Strategy Development Manager Jobs in Sandusky, OH

The Fremont Energy Center is a 540 MW natural gas-fired generating station with a 2 x 1 configuration, offering operational flexibility and efficiency. Notably, it has 163 MW of duct-firing capacity, allowing for increased electricity production by utilizing exhaust heat from the gas turbines. As a reliable and adaptable power generation facility, the Fremont Energy Center plays a crucial role in meeting the region's energy demands and ensures a stable electricity supply.
Opportunity Summary
The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Manager at Fremont Energy Center will play a critical role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the facility's combined-cycle generation assets, including gas turbines, steam turbine, HRSGs, duct firing systems, and auxiliary equipment. This leadership position is responsible for optimizing maintenance strategies, fostering a high-performance culture, and ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. With a focus on continuous improvement, risk mitigation, and financial stewardship, the O&M Manager will be instrumental in enhancing plant performance, controlling costs, and supporting long-term operational success.
Your scope of responsibility as O&M Manager includes the following primary functions:
Operations and Performance Monitoring

• Oversee the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all power generation equipment, including gas turbines, steam turbine, HRSGs, duct firing systems, and auxiliary equipment.
• Monitor performance indicators, assess equipment status, and lead daily operations to minimize downtime, optimize heat rate, and ensure operational continuity.
• Develop short- and long-term operational plans to optimize performance and align with production goals and regulatory standards.
• Analyze data to identify trends and implement strategies that increase efficiency, flexibility, and reliability.

Maintenance and Risk Management

• Plan, manage, and schedule preventative and corrective maintenance programs for mechanical, electrical, and control systems, monitoring performance and providing technical expertise to maximize uptime and ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently.
• Attend outage planning meetings, develop strategies to minimize downtime, and ensure timely, efficient, and safe repairs.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment performance, including runtime, downtime, maintenance costs, and manpower, and report findings to the Plant Manager.
• Track and report on maintenance activities to support future planning and audits.
• Monitor compliance with environmental, safety, and health regulations, including air emissions, wastewater discharge, and OSHA standards, while identifying and mitigating operational risks related to personnel safety, equipment integrity, and regulatory adherence.
• Develop, test, and implement emergency response plans for equipment failure, grid instability, and hazardous material incidents.

Personnel and Strategic Management

• Supervise and mentor plant production, operations, and maintenance personnel, overseeing work, conducting pre-job briefings, ensuring job completion, and promoting effective performance through training, performance appraisals, and development initiatives.
• Coordinate staff training programs, provide guidance, and motivate personnel to effectively accomplish their duties while ensuring adherence to high safety, quality, and performance standards.
• Conduct performance appraisals, oversee Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, and provide guidance on safety, task completion, and operational continuity.
• Assist with budget development and management, controlling expenditures, coordinating procurement of parts and services, and communicating with utility providers, vendors, contractors, and internal teams to support operations and strategic plant goals.
• Write, review, and update procedures to ensure safety, consistency, and compliance with industry best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Plant Manager, supporting plant operations and contributing to overall plant success.

NAES Safe
Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. All NAES managers and supervisors have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a healthy and safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each Supervisor's performance.
Working Relationships
The O&M Manager reports to the Plant Manager and supervises subordinate operations personnel. The O&M Manager cooperates with the Compliance Coordinator, Plant Engineer, and Plant Administrator as needed in the daily operation of the plant.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.
Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.
Fitness for Duty
All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.
Work Schedule
The O&M Manager works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. This position will also occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or "On call" status will also be required.
Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.
Compensation
This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $150,000 to $160,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.
Professional Expertise & Qualifications
We are seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the operation of power generating facilities, paired with a strong history of career growth and a track record of excellence in achieving results.
A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or equivalent is desired, providing a strong foundation for understanding the technical aspects of power plant operations and management. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.

• Experience managing combined-cycle power plant operations to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient performance of gas turbines, steam turbine, HRSGs, duct firing systems, and associated electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Strong technical expertise in combined-cycle generation, with a focus on operational flexibility, system optimization, heat rate improvement, and equipment performance monitoring.
• Proven ability to analyze operational and maintenance data, identify trends, and implement improvements that enhance reliability, increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and drive cost savings.
• In-depth knowledge of environmental regulations and a track record of ensuring compliance with air emissions, wastewater discharge, and other applicable plant requirements.
• Experience managing contractors and outage activities, ensuring alignment with plant objectives, safety expectations, and operational goals.
• Strong commitment to safety excellence, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and company policies to minimize risk and support a strong safety culture.
• Demonstrated leadership with 5+ years of experience supervising plant operations and maintenance personnel, including mentoring, motivating, and directing teams, with effective task delegation and performance management.
• Skilled in handling changing priorities, balancing multiple demands, and making sound decisions under pressure to maintain plant reliability and availability.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and experienced with CMMS applications for maintenance planning, work management, and asset performance tracking.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to report plant performance and collaborate effectively with plant personnel, corporate teams, contractors, and external stakeholders.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver's license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES
NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.
NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.
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.