Head of Operations & Maintenance

Role Objective

The Head of Operations & Maintenance is responsible for defining and implementing the company’s O&M strategy, ensuring operational performance, portfolio profitability, and long-term customer satisfaction. The role has a direct impact on financial results, market positioning, and the scaling of O&M activities.

Strategic and Operational Responsibilities

• O&M Leadership and Governance

Defines the company-wide Operations & Maintenance strategy, establishes KPIs, processes, and operational standards, and ensures alignment with executive objectives and growth strategy.

• Executive Interface for O&M Activities

Represents the O&M function in relation to top management, key clients, and strategic partners, holding end-to-end responsibility for service delivery.

• Internal and External Stakeholder Management

Coordinates and aligns internal teams (EPC, Engineering, Sales, Finance, Legal) and external stakeholders (clients, investors, suppliers, subcontractors), ensuring efficient decision-making and execution.

• Executive-Level Contract Management and Negotiation

Leads negotiations of O&M contracts, SLAs, and subcontracting agreements, with a strong focus on risk mitigation, margin optimization, and operational performance.

• O&M Governance and Documentation Framework

Designs and implements the O&M documentation framework, procedures, and policies, ensuring compliance with legal, technical, and contractual requirements.

• Strategic Customer Relationship Management

Develops and maintains long-term relationships with strategic customers, managing complex portfolios and actively contributing to contract retention and expansion.

• Strategic Collaboration with EPC and Project Management Teams

Ensures O&M integration from the bidding and execution phases of projects, optimizing lifecycle costs and operational efficiency.

• Market Intelligence & O&M Business Development

Monitors market trends, technological developments, and business models within the photovoltaic industry, identifying growth opportunities and service diversification.

• Subcontractor and Performance Management

Defines the subcontracting strategy, oversees supplier performance, and implements quality, cost, and performance control mechanisms.

• Executive Support for EPC Sales

Supports the EPC commercial strategy by providing O&M expertise, structuring complex proposals, and assessing operational risks.

• O&M Financial Analysis and Cost Control

Oversees O&M budgets, performs cost and profitability analyses and market benchmarks, and proposes financial optimization initiatives.

Candidate Profile

Education & Qualifications

• University degree in engineering (electrical, energy, mechanical) or other relevant technical fields

• Business studies, MBA, or management certifications – an advantage

• Certifications in renewable energy and/or O&M – an advantage

Professional Experience

• Relevant experience in operations, maintenance, or project management within the renewable energy sector; solar energy experience is a strong plus
• Proven experience in leadership and management roles
• Solid experience in contract management, negotiation, and managing relationships with large clients
• Experience working with EPC contractors and energy asset operators

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and ability to scale organizations and processes
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills
• Strong financial analysis capabilities and cost optimization mindset
• Strategic thinking with a strong focus on financial performance
• Excellent executive-level communication and presentation skills

Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
• English – advanced level (written and spoken)
   

Thank you for your interest in this professional opportunity! Please note that you will be contacted by an Antal recruiter only if your experience matches the role you applied for. Your CV will be kept in our database for future professional opportunities that may be suitable for the next step in your career.

By applying for this job, you grant Antal Romania/Cluj-Napoca Office written consent and full permission to store your CV in Antal’s systems and to send it to Antal’s clients for evaluation as a candidate for available positions in their organizations.