional teams across the business to optimise HSE, commercial and technical performance.
  • Implement and continuously improve local asset management systems and processes consistent with the business' global policies and standards.
  • Implement strategies and innovative solutions for improvement of performance, mitigation of risks and creation of value.
  • Prepare and review O&M plans and strategies for assets to optimise through-life value.
  • Ensure that compliance with all licences and consents is achieved.
  • Provide commercial oversight and support, especially with regards contract management, to the portfolio and the team.
  • Ensure that all contracts and agreements are effectively managed and lead renegotiation of terms and resolution of any disputes.
  • Team management and support - Lead and manage the Italian Asset Management Team and manage the recruitment, development and retention of personnel. Establish and maintain a trusting, inclusive, and productive environment.
  • Collaborate with the wider group Asset Management community, especially the team in Greece.
  • Market analysis and risk management - Manage market access arrangements and monitor electricity market price exposure, recommending hedging arrangements to reduce risk. Ensure systems and processes are in place to validate market payments.    
  • Budget elaboration - Prepare and agree operational plans and budgets, control and analyse performance of operating assets against approved budgets.
  • Technical and economic performance analysis - Ensure that all technical issues are effectively managed - ensure they are fully analysed and appropriate solutions developed and implemented and any insurance claims and/or other commercial settlements pursued as appropriate.
  • Monitor and report asset performance.  Participate in Quarterly Performance Reviews with senior management.
  • Relationship with authorities, stakeholders and specifically TSO, DSO, GSE - Manage relationships with internal and other external stakeholders.
  • Take directorships for asset holding companies as required.
  • Management of insurance policies - Manage insurance arrangements and ensure that coverage is effective.
  • Reporting - Manage the production of regular portfolio and project level reports highlighting HSE and commercial performance, risks and technical issues.
  • Support to O&E and Operations Team for new acquisitions - Develop and implement the asset management strategy for the renewable energy asset portfolio in Italy.
  • Provide input to business development, origination and asset construction activities in Italy and proactively share knowledge and experience with the wider business.
 

The Individual:

  • A relevant degree or equivalent technical qualification, plus extensive experience of asset management and operations in the renewable energy industry.
  • A passion for HSE and a good awareness of HSE legislation and standards, ideally qualified to NEBOSH certificate.
  • Technical expertise in the operation, maintenance and management of renewable generation and associated technologies, particularly solar PV.
  • Knowledge of best practice asset management, including decision-making, capital investment, operations & maintenance, lifecycle cost and value optimisation, resourcing strategy and optimisation, shutdowns/outage strategy and optimisation, ageing asset strategy, performance monitoring.
  • An understanding of contract law and typical commercial contractual arrangements required for renewable generation assets.  Direct experience of negotiating and managing commercial contracts.
  • An understanding of Directorship obligations in Italy.
  • Knowledge of quality assurance principles and quality management systems.
  • Knowledge of the Italian electricity market arrangements and remuneration schemes for renewable generation assets.
  • Sound working knowledge of business risk assessment tools and risk assessment processes and methods.
  • Experience in the management of materials, logistics and supply chains.
  • Experience of reporting to and working with external investors and lenders.  Sound working knowledge of project finance documents (e.g. asset reporting requirements, covenants, ratio tests) and financial reporting.
  • Membership of an appropriate professional institution or similar is an advantage.
  • Fluency in Italian and English.