Operations & Maintenance [O&M] Manager

Antora Energy delivers affordable, reliable energy to industry, data centers, and the grid. Our thermal batteries turn low-cost electricity into always-on heat and power, without supply-constrained critical minerals or multi-year construction timelines. We are growing our company with people who put team and mission first, value connection through laughter and joy, and work with humility and openness. We are committed to building a diverse, passionate, and creative team dedicated to a future powered by abundant, clean, low-cost energy. About The Role The Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Manager is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Antora Energy’s thermal energy storage facilities. This hands-on leadership role oversees daily plant operations, maintenance activities, contractor management, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. The O&M Manager will lead field personnel responsible for operating and maintaining high-temperature thermal energy storage systems, electrical distribution equipment, process systems, rotating equipment, instrumentation, and controls. This position plays a critical role in achieving facility performance, reliability, and availability targets. This role will be located onsite full time in our Pratt, Kansas location. What You'll Do Safety Leadership • Champion Antora’s safety culture by modeling safe work behaviors and holding team members accountable. • Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations, NFPA standards, environmental regulations, and company safety policies. • Lead pre-job briefings, and safe work processes. • Conduct routine safety observations, audits, and incident investigations. • Promote Human and Organizational Performance principles throughout operations. Operations Management • Oversee daily plant operations to maximize system reliability and availability. • Monitor plant performance using SCADA and operational data systems. • Coordinate startup, shutdown, commissioning, and normal operating activities. • Develop and implement standard operating staffing. • Respond to plant emergencies and abnormal operating conditions. • Being the champion of Antora’s LOTO policy and ensuring compliance. • Other duties as assigned. Maintenance Management • Develop preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs. • Manage maintenance planning and scheduling through the CMMS. • Prioritize work orders based on operational risk and equipment criticality. • Coordinate outages and major maintenance activities. • Drive continuous improvements in equipment reliability. Leadership • Supervise Operations and Maintenance Supervisors. • Assist with recruiting, training and development of field personnel. • Conduct performance evaluations and coaching sessions. • Forster a collaborative, high-performing team environment. • Promote accountability and professional development. Contractor Management • Coordinate contractors and service providers. • Verify contractor compliance with site safety requirements. • Review contractor work quality and performance. • Manager contractor schedules and budgets. Compliance • Maintain regulatory compliance documentation. • Support environmental reporting requirements. • Ensure permits, inspections, and certifications remain current. • Participate in internal and external audits. Budget & Planning • Work closely with the Site Manager to help develop annual maintenance and operation budgets. • Monitor operating and maintenance expenses. • Manager spare parts inventory. • Forecast maintenance resource needs. • Support capital improvements planning. What We're Looking For Required Experience • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology or a related field, or equivalent experience. • 5+ years of industrial operations and maintenance experience. • 3+ years of supervisory or management experience. • Experience operating industrial process facilities, power generation, manufacturing, or energy facilities. • Strong understanding of electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, and process systems. • Experience using CMMS software. • Knowledge of OSHA regulations and industrial safety practices. • Ability to read P&IDs, electrical drawings, and technical documentation. • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills. • Valid driver’s license. • Ability to travel to project sites as required and work days, nights, weekends and on-call as needed. Preferred • Experience with energy storage systems. • Power generation or utility operations experience. • High-voltage electrical systems experience. • PLC, DCS, or SCADA operational knowledge. • Predictive maintenance experience. Technical Skills • Industrial electrical systems • High-temperature process equipment • Mechanical systems • Pumps, motors, compressors, and rotating equipment • Instrumentation and controls • PLCs and SCADA systems • CMMS software • Google workspace • Familiarity with artificial intelligence programs Leadership Competencies • Safety leadership • Decision-making under pressure • Team development • Conflict resolution • Communication • Cross-functional collaboration • Planning and organization • Accountability • Continuous improvement mindset Physical Requirements • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. • Ability to climb ladders. • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. • Ability to wear required PPE. • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods. • Ability to work around industrial equipment and elevated temperatures. • Ability to respond to emergencies outside normal business hours. Work Environment This position is primarily field based and requires regular presence at Antora Energy operation facilities. The role includes working in industrial environments around energized electrical equipment, high-temperature thermal systems, construction activities, and rotating machinery. Antora Energy is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply Work Location: Pratt, Kansas USA Salary Range: $126-152k USD Salary Basis: Please note that the salary range listed above reflects Antora Energy's estimated pay for this position. The actual salary offered will be within the posted range and determined based on several factors including but not limited to a candidate's experiences, credentials and expertise, as they pertain to the position's requirements. In addition to a competitive base salary, Antora Energy’s Total Rewards program includes equity compensation in the form of stock options, a premium health benefits package with life and disability insurance, a 401K plan with employer contributions, flexible spending accounts, and an industry leading paid-time-off policy that features flexible and inclusive holiday observance, as well as paid volunteer time off. When it comes to stopping climate change, we need everyone. We believe that having a diversity of backgrounds and experiences strengthens all of us, and we strive to create an environment where every one of us is empowered to create meaningful change.