My client is seeking an experienced Area Operations Manager to join the operations team. The role involves managing embedded power projects typically comprising reciprocating gas engine or battery storage plants (2-10 MWe at 11kV grid level) and larger sites between 20-50 MWe at 33kV, 66kV, and 132kV grid level.

You will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of flexible power generation plant and associated equipment across a designated area, optimising availability and uptime while complying with H&S, quality, standards, and commercial requirements.

Key Responsibilities

* Ensure all duties are carried out with health and safety as the top priority—for yourself, colleagues, contractors, and others affected by operations.

* Operate and maintain power generation equipment safely and efficiently, following OEM literature and company H&S procedures.

* Lead, manage, and motivate a team of Operations Engineers—providing training, coaching, and mentoring to ensure competence and safety awareness.

* Optimise plant availability and uptime, attending sites when necessary to support with complex maintenance or unplanned breakdowns.

* Report on plant status, maintenance records, and spare parts, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information within company IT/CMMS systems.

* Identify and resolve technical or safety issues, escalating appropriately and providing timely updates.

* Monitor operational performance against budgets and KPIs (availability, financial performance, etc.), taking remedial actions when required.

Skills & Attributes

* Strong engineering background, ideally with gas engines (MWM, MTU, Jenbacher, Caterpillar).

* Self-starting and well-organised, capable of balancing hands-on maintenance with administrative requirements.

* Experienced in supply chain management for engine parts and services.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Knowledge

* Essential: Detailed understanding of reciprocating gas engine systems (MWM, MTU, Jenbacher, Caterpillar), O&M practices.

* Desirable: Experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and three-phase electrical systems.

Skills

* Essential: IT literacy, good written and numerical skills, ability to perform under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.

* Desirable: Working knowledge of CMMS systems.

Experience

* Essential: In-depth experience with internal combustion engines for power generation, including base-load plants. Proven leadership and strong teamworking ethos.

* Desirable: Experience in BESS operations, and familiarity with data analytics in maintenance environments.

Qualifications

* Essential: ONC level (or equivalent) in Plant Engineering or related discipline, or time-served equivalent experience.

* Desirable: CITB Competence Scheme Card, IOSH Working Safely