Director of Operations

Tenaska is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States, an organization that’s adept in natural gas and power marketing, power management, development and acquisition of generation assets, operation of power plants and more.

Job Summary

The Director,Operations is responsible for the safe, reliable, and profitable operation of multiple power generation facilities. This role oversees operations, maintenance, engineering, and staff management while ensuring compliance with all safety, environmental, and contractual requirements. The Director leads operating strategy, drives continuous improvement, benchmarks performance, and supports development and acquisition activities through O&M expertise.

Scope of Responsibility

This position operates with a high level of independent judgment and decision-making in a complex operational and regulatory environment, under general guidance from the Senior Vice President, Operations. The role involves interaction with internal leadership as well as external stakeholders, including regulators, government agencies, and third-party partners.

Essential Job Functions

• Drive continuous improvement in plant safety, reliability, efficiency, and profitability using best-in-class practices.
• Lead, develop, and manage plant staff to ensure alignment with facility, company, and industry standards.
• Oversee daily facility operations to meet or exceed production and performance targets.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, regulatory, and contractual requirements, including permitting and reporting obligations.
• Manage hiring, performance management, compensation processes, and personnel practices in compliance with company policy and applicable laws.
• Develop, manage, and control facility budgets, forecasts, and expenditures in alignment with long-term maintenance plans.
• Administer and ensure compliance with O&M Agreements, PPAs, LTSA agreements, and utility agreements.
• Plan and oversee plant outages to optimize production, cost, and schedule performance.
• Provide hands-on operational and technical support as needed, including evaluation of equipment issues and coordination of external resources.
• Lead risk assessments and apply market and industry knowledge to inform operational decisions.
• Direct system upgrades, modifications, and operational improvements.
• Lead transitions related to asset acquisitions, divestitures, or changes in O&M providers.
• Serve as a liaison with regulatory agencies and the local community, promoting positive relationships and community engagement.
• Complete special projects as assigned and maintain reliable, predictable attendance.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in power generation operations and/or maintenance, including significant experience with gas turbine facilities

Preferred Requirements

• MBA or strong experience with the business and commercial aspects of independent power producers
• Demonstrated expertise in environmental compliance, budgeting and cost control, contract administration, and organizational development
• Proven ability to develop innovative solutions to technical, operational, and business challenges
• Strong leadership, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences

Employee Benefits

At Tenaska we care about the wellbeing of our employees and their families. That’s why we offer our employees a comprehensive benefit package. Benefits included below:

• Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Incentive-based, competitive salary packages
• Health/dependent care flex accounts
• Tuition assistance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Paid vacations and holidays
• Generous sick leave
• Charitable giving program
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• Wellness programs

Tenaska is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.