Utilities Manager Power Generation Cogen Operations

Utilities Manager – Power Generation & Cogen OperationsLocation: Oxnard, CASchedule: Monday–Friday | On-site/ Candidate must be US Citizens or have a fully executed GCRelocation Candidates Considered
I’m recruiting for an experienced Utilities Manager to lead utility and power-generation operations at a large industrial manufacturing facility in Oxnard, California.This is a senior plant leadership position with responsibility for boilers, turbine generators, steam systems, power distribution, cogeneration equipment, water systems, and wastewater treatment. The Utilities Manager will oversee day-to-day operations while also driving reliability, outage execution, capital planning, environmental compliance, and long-term utility strategy.
What You’ll Be Responsible ForLead daily operation and maintenance of boilers, turbine generators, steam systems, power distribution, cogeneration systems, water systems, and wastewater treatmentManage power and turbine generator operationsPlan and execute Cogen outages, shutdowns, and start-upsCoordinate maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting, and repairs of utility equipmentDevelop contingency plans and lead responses to equipment failures and utility service disruptionsAnalyze utility consumption, operating costs, and system performance to identify efficiency and cost-saving opportunitiesDevelop and execute capital projects and long-term utility improvement plansMaintain compliance with safety and environmental regulationsManage the utilities operating budget and overall financial performanceLead and develop 3–5 exempt direct reports, including supervisors, engineers, and technicians, along with union operating personnelHelp develop a reliability-focused, self-directed operating organizationPrepare technical reports, operating records, budgets, and regulatory documentationParticipate as a member of the mill leadership team and contribute to plant-wide operational and strategic decisions
Technical Experience RequiredCandidates should bring significant experience with:Power generation operationsTurbine generators / turbine generator operationsIndustrial boilers and boiler operationsSteam generation and steam distribution systemsCogeneration / Cogen equipmentCogen outages, shutdowns, and start-upsPower distribution systemsWater systemsWastewater treatment systemsUtility equipment maintenance and reliabilityPlanned outages and major equipment maintenanceUtility efficiency and cost optimizationCapital project and strategic improvement planningEnvironmental and regulatory complianceEmergency response and contingency planningOperating and maintenance budgetsTechnical and regulatory reportingMicrosoft OfficeWorking knowledge of Power BI or similar analytical toolsQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Pulp & Paper Engineering10+ years of appropriate experience leading power and turbine generator operationsAdvanced knowledge of boilers, turbines, and steam systemsExperience managing outages, shutdowns, and start-ups of cogeneration equipmentExperience leading supervisors, engineers, technicians, and/or union operating personnelAbility to manage multiple operational, maintenance, financial, and strategic prioritiesExperience leading organizational change and reliability improvementsEffective communication, presentation, and leadership skills
Paper industry experience is preferred, particularly experience supporting utility and power-generation operations within a pulp, paper, containerboard, or similar continuous-process manufacturing environment.
Why Consider This Opportunity?This is more than a utilities maintenance position. You’ll have ownership of critical systems that directly impact the operation of the entire facility and will have a seat on the mill leadership team. The role offers significant responsibility across power generation, Cogen operations, reliability, capital planning, environmental compliance, cost management, and team development.