Director of Operations & MaintenanceDepartment: Operations
Reports To: Vice President of Operations
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Multi-Regional (California & Illinois)
Travel: Regular travel to project sites and operating assets throughout California and Illinois
Position SummaryMARS Energy Solutions is seeking an experienced
Director of Operations & Maintenance (O&M) to lead our multi-regional service organization supporting
commercial and industrial (C&I) solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) assets across California and Illinois.
Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, this leadership role provides strategic oversight of service operations, asset performance, preventive and corrective maintenance, warranty administration, customer satisfaction, and financial performance for both MARS-owned and customer-owned renewable energy assets.
The Director of O&M will establish standardized operating procedures, develop high-performing regional teams, improve asset reliability, protect energy production and revenue, and build scalable service operations supporting commercial renewable energy projects throughout the asset lifecycle. This position partners closely with Engineering, Construction, Project Management, Finance, and executive leadership to ensure operational excellence while supporting the continued growth of MARS Energy Solutions.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities- Provide strategic leadership for Operations & Maintenance activities supporting commercial solar PV and battery energy storage (BESS) assets across multiple operating regions.
- Lead Regional Service Managers while establishing standardized processes for service intake, dispatch, response, escalation, documentation, work order management, and billing.
- Drive asset performance by monitoring production, system availability, operational trends, and revenue impacts while leading corrective action plans for underperforming assets.
- Oversee monitoring platforms, SCADA, EMS, alarms, and other operational technologies to ensure timely identification and resolution of system issues.
- Direct preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, troubleshooting, root cause investigations, and warranty administration for commercial renewable energy assets.
- Partner with Engineering, Construction, Commissioning, and Project Management teams to ensure successful project turnover and long-term O&M readiness.
- Manage equipment, manufacturer, subcontractor, and workmanship warranty programs while maximizing warranty recovery opportunities.
- Oversee SREC compliance, renewable energy credit reporting, and revenue reconciliation activities, where applicable.
- Develop and maintain strong customer relationships through proactive communication, issue resolution, and exceptional service delivery.
- Manage departmental budgets, operating expenses, forecasting, contract profitability, billing performance, and financial reporting.
- Establish, monitor, and report on operational and financial KPIs, including asset availability, response times, preventive maintenance completion, backlog management, billing cycle times, and service margins.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence while mentoring and developing regional service leadership.
Minimum Qualifications- Eight (8) or more years of Operations & Maintenance, field service, or asset management experience supporting commercial and industrial (C&I) solar PV, battery energy storage (BESS), electrical infrastructure, or utility-scale renewable energy projects.
- Demonstrated success leading multi-site or multi-regional Operations & Maintenance organizations.
- Strong understanding of commercial solar PV systems, battery energy storage systems, production monitoring, asset availability, system performance, and reliability optimization.
- Experience managing service operations, dispatch, preventive maintenance programs, corrective maintenance, warranty administration, and customer support functions.
- Proven financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, operational performance, service profitability, and KPI management.
- Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and renewable energy industry safety practices.
- Valid driver's license with the ability to travel regularly throughout California, Illinois, and other operating regions as business needs require.
Preferred Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, Renewable Energy, Energy Management, or a related discipline.
- Experience supporting commercial and industrial (C&I) solar PV and battery energy storage (BESS) portfolios.
- Knowledge of SCADA, EMS, monitoring platforms, controls systems, alarm management, and distributed energy resources.
- Experience with SREC programs, renewable energy credit markets, or environmental attribute management.
- Familiarity with power purchase agreements (PPAs), lease administration, and renewable energy asset management.
- Experience leading multi-state Operations & Maintenance organizations.
- NABCEP or other renewable energy industry certifications are preferred.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities- Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills with the ability to build high-performing organizations.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong financial and business acumen with experience managing operational performance.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships across all levels of the organization.
- Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
- Strong project management and process improvement capabilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, CMMS/work order systems, and renewable energy monitoring platforms.
Physical Requirements- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
- Regular use of a computer, phone, and other standard office equipment.
- Ability to travel regularly to project sites, customer locations, and company facilities.
- Ability to safely navigate active construction sites and operating renewable energy facilities, including uneven terrain.
- Ability to occasionally bend, kneel, crouch, reach, climb, and lift up to 45 pounds.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while visiting project sites.
Benefits & Perks- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Company Holidays
- Opportunities for professional growth and career development
