Asset Management and O&M Technical Specialist
Location
Rome, Italy - Palermo, Italy
About Us
Zelestra (formerly Solarpack) is a multinational platform fully focused on multi-technology renewables with a vertically integrated business model focused large-scale renewable projects in rapidly growing markets across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and Africa.
Headquartered in Spain, Zelestra has more than 1.000 employees worldwide and is backed by EQT, one of three largest funds in the world with $200B in assets.
At Zelestra we aim to be a solid and solvent company, capable of executing quality and valuable projects for the society and the environment.
Therefore, we maintain a firm commitment to contribute directly to the social development of the communities and markets in which we operate, not only through the creation of economic value, but also through the generation of quality employment and through the social projects we promote.
Our purpose is to change the world by making decarbonization a reality for our partners.
Mission
We are looking for a Technical Asset Manager and O&M Technical Specialist to act as focal point with extensive experience in operational solar photovoltaic and BESS assets, responsible for optimizing the technical and energy performance. The role has a strong technical and analytical emphasis, aimed at maximizing generation, availability, and asset lifetime through active and demanding supervision of O&M contracts and the performance of technical providers.
This role serves as the critical interface between EPC department, HSE department, security and O&M contractors. The goal is to guarantee contractual availability, rigorous safety/security standards, and optimized energy yield throughout the asset lifecycle.
Responsibilities
Technical Asset Management and Production Optimization will:
- Manage the OPEX budget. Optimize spare parts logistics and negotiate with subcontractors to drive cost efficiencies.
- Responsible for the technical and energy performance of the managed assets.
- Continuous analysis of actual production vs. expected production (P50/P90, energy budget).
- Early identification of energy losses: unavailability, curtailment, clipping, degradation, recurring failures, soiling, etc.
- Definition and monitoring of technical improvement plans aimed at maximizing generation.
- Evaluation of the technical-economic impact of production deviations and mitigation proposals.
- Advanced use of SCADA, monitoring tools, and data analysis.
- Technical support for investment decisions or technological upgrades.
- Understanding of the impact of technical decisions on the electricity market (curtailments, constraints, services).
- Coordination with commercial/trading teams to maximize delivered energy and minimize non-technical losses.
- Coordination with other developers connected to the same substations as the managed assets.
- Ensure operations align with Grid Connection Agreements and PPA obligations
- Coordination with Loan Monitoring teams for reporting to Project Finance banks.
- Monitoring of projects under construction to ensure assets reach COD in compliance with all requirements necessary to operate at 100%.
- Coordination with the Environment and Health & Safety team to comply with project obligations in these areas.
- Provide support in stakeholder engagement and social impact matters for projects from the Development phase, in coordination with the Project Developer, through to the operation phase.
- Support the QHSE Manager in reviewing RAMS. Enforce strict compliance with firefighting protocols.
- Act as the technical lead for warranty claims against OEMs for system underperformance or serial defects.
- Managing of land management, environmental, surveillance etc. during plant operation
Technical Supervision of O&M
- Technical management and monitoring of O&M contracts with a performance focus. Coordination of corrective and preventive actions with providers.
- Definition, monitoring, and enforcement of technical KPIs (availability, PR, response times, energy losses).
- Monitor SCADA/BMS platforms to track data and identify degradation trends before they impact production.
- Lead the technical response for "Major Events"; Management of complex incidents and root cause analysis (RCA); Support field teams in rapid diagnostics and first-response coordination.
- Oversee the maintenance and functionality of Site Security Systems and act as focal point for security issues in country.
- Critical review of O&M reports, identification of inconsistencies, and improvement proposals.
Technical Management of BESS
- Supervision of the technical performance of storage systems (state of health, efficiency, availability).
- Monitoring battery degradation and analysis of operating cycles.
- Coordination with O&M and suppliers to maximize the technical and operational value of the BESS.
- Technical support for PV + BESS integration from an operational perspective.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.
- Software: Proficiency in MS Office, SAP (or equivalent CMMS), and advanced SCADA monitoring platforms.
- At least 5 years of experience working in asset management of renewable energy assets (PV and BESS).
- Demonstrable experience in technical Asset Management of operational photovoltaic and BESS plants.
- Direct experience in production optimization and energy Loss analysis.
- Experience in technical supervision of O&M contracts.
- Highly analytical and results-oriented profile; Continuous optimization mindset and performance improvement focus.
- Ability to challenge, demand, and improve supplier performance.
- Clear communication with technical and business profiles.
- Good communication skills in English.
- Certifications: PES/PAV/PEI status/UNI EN 15628 Level 3 will be considered a plus.
What we offer
- A strategic and high‑impact role within Zelestra’s growth roadmap.
- Dynamic, innovative, and merit‑driven environment.
- Career opportunities and professional development in a growing multinational company with a highly qualified team.
- Permanent contract.
- Flexible compensation.
- Full working day.
- Smart working 2 days a week.
Let's co-build a carbon-free tomorrow!
Visit us at Zelestra
JR2931
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