Description
Direct Solar, a subsidiary of Direct Services Group (DSG), is seeking an experienced Solar O&M Manager to lead the operations and maintenance of solar energy assets across utility-scale, distributed generation (DG), and commercial portfolios.
This role is responsible for ensuring optimal system performance, reliability, and compliance across diverse project types while also building new business opportunities, finding and managing general contractors (GCs), and overseeing procurement and project execution. The position blends hands-on technical oversight with client-facing responsibilities, requiring operational expertise, business development drive, and the ability to represent ownership interests with professionalism and credibility.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Maintenance
Oversee day-to-day operation of solar PV assets, including commercial and DG ground-mount projects as well as utility-scale installations.
Manage preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance programs across varied portfolios.
Coordinate field teams, service vendors, and subcontractors to maintain high system availability and efficiency.
Track, analyze, and report KPIs such as uptime, capacity factor, cost/MW, and O&M performance metrics.
Ensure compliance with OSHA, NERC, EPA, and local regulations, including DG-specific permitting requirements.
Maintain service records, spare parts inventory, warranty documentation, and compliance records across projects.
Conduct audits on O&M practices, subcontractor performance, and safety standards.
Owner’s Representative Function
Act as Owner’s Rep for clients by providing independent oversight of project operations and maintenance.
Conduct site inspections, contractor performance reviews, and technical evaluations.
Validate performance data and operational practices to ensure client interests are protected.
Serve as the technical point of contact for asset owners, utilities, regulators, and commercial clients.
Recommend operational improvements, vendor performance adjustments, and cost optimization measures.
Client, Business Development & GC Management
Lead business development efforts for commercial, DG, and utility-scale solar O&M services.
Find, qualify, and manage General Contractors (GCs) for project delivery, including contract negotiations, onboarding, and performance management.
Support preparation of proposals, bids, and scopes of work tailored to O&M projects of varying scale.
Build and maintain strong relationships with utility, commercial, and institutional clients.
Represent Direct Solar at client meetings, industry events, trade shows, and technical discussions.
Requirements
Five to Ten years of experience in solar O&M, asset management, or related power generation fields, covering both commercial/DG and utility-scale projects.
Strong technical knowledge of PV systems, inverters, monitoring platforms, and O&M best practices.
Proven success in business development, contractor management, and O&M budgeting.
Demonstrated ability to act as Owner’s Rep in a client-facing role.
Excellent communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Proficiency with CMMS, SCADA, and monitoring tools (e.g., Power Factors, Also Energy, Raptor Maps).
Certifications preferred: NABCEP, OSHA 30, CPR/First Aid.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Renewable Energy, or related field preferred.
Compensation & Structure
Competitive base salary with performance-based bonus tied to O&M KPIs and client satisfaction.
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO), Direct Solar.
Client-facing role with occasional travel for site visits and inspections across utility-scale, DG, and commercial projects.
