Asset Manager - Toronto

Our Asset Management department is looking for an Asset Manager, who will be responsible for the management and overseeing the safe operation of NEOEN’s current operating asset in the province of Alberta, Canada, as well as future potential operating assets in other provinces, while supporting the Americas Asset Management Team.

The Asset Manager will be responsible for promoting high health, safety and environmental (HSE) standards, coordination of the operation stakeholders, administration of the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) contractor, and revenue generation streams as agreed in the Business Plan set forth by Neoen.

Furthermore, the Asset Manager will oversee all dimensions of operating, including technical, commercial/contractual, regulatory, financial, and corporate & social responsibility, in line with Neoen’s strategic direction and ensuring maximization of EBITDA. This while maintaining asset operation capability over time, seeking out value creation opportunities, driving continuous improvement, implementing strategic initiatives, and preserving long-term asset integrity.

In his/her role, the Asset Manager will report to the Regional Head of Asset Management, Americas, and be working with the Canadian development, legal and finance managers, as well as Neoen’s support functions in Paris, France.

Key Responsibilities

The Asset Manager will be responsible for the operation of Neoen’s current operating asset in the provinces of Alberta, Canada, and support other provinces with a future development pipeline as and when required. This includes supporting the Americas Asset Management Team through regional performance reporting, systems and process improvements, and divestment support if needed, while leading the day to asset management of the current operating asset. His/her main objective is to ensure that the plant(s) are meeting electricity production targets while keeping costs under control, whilst ensuring a very hands-on management approach with O&M Contractors. He/she will have accountability for the operations and maintenance of the relevant plants in close collaboration with the local finance team and the asset management team in the Americas region. Responsibilities includes:

Foster a HSE&S Culture

• HSE&S audits ;
• Deploy management visit reports ;
• Adherence to HSE&S training schedules ;
• Routine HSE&S spot checks ;
• Include HSE&S criteria in Contractor’s selection processes ;
• Enforce Neoen’s Stop of Work policy in case of accidents, as well as being an active participant in the company’s global vision of having an Interdependent HSES Culture.
  
  

Operational performance monitoring and reporting:

• Lead day-to-day asset management and coordinate the O&M contractor and other operational stakeholders ;
• Manage budgets and monitor production, availability, performance ratio, costs and EBITDA against business plan targets ;
• Investigate underperformance, coordinate corrective actions and pursue value creation opportunities while maintaining safety and long-term asset integrity ;
• Evaluate O&M arrangements, follow up on OEM issues and support loss factor reduction initiatives ;
• Manage day-to-day contractual obligations, monitor counterparty compliance and coordinate regulatory risk assessment and mitigation ;
• Coordinate warranty and insurance claims, including supporting documentation and follow-up ;
• Act as the day-to-day contact for off-takers, contractors, service providers, lenders, insurers, regulators and grid-related counterparties ;
• Work with relevant legal, finance and other specialist colleagues, escalating sensitive matters and major commitments to the Head of Asset Management, Americas.
  
  

Exceed EBITDA targets:

• Actively seek out value creation opportunities ;
• Identify negative trends and implement changes, as well as eliminating wasteful expenditures ;
• Coordinate activities between different power plants to ensure alignment ;
• Reduce costs without affecting revenues.
  
  

Exceed Key Performance Indicators targets:

• Reduce downtime and maximize Availability and Performance Ratio ;
• Use continuous improvement methodology to drive results ;
• Valuate O&M models to ensure maximum production.
  
  

Manage regulatory, investor and commercial issues:

• Coordinate all activities associated with the risk analysis and mitigation derived from the regulatory frameworks in Alberta, or other provinces if duties are expanded to new operating power plants ;
• Manage all commercial agreements and customers associated with assigned projects ;
• Lead the prosecution of all warranty and insurance claims and monitor the documentation of these claims ;
• Prepare for, and lead, off-takers, contractors, and service providers, as well as public authorities, regulatory agencies, grid and transmission operators' relations, as required for operation of projects ;
• Prepare for, and lead, investor, and lenders relation.
  
  

With this said, it’s very important for the Asset Manager to showcase autonomy and technological & commercial skills which aligns to the mission of Neoen - To continuously improve renewable energy asset management strategies, and methodologies, in order to produce maximum energy from its power plants worldwide, with a high-quality service, beyond zero HSES principles, with technical excellence, striving to exceed investment commitments.

The role requires to travel at least 50% of the time to locations such as Calgary, operating plant locations, or as directed.

Key Stakeholders relationships

• Regulatory Authorities
• ISOs, DTOs and TSOs
• Other Authorities
• Off-takers
• Construction and O&M contractors
• Lenders or their agents
• Suppliers and Service providers – such as the IE/LTA and OE
• HSE Independent Consultants
• Environmental Compliance Consultants
• Local communities
• Insurers and insurance brokers
  
  

The candidate will need the following skills/experiences to be successful in this role :

• Relevant Tertiary qualifications in the Engineering field, preferably Renewable Energy
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in the renewable energy sector
• Working understanding of renewable energy operations, asset performance and O&M activities
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret operational and financial data and communicate clear findings
• Strong Excel skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Familiarity with Power BI, AI tools or SCADA systems is an advantage
• Exposure to contract administration, budgeting or the commercial aspects of renewable energy projects is desirable
• Demonstrated up-to-date working knowledge of Workplace Health, Safety & Environment requirements
• High level troubleshooting and problem-solving skills and the ability to be technically innovative
• Effective leadership, supervision, planning and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and liaison skills with the proven ability to effectively interact with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• Autonomous, innovative, team player, performance driven