Performance & Optimization Manager

The Performance and Optimization Manager will have overall responsibility and accountability for performance analysis, performance optimization and implementation of plant improvement and optimization solutions across the US portfolio of operating assets. Additionally, there will be a requirement to input to the development and acquisition of new projects by coordinating performance analysis and developing performance forecasts.

The candidate will have extensive experience in the performance aspects of energy projects, direct experience of monitoring the performance of utility scale solar PV, batteries, and wind projects and a track record of successfully implementing optimization and overall performance improvement for assets. Knowledge of performance monitoring systems is essential and candidate will work directly with service providers to maintain relationship, onboard new project, and improve existing asset intelligence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage the performance monitoring systems (a.k.a. secondary SCADA) for the US portfolio and establish reporting protocols to enable the business to have a clear view on plant performance.
• Lead analysis of current project performance through use of approved software programs and reports.
• Develop and implement KPIs to identify areas of under-performance and recommend opportunities for improvement supported by data and trends.
• Manage interfaces between primary (plant control), secondary SCADA, data communication systems, onsite instrumentation and associated stakeholders to ensure high levels of data availability, reliability and redundancy.
• Manage instrumentation systems like MET stations and POA sensors at assets to ensure proper data collection and plant performance analysis.
• Review third party O&M contractor performance and compare with internal view of performance, identifying and resolving any gaps or discrepancies.
• Coordinate with development and acquisition teams regarding performance estimation for new assets being brought into Cubico’s US portfolio.
• Work with others in the US team to identify potential business optimisation/innovation opportunities and create investment cases and plans.
• Coordinate with global asset management team to standardize systems, reports, analysis methodology, tools, operations, and processes.
• Provide input to Cubico’s improvement and innovation database and create associated investment decision papers.
• Provide ad-hoc technical support to Cubico’s US team, including review of contractual specifications like SCADA and met station specifications, availability warranties, etc.
• Engage with third party operational monitoring and performance analysis providers to manage data inputs, scope of service, deliverables and achievement of desired results including supporting asset managers in the actioning of any identified performance improvement opportunities.
• Coordinate long-term operational energy yield forecasts for existing portfolio assets.
• Provide input into the yearly budget process and life-time cost models.
• Support contractual performance testing, including contractual specification, data monitoring/quality assurance and performance analysis for solar capacity tests, solar performance ratio tests and wind turbine power performance tests.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise:

• Demonstrable experience in power plant operations and/or similar asset performance management, including prior years of experience in wind or solar renewable generation.
• This can be satisfied with a bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or related field. Possession of an MBA or equivalent is preferred.
• Hands on experience with in-field equipment installation and troubleshooting is preferred.
• Experience in successful project delivery and in managing client/external stakeholder relationships.
• Proficient with renewable software tools/data, e.g. Greenbyte, Nispera, Power Factors, Windographer, PVsyst, OpenOA, OpenFAST, BrightWind, SCADA, MERRA2, ERA5, SolarGIS, or similar.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency of MS Excel and associated visualization tools like PowerBI, Tableau, Qlik with ability to use data tables to create visualization of data trends.
• Able to communicate complex technical issues in a concise manner for the benefit of non-technical staff, both verbally and in writing.
• Enthusiastic to continue to develop skills in performance analysis and how it relates to the wider technical and commercial aspects of renewable energy project operation.
• Ability to understand the commercial drivers associated with renewables projects in the US.
• An ability to coach, develop, and mentor others in performance analysis.
• Ability to travel to US sites around 25% of time and internationally on occasion.

About Cubico Sustainable Investments

Established in 2015, Cubico Sustainable Investments (Cubico), a London-headquartered firm, is one of the world’s leaders in providing renewable energy across the Americas, Europe and Australia. Owned equally by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and PSP Investments, two of the world’s largest pension funds with over USD300 bn under management, Cubico is committed to a long-term growth strategy designed to make it one of the largest and best in class renewable energy investors in the world.

Cubico holds a portfolio of around 10 GW, with assets across the wind, solar PV, solar thermal and transmission line technologies. Covering the whole energy chain from development and construction to operation, the company’s portfolio is located across 9 countries: Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, the United States (USA), Greece, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia.

Cubico is driven by six core values: Diversity, Respect, Integrity, Value Creation and Excellence, which make up the final value DRIVE. These values encourage employees to take pride and satisfaction in their work, strive to achieve their goals and go the extra mile to attain outstanding results. Cubico’s employees are central to its success and, as a result, the company looks for people who believe in its purpose, will take full account of its impact and are motivated to make a positive contribution to communities and the environment and build a better future.

As part of Cubico culture and values, we embrace diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building talented teams that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented minority groups.