Renewable Energy Director Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are

Spearmint Energy (“Spearmint”) is a next-generation renewable energy company enabling the clean energy revolution through developing and installing battery energy storage systems (BESS). Spearmint currently operates a 150 MW / 300 MWh BESS project located in West Texas, and is also developing over 20 projects, totaling over 10 GWh of capacity, across 10+ states in 4 regions of the United States. Headquartered in Miami, Florida with an additional office in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Spearmint is comprised of over 40 seasoned industry professionals across development and corporate functions and aims to be the preeminent green merchant energy company. Spearmint develops, owns, operates, and optimizes battery energy storage systems with the aim of reducing grid volatility, increasing system resiliency, and helping minimize carbon emissions in a responsible and efficient way.

What You Will Do

As the first Director of Information Systems at Spearmint, you will pioneer the establishment of a formal IT framework, coordinating the "big picture" of IT and OT systems while empowering individual teams to manage their specific systems. Your role will focus on the strategic oversight of the firm's IT landscape, ensuring seamless interoperability and data sharing across diverse systems. You will lead the optimization of Microsoft's enterprise tools, including O365, SharePoint, and Fabric, and develop corporate IT policies that align with the firm's dynamic energy project development, operations, and optimization needs. While directing Managed Service Providers for routine IT management, your expertise will guide enterprise-level data mapping, system integration best practices, and cybersecurity efforts, ensuring compliance with all security and contractual requirements.

This individual contributor role will report to the Chief Operating Officer as part of Spearmint’s corporate business unit and will often work directly with other leaders within the organization on specific tasks.

Core Responsibilities

Enterprise Systems

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive outline of all IT and OT systems and applications utilized within the firm, ensuring a cohesive technology strategy.
• Manage and direct existing contract Managed Service Providers (MSP), ensuring they align with the firm’s IT objectives and policies.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with the firm’s MSPs including directing user maintenance, licensing, and review of MSP invoicing.
• Oversee and enhance the firm’s use of Microsoft O365 / Dynamics / Power Platform suite, leveraging these tools for enterprise efficiency and productivity.
• Formulate and enforce corporate IT policies that support the firm’s dynamic operations and strategic goals.
• Lead the successful and responsible adoption of emerging technologies, such as generative AI, ensuring they are leveraged to enhance efficiency, innovation, and competitive edge while adhering to ethical standards and regulatory compliance.

Data Interoperability

• Construct and upkeep an enterprise-level data map to provide a clear understanding of data utilization and location within the firm.
• Collaborate with data owners to facilitate the availability of data to authorized users, enhancing cross-functional operations.
• Spearhead data optimization projects that align with and advance corporate objectives, driving data-driven decision-making.
• Provide guidance on best practices for system integration, ensuring seamless interaction between the firm’s diverse IT systems.

Cybersecurity

• Lead the firm’s initiatives to identify and mitigate both internal and external cybersecurity threats, safeguarding sensitive information.
• Determine and oversee the firm’s adherence to Federal and other cybersecurity mandates, maintaining compliance and operational readiness.
• Develop and implement robust internal security controls to protect proprietary data and fulfill data protection obligations.
• Strategize and direct the firm’s response to cybersecurity incidents, disasters, and other IT/OT risks, ensuring business continuity and resilience.
• Contribute expertise during negotiations by reviewing IT and data-related provisions, ensuring the firm’s interests are protected.

Who You Are

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field, with a preference for candidates holding a master’s degree or higher,
• Extensive experience (7-10 years) in managing IT systems within the energy sector, particularly those designated as critical infrastructure, with a deep understanding of the regulatory environment and compliance requirements. Experience in overseeing IT systems related to energy bidding and trading, with an emphasis on maintaining the integrity and security of proprietary systems a plus,
• Expertise in cybersecurity, with the ability to develop and implement robust security protocols to protect against internal and external threats, ensuring the safety of critical infrastructure and sensitive data. Specific experience with NERC CIP standards and Critical Energy Infrastructure Information (CEII) data highly desirable.
• Strong leadership skills, capable of directing Managed Service Providers and coordinating with various teams to ensure the firm’s IT strategies align with its operational and strategic goals,
• Excellent communication abilities, necessary for collaborating with stakeholders, advising on system integration best practices, and contributing expertise during negotiations.
• Extensive experience planning and managing Microsoft O365, SharePoint, Fabric, and AWS platforms and the interoperability with other systems required. Experience with power plant control systems and/or SCADA, energy market data systems (e.g. ERCOT MIS), control room planning and design, and the management of 24x7 critical software a plus.
• Familiarity with generative AI and other emerging technologies, ensuring their responsible and effective adoption within the firm’s IT landscape.

Spearmint welcomes applications from individuals with diverse experiences in IT within the energy sector. If you believe your skills align with this role and are eager to contribute, please apply. We value different career journeys and the perspectives they bring.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Minimal travel is required, primarily to company offices and project locations, with an expectation of 1 to 2 trips per quarter, lasting 1 to 3 nights per trip.
• The role is primarily sedentary, involving office duties with occasional travel to company offices or development & construction sites.
• The role may require lifting up to 50 pounds (luggage and/or equipment) and may involve sitting, standing, walking, and using a computer.
• This position may require occasional work at the firm’s power generation and storage facilities. Travel to these locations may involve significant time outdoors in undeveloped areas, in all seasons, weather conditions, and across all climatic regions where the company operates.
• The role generally follows traditional business hours, with occasional work outside of these hours to meet company objectives or to fully engage stakeholders, such as during evening community meetings.
• As the company operates power generation and storage infrastructure that must function 24/7, this role, while not routinely on-call, is a key member of the company’s emergency/crisis response team and is expected to participate in the immediate and ongoing response to emergencies impacting facilities.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The role requires air and car travel, including driving to remote sites, along with office work in field conditions. Driving may involve operating vehicles off-road in various conditions on development and/or construction sites. Some sites may require travel in small regional jet or propeller aircraft and stays at limited-service hotels.